Changes have been made to how much you pay migrants, their work experience requirements and how long they can stay in New Zealand. These came into effect from 10 March 2025.

• The wage thresholds for all AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa have been removed.
• You can hire migrants with two years’ relevant work experience, instead of three years.
• New migrants employed under the AEWV in lower-skilled roles can stay for three years, instead of two years.
• Some lower-skilled roles will be treated at a higher skill level and are able to have a total stay in New Zealand of five years, instead of three years.
• As an employer, you will need to declare you have advertised lower-skilled roles with Work and Income, and interviewed suitable candidates. You should keep evidence of this in case it is requested later. However, you will no longer need to provide evidence of your engagement in your Job Check.   

Changes later in 2025

There are more changes coming to the AEWV later this year.

• From April 2025, some work and student visa holders who apply for an AEWV can receive an Interim Visa that allows them to work while their AEWV application is processed. 
• In November 2025, two new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced, including a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single entry visa for lesser-skilled workers. The existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until then.

Source INZ