To simplify immigration processes and address ongoing labour shortages, New Zealand has introduced significant updates to its visa and employment requirements. These reforms focus on easing pathways for both employers and workers by adjusting wage thresholds, work experience criteria, and visa durations.
Key Changes to Visa Rules:
1. Wage Threshold Adjustments for Work Visas
The government has removed the median wage requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). Employers must still advertise roles and offer market-based salaries, but they are no longer bound by a fixed salary threshold. This offers businesses more flexibility while ensuring fair wages for workers.
2. Earnings Threshold for Migrants with Dependents
AEWV holders wishing to bring children to New Zealand must earn at least NZ$55,844 annually. This threshold, unchanged since 2019, ensures migrant families can financially support themselves.
3. Reduced Work Experience Requirements
To address labour shortages, the minimum work experience requirement for migrants has been reduced from three years to two years. This change makes it easier for skilled workers to qualify for jobs in New Zealand.
4. New Pathways for Seasonal Workers
Two new visa options for seasonal workers have been introduced:
- A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
- A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.
These options aim to meet seasonal labour demands while ensuring current programs continue during the transition.
5. Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles
The visa duration for jobs classified under skill levels 4 or 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has been extended from two years to three years. Existing workers with two-year visas can apply for a one-year extension if they meet eligibility criteria.
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6. Streamlined Recruitment Process for Lower-Skilled Roles
Employers hiring for skill levels 4 or 5 no longer need to comply with Work and Income’s 21-day recruitment requirement. Instead, they only need to advertise roles and interview local candidates to prove recruitment efforts.
7. Interim Work Rights for Visa Applicants
Starting in April 2025, migrants transitioning from other work or student visas to the AEWV will receive interim work rights. This ensures they can continue working while awaiting final visa approval.
8. Simplified Employer Accreditation Process
From January 2025, accredited employers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online training modules. Instead, Immigration New Zealand will offer resources on employment rights and obligations.
9. Lower Workforce Criteria in the Construction Sector
To address labour shortages in construction, the domestic workforce requirement has been lowered from 35% to 15%. This allows employers to fill vacancies more easily.
A Smoother Path for Employers and Workers
These reforms aim to create better opportunities for skilled workers while simplifying hiring processes for employers. With reduced experience criteria, longer visa durations, and improved work rights, New Zealand is making it easier for migrants to secure jobs and for businesses to meet staffing demands. These changes are expected to boost workforce stability and tackle labour shortages effectively.