Upcoming changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are expected March 10 and will impact both employers and workers.

Key Points:

  • As BAL reported, the government announced reforms to the AEWV in December 2024 to be implemented in four different stages throughout 2025. Phase two of these changes will be implemented on March 10.
  • Five key updates will take place on this date:
    • First, the median wage requirement/thresholds will be removed for all AEWV roles. Employers will still need to pay market rate for the job and location, and this change does not affect existing employment agreements.
    • Second, AEWV migrants will need to earn at least NZ$55,844 (about US$31,595) a year to support dependent children for visas, along with meeting other criteria.
    • Third, AEWV applicants will require two years of relevant work experience (down from three years).
    • Fourth, the visa duration for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level 4 or 5 AEWV holders will be increased to three years.
    • Finally, the current requirement for employers to engage with the Work and Income department will be amended to be declaration-based, and the 21-day time frame currently set for the engagement will be removed.

Additional Information: In addition, as BAL reported, the government is transitioning from the ANZSCO to the National Occupation List (NOL). Effective March 10, officials will clarify the classification of certain ANZSCO skill level 3 roles to align with their skill level in the NOL. More information on the specific roles can be found here.

These important updates are designed to support employers and allow them to better fill skill gaps. The changes are also being implemented to ensure migrants are sufficiently skilled while addressing key issues the government is focusing on in 2025.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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