Wellington, New Zealand – The New Zealand government is taking steps to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages by making changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of a responsive immigration system for economic recovery. She highlighted recent changes to the AEWV, including operational improvements and increased processing efficiency.

Key changes coming into effect in March 2025 include:

• Reduced minimum experience requirement: Lower-skilled migrants will only need two years of experience.
• Longer visa duration: New applicants for Level 4-5 roles will receive three-year visas.
• Extended interim work rights: AEWV applicants from various visa types can maintain employment during processing.
• Relaxed domestic workforce threshold: Labor hire employers in construction can hire more migrant workers.
• Simplified labor market test: Employers will need to advertise roles and demonstrate consideration of New Zealanders.
• Adjusted income threshold: The income threshold for supporting dependent children will increase.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce two new seasonal visas in late 2025 to meet the specific needs of certain sectors and regions.

Minister Stanford reiterated the government’s commitment to attracting highly skilled workers while managing migration levels responsibly. These changes aim to create a more efficient and predictable immigration system that supports New Zealand’s economic growth.