Immigration Alert: Significant Temporary Visa Changes Announced
On 17 December 2024 the government announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, Interim Visas and Recognised Seasonal Work pathways. These changes will be implemented throughout 2025.
Key dates and changes
From 27 January 2025:
Accredited and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules or offer migrants paid time to complete them.
March 2025:
- Wage thresholds for all AEWV roles will be removed. Employers will still need to pay market rate for the job and location.
- Employers will no longer need to provide evidence of engagement with Work and Income (WINZ), or list vacancies for 21 days. This will be replaced with a declaration that WINZ engagement has occurred.
- AEWV applicants will require 2 years of relevant work experience (down from 3 years).
- The AEWV duration for new migrants in low-skilled roles will be 3 years (up from 2 years). Individuals currently on a 2-year AEWV will be able to apply for the balance. This aligns with the maximum continuous stay of 3 years for lower skilled workers.
- AEWV holders will need to earn at least NZ $55,844 to support dependent children for visas.
April 2025:
Interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants who hold a work visa or student visa that allows work during term time. This will support migrants in maintaining employment while visa applications are decided.
November 2025:
Two new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced:
- 3-year multiple entry visa for experienced workers.
- 7-month single entry visa for lower skilled workers.
Job Check update
A new Job Check process will be introduced, in mid-2025. This will streamline the process for low risk employers, to help reduce processing times.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, please contact our specialist Immigration Team.
PDF available here.