Understanding the 2025 AEWV Changes: No Median Wage, Lower Experience Longer Duration
New Zealand has made big changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program in 2025. The new rules make it easier for migrant workers to come and for accredited employers to hire them. These updates aim to create a system that responds better to employer needs and addresses skill shortages while maintaining fair labor standards.
If you’re a skilled worker looking at job options in New Zealand or a company trying to fill positions, you need to know about these AEWV changes to navigate the visa process .
What is the AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) gives skilled migrants permission to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer in a job that qualifies. This visa depends on employers, as the process begins with an employer gaining accreditation and checking a job before a migrant can submit an application.
New Zealand first brought in the AEWV to draw and keep global talent while making sure locals got job offers first. But after its launch, people worried about obstacles like the median wage rule and rigid paths for workers with fewer skills leading to changes in 2025.
To get a fuller picture, you can check out our New Zealand Work Visa Guide.
Key 2025 AEWV Changes
Here’s what’s new and why it’s important.
1. Scrapping the Median Wage Rule
Before, AEWV candidates had to earn at least the New Zealand median wage ($29.66/hour in 2024) to qualify. This rule created problems for industries with lower salaries—like hospitality aged care, building, and tourism—where jobs were important but paid less than the required amount.
Starting in 2025, this across-the-board requirement no longer exists. Instead, pay expectations will match sector deals or job-specific settings. This shift allows employers more room to hire for tough-to-fill positions and creates more chances for overseas applicants whose jobs pay less than the old median wage limit.
Find out how this can help your hiring plans by checking our Employer Accreditation Guide.
2. Easier Skill and Experience Requirements
The new AEWV rules show a more open approach. For many jobs, they’ve cut down or simplified the minimum work experience needed.
Before, workers had to have lots of experience or formal qualifications even for starter jobs. The updated rules now give more credit for:
- Learning while working,
- Picking up skills ,
- Experience from related industries that can apply to the new job.
This change helps younger job seekers or workers from developing countries who might not have many formal qualifications but do have relevant experience.
At Ezy Immigration, we help check if you’re eligible based on your background and match it with current employer job openings. Head to our Work Visa Assessment page to begin.
3. Longer Visa Periods for Certain Jobs
Here’s a big change: Some roles and sectors now qualify for longer AEWVs.
In the past many visa holders got one- to two-year visas, which they could sometimes renew for up to three years. Now, depending on the job and industry, some workers might get AEWVs that last up to 5 years for jobs considered essential under sector agreements.
This extended time frame gives employers and workers more stability, cuts down on paperwork, and helps with long-term settlement plans. It also fits better with the path to residence under certain residency programs, like the Green List options.
Tips for Employers Using the New 2025 AEWV System
If you run a New Zealand company here’s how you can take advantage of the AEWV 2025 changes:
- Keep your accreditation and update your details. The new rules still need employer accreditation and job checks.
- Shape job offers to fit wage and training needs for each sector instead of using the old median wage threshold.
- Give real training and help to new workers to meet settlement and performance goals.
- Keep good HR records and follow rules to make renewals easy and avoid losing accreditation.
Ezy Immigration gives help with following rules renewing accreditation, and custom AEWV job check services. Get in touch with us to make your process simple.
What Migrants Need to Know Before They Apply
For skilled workers thinking about AEWV in 2025, it’s key to:
- Make sure the job offer comes from a certified NZ employer.
- Check out wage rules for your industry that might affect your position.
- Know how long your visa lasts and if it could open doors to permanent residence.
- Get your paperwork ready (passport, references, job history, and proof of qualifications or experience).
A skilled immigration expert can help you steer clear of holdups and rejections. At Ezy Immigration, our certified advisers focus on AEWV and paths to residency under the new rules.
Why These Shifts Matter
These AEWV updates aim to:
- Speed up fixing skill shortages.
- Help migrants in key but lower-paid jobs to qualify more .
- Give employers more options to bring in talent from abroad.
- Cut down paperwork by making visas last longer.
This shows a shift from a single wage rule for all to a focused, industry-based plan that backs both economic needs and fair treatment of foreign workers.
Want Help with the 2025 AEWV Changes?
At Ezy Immigration, we support skilled migrants and NZ employers to understand the changing immigration scene. If you’re applying for the first time or need help to renew under the new rules, our team is ready to help you.
Check if you qualify for an AEWV assessment today. Learn about Work Visa Options Check if your job is on the Green List
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The 2025 changes eliminate the universal median wage threshold. Wage requirements now differ by industry and role.
Yes. AEWV remains employer-led. You must have a job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
It might if your role appears on the Green List or meets the criteria for the Work to Residence pathway.
Based on your job, AEWVs can now last up to 5 years.
The government checks immigration rules often. It’s smart to keep up-to-date or ask a certified advisor.
You’ll stick to the rules of your current visa. But when you renew, you might have to follow the new guidelines.
