Family, skill levels, and work rights: Key AEWV updates that may affect you
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More changes are coming to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme in 2025. If you are a migrant worker in New Zealand—or planning to apply for a visa—these updates may impact your family, your job classification, or your work rights while waiting for a visa decision.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest AEWV updates.
Higher income threshold for supporting dependent children
From 10 March 2025, the income requirement for AEWV holders supporting dependent children will increase to NZD $55,844 per year (80% of the median wage). This is a significant jump from the previous threshold of NZD $43,322.76 per year.
What does this change mean?
- If you apply for your child’s visa after 10 March, you must meet the new income threshold.
- If your child already holds a visa, or if you apply before 9 March 2025, the previous lower threshold will still apply.
This change ensures that migrant workers who bring their children to New Zealand have the financial means to support them.
Some jobs reclassified to a higher skill level
INZ is moving from ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) to the National Occupation List (NOL), which changes the classification of certain jobs.
From 10 March 2025, the following roles will be upgraded to ANZSCO skill level 3, instead of their previous level 4 classification:
- Cook
- Pet groomer
- Kennel hand
- Nanny
- Fitness instructor
- Scaffolder
- Slaughterer
In addition, four other roles will be recognised as skill level 3 if the job requires either three years of work experience or a Level 4 qualification (as specified in the employer’s job check):
- Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator
- Excavator operator
- Forklift driver
- Mobile plant operator (not elsewhere classified)
What does this change mean?
- These skill level upgrades may impact labour market test requirements, such as advertising and employer engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
- If you are already on an AEWV, your visa conditions remain the same, but these updates may influence future visa applications.
- Higher skill levels can sometimes provide better visa pathways, depending on individual circumstances.
INZ will apply these reclassifications to job check applications in progress on 10 March.
Interim visa work rights update (April 2025)
From April 2025, AEWV applicants on an interim visa will have work rights if the visa they currently hold allow them to work. These changes will:
- Allow AEWV applicants to work if they applied while holding any type of work visa or from a student visa that permitted work during term time.
- Count time spent on an interim visa towards the total continuous stay period for AEWV holders.
- Allow time spent on an interim visa to be considered as work experience for residence pathways where applicable.
Currently, interim visa holders often face work restrictions, which may result in feelings of uncertainty while they wait for a decision. This update provides more stability for migrants during processing periods.
Understand how these AEWV changes affect you
From higher income thresholds for family visas to job reclassifications and improved work rights, these updates could impact your visa status and future residency options.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect you or your family, VisaAide can help. Book a consultation today for expert advice on your visa, work rights, and pathways to residency in New Zealand.
