The New Zealand Government has introduced Phase 2 reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which will take effect from March 10th, 2025.
These changes will impact both new applicants and those already holding the AEWV.
The reforms are intended to simplify the visa process and improve the job opportunities available to skilled workers in New Zealand.
The government has been working on improving its immigration system, and these reforms are fashioned to make the AEWV more accessible.
These changes are meant to improve the job security for skilled workers while encouraging employers to hire migrant workers in high-demand roles.
The main change in the Phase 2 reforms is the removal of the median wage requirement. This means that employers will no longer need to pay their migrant workers the median wage but only the minimum wage, which will rise to NZD $23.50 per hour starting on April 1st, 2025, DAAD Scholarship cites.
The income threshold for supporting dependent children will also rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 annually starting from March 10th, 2025.
Employers will also see changes in how they can recruit migrant workers. Starting on March 10th, 2025, employers will only need to declare they have advertised lower-skilled roles and interviewed suitable candidates. Though, employers will still need to keep records of these recruitment processes, which may be requested for verification.
Furthermore, certain occupations, such as pet groomers and cooks, will be reclassified under higher skill levels. These workers will now have access to better visa pathways, allowing for greater career opportunities.
The reforms will also affect visa holders awaiting a decision. From April 2025, interim visa holders will be allowed to work while their AEWV application is processed. This ensures continuous employment for those transitioning from other visas.
By understanding these changes, applicants will be better equipped to access the new process and take advantage of the opportunities available in New Zealand.