To Streamline the Immigration Process, New Zealand Announces Revisions to its Employment and Visa Laws

New Zealand has announced a number of adjustments to its employment and visa rules in an effort to streamline immigration procedures and solve important issues. These include lowering the experience requirement for migrants, creating new channels for seasonal workers, and eliminating pay thresholds for AEWV and SPWV professions.

Eliminating the Necessity for the Median Wage

All AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) positions will no longer have wage thresholds. Companies still have to promote and pay AEWV and SPWV workers the going wage for their jobs and areas. Existing employment agreements are unaffected by this change. The earnings required of AEWV and SPWV employees in order to apply for residency have not changed.

New Earning Threshold

In addition to fulfilling other requirements, new earning threshold AEWV migrants must make at least NZ$55,844 annually in order to bring children. Since 2019, this threshold has not been modified.

Lowering the Experience Threshold for Immigrants

For migrants, the three-year experience requirement will be lowered to two years. This addresses important concerns brought up during consultation and guarantees that migrants have the necessary skills.

Creating New Routes for Seasoned Seasonal Employees

Two new seasonal worker pathways—a three-year multi-entry visa for seasoned workers and a seven-month single-entrance visa for less experienced workers—will be implemented in November 2025.

Extending to Three Years the Visa Period for Holders of ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 AEWV

In response to consultation comments, new AEWVs granted for occupations classified as skill level 4 or 5 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) would have a three-year visa length. In order to accommodate these workers' maximum continuous stay in New Zealand, the visa duration will be extended from two years (with the possibility of an extra year) to three years. If they fulfil the conditions, those who are currently on two-year visas may apply for a second AEWV for one year.

Modifying the Demand for Work and Income Involvement

Employers will no longer be required to interact with the Work and Income Act; instead, it will be declaration-based. Employers are required to disclose that they have, in good faith, posted ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 job openings with Work and Income and conducted interviews with potential applicants. This can be carried out in addition to the hiring that companies will already be doing in the domestic labour market. Additionally, the involvement with Work and Income will no longer be limited to a 21-day period.

Increased Employment Rights for Temporary Visa Holders

In order to assist migrants in keeping a job while their visa is being processed, AEWV candidates who are applying under any sort of work visa or under a student visa that permits them to work throughout the academic year will be granted interim work privileges starting in April 2025. Eliminating the prerequisites for completing the online programs offered by Employment New Zealand All certified businesses, both present and prospective, as well as Recognized Seasonal businesses (RSE), will no longer be subject to the requirements for online courses as of January 27, 2025.