New Zealand – Happy New Year.
Below are the expected policy changes to be released during the course of 2025. Feel free to contact us to discuss your circumstances.
| Stage | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | From January 2025 | – Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers no longer need to complete the employment online modules or offer paid time to migrants for these. – Percentage of New Zealanders certain construction sector businesses must employ reduces from 35% to 15%. |
| Stage 2 | From March 2025 | – Wage thresholds for all Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) roles removed; employers must still advertise and offer market rates. – Minimum work experience requirement for lower-skilled migrants reduced to two years. – Visa duration for new applicants in Level 4-5 roles increases from two to three years. – Labour market test changes to a declaration-based model; employers must advertise with MSD and demonstrate they considered New Zealanders in good faith. – Inflation-adjusted income threshold for AEWV holders to support a dependent child increases from NZ$43,322 to NZ$55,844. |
| Stage 3 | From April 2025 | – Interim work rights extended to AEWV applicants applying from any work visa type or student visa that allows work during term time. |
| Stage 4 | Mid-2025 | – New Job Check process introduced for low-risk employers to streamline processes and improve processing times. |
| Stage 5 | November 2025 | Two new pathways for seasonal workers: a. 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers. b. 7-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled workers. Existing temporary seasonal pathways remain available until November 2025. |
Key Highlights:
- Expanded interim work visa rights for AEWV applicants.
- Longer visa durations for lower-skilled workers.
- Streamlined processes for employers.