On 17 December 2024 Immigration Minister Hon Erica Stanford announced some major changes.
From 27 January
Accredited employers and Work Visa holders will no longer need to complete the Employment New Zealand online modules. Previously these could be audited when it came to renewing employer accreditation. This will come as welcome news. However there are still other good employer obligations which continue. Contact our office for details.
Construction sector businesses will no longer be required to have a 35% of their workforce as New Zealand citizens or residents but only 15%
From March 2025
For employers
The long awaited changes to accredited employee minimum wages will occur which means , medium wage, currently $29.66 per hour for AEWV returns to “market rates.” The market rate, which is a long established rule, historically was a range specific to the role. Many employers will welcome greater flexibility. This will also mean more assessment by Immigration New Zealand staff. In some industries the market rate could be as low as the $23.15 (the minimum wage as it January 2025). But the most industries it will be above this based on what is normal. Existing employment agreements and visas are not affected. Contact us with specific concerns.
Migrants will only need to demonstrate two years of relevant work experience instead of three years.
For lower skilled roles (NZQA skill level 4 and 5) employers will no longer show that they have engaged with work and income for their job check but they will simply have to declare that they have advertised these roles with Work and income and interviewed appropriate candidates. There are still strong requirements for record keeping in the recruitment process. We can advise you on these.
For workers
Workers with children must earn at least $55,844 PA.
Logic suggests that restrictions on partner hourly rates will also be removed.
Partners of lower skilled workers will continue not to be entitled to visas as of right. This area is a minefield of changes. Contact us for advice.
The required minimum wage for skilled migrant residence applications, assuming you meet qualifications and time in employment requirements, remains at $31.61. Per hour
In many cases that is required to be at least 150% of this. Some Green List Work to Residence and Straight to Residence roles have specific wage requirements.
It’s best to get advice on your future pathway to residence. We have helped many clients who were not on a pathway get onto one- the skill level and wage are both important factors. We have successful have visas varied to higher skill levels when the role is more skilled than was noted by INZ.
The initial visa to be granted for lower skilled roles will increase to 3 years instead of 2 years. Those on 2 year visas can apply for the balance.
Our thoughts
The accredited employer work Viva has been something of a rollercoaster with mini changes tightening and loosening criteria over the last year.
Many of our employer clients will welcome not being stuck to a fixed amount medium wage.
More details will come before March.
On the other-hand workers who want to have a pathway to residence will need to be aware of the minimum qualifications or income requirements to be for that pathway.
Delays with processing times for Employer citation, job checks and accredited employee work fees continue to be a major problem and we can only hope for improvements 2025
Our friendly Team would be delighted to assist you with your accredited employer and work Visa Enquiries. Please contact us today advice on your circumstances.
13 January 2025
Richard Small
Director
Jing Shian Yong
Solicitor
