In 2025, New Zealand will introduce significant changes to its foreign worker rules, impacting both employers and migrant workers. These modifications, particularly regarding the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), will influence salary thresholds, work experience requirements, and visa durations. As these rules come into effect in early 2025, foreign workers and employers must be aware of the new conditions for smoother employment transitions.
This article dives into the New Zealand foreign worker rules 2025, detailing the key changes, their impacts, and how they affect future and current visa holders.
Table of Contents
- Changes to Salary Thresholds
- Revised Work Experience Requirements
- Extended Visa Duration for Foreign Workers
- New Income Thresholds for Dependent Children
- Median Wage Updates for AEWV Holders
- Other Key Changes and Impacts on Employers and Workers
1. Changes to Salary Thresholds for Foreign Workers
The most significant change in the New Zealand foreign worker rules 2025 concerns salary thresholds for employers hiring foreign workers under the AEWV and Seasonal Temporary Work Visa (SPWV). Starting March 10, 2025, the median wage requirement will no longer apply. Instead, employers must pay the New Zealand minimum wage, currently NZD 23.15 per hour, which will rise to NZD 23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025.
| Date | Wage Requirement | New Zealand Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| March 10, 2025 | No median wage | NZD 23.50 per hour |
| Post-April 1, 2025 | Minimum wage applies | NZD 23.50 per hour |
This change eliminates sector agreements that once exempted certain jobs from paying the median wage. However, jobs covered by sector agreements offering residence pathways will continue to follow these rules. For jobs previously exempted from median wage rates, the same pay standards will now apply across skill levels without restrictions on visa duration.
2. Revised Work Experience Requirements for Foreign Workers
Another key modification in the New Zealand foreign worker rules 2025 is the reduction in the work experience requirement for AEWV applicants. Previously, applicants were required to have three years of work experience in their respective fields. As of March 10, 2025, this requirement will be reduced to two years.
| Old Requirement | New Requirement |
|---|---|
| 3 years of experience | 2 years of experience |
This change makes it easier for foreign workers with fewer years of experience to qualify for the AEWV, enabling more candidates to apply and work in New Zealand.
3. Extended Visa Duration for Foreign Workers
Starting March 10, 2025, foreign workers holding ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 AEWVs will see an extension in their visa duration. The new rules will increase the maximum duration of an AEWV from 1 to 3 years, allowing workers to stay in New Zealand for a longer period under one or more AEWVs.
This move aligns the visa duration for lower-skilled jobs (ANZSCO Level 4 and 5) with other visa categories, providing more stability for workers and employers.
4. New Income Thresholds for Dependent Children
The income threshold for supporting dependent children will rise on March 10, 2025. The threshold will increase from NZD 43,322.76 to NZD 55,844, which represents 80% of the median wage. This aligns with the partner work rights eligibility, ensuring fair access to visa privileges.
| Previous Income Threshold | New Income Threshold (March 10, 2025) |
|---|---|
| NZD 43,322.76 | NZD 55,844 |
Additionally, the threshold will be updated annually in line with changes to the median wage, making it more responsive to economic conditions.
5. Median Wage Updates for AEWV Holders
Another critical change impacting AEWV holders is the median wage update for specific visa categories. Effective February 28, 2025, the wage threshold for partners of AEWV holders will rise to NZD 26.85 per hour.
| Date | New Median Wage | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2025 | NZD 26.85 per hour | Partner support for AEWV |
Additionally, income thresholds for sponsors under the Parent Category will now align with the new median wage of NZD 33.56 per hour, making it essential for families and employers to stay up-to-date with these wage requirements.
6. Other Key Changes and Impacts on Employers and Workers
Several other important changes are also scheduled to take effect in 2025, including:
- Employer Declaration: Starting March 10, 2025, employers must declare in good faith that they have advertised for lower-skilled roles with the Ministry of Social Development and interviewed suitable candidates before hiring migrant workers.
- Temporary Work Privileges: AEWV applicants who are on a current work visa or student visa allowing employment will be granted temporary work privileges during their AEWV application processing.
- Impact on Existing AEWV Applicants: If a foreign worker has applied for an AEWV before March 10, 2025, and their application is processed under new rules, immigration authorities may grant exceptions depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Navigating the New Zealand Foreign Worker Rules 2025
The New Zealand foreign worker rules 2025 bring about essential changes that affect both foreign workers and employers. These modifications to salary thresholds, work experience requirements, visa durations, and dependent child income thresholds aim to create a more streamlined and equitable immigration process.
If you’re planning to work in New Zealand or are an employer hiring foreign workers, understanding these changes will help ensure compliance with the new regulations. Stay ahead by preparing for the updates set to take effect in early 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Salary Thresholds: Minimum wage now applies; no median wage requirement for AEWV holders.
- Work Experience: Reduced from three to two years for foreign workers.
- Visa Duration: Extended to three years for certain skill levels.
- Income Thresholds: Raised for dependent children and partner support eligibility.
These changes mark a shift toward fairer policies for migrants and employers alike, aligning New Zealand’s immigration system with the evolving workforce needs.
