💡 Here's a snapshot of what to expect with New Zealand immigration laws in 2025:

💡 Here's a snapshot of what to expect with New Zealand immigration laws in 2025:

💥 A. Accreditation and Job Check Process

From 27 January 2025, employers and AEWV workers will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand modules.

From March 2025, INZ will use declarations to meet Job Check labour market test requirements.

From July 2025, Job Check applications for low-risk employers will be streamlined. 

Employers must meet declared requirements to avoid accreditation revocation or delayed processing.

👫 B. Dependent Child and Partnership Visa Changes

From March 2025, the minimum income threshold for workers supporting a dependent child visa will increase from NZ$43,322 to NZ$55,844.

No changes for AEWV holders in skill level 1-3 roles to support a dependent child or partner for a Partnership Work Visa, unless the dependent child or partner held a visa supported by the AEWV holder on 26 June 2024.

💻 C. Ensuring Decision-Ready Applications

INZ will decline incomplete applications, particularly AEWV applications for overseas applicants with less than 1 month left on Job Check validity or employer accreditation.

👨‍🏭 D. Interim Visa Changes

From March 2025, interim visas for AEWV applicants holding any work or student visa will allow them to work until their AEWV is processed, preventing loss of work rights during the interim period.

👷 E. Labour Hire Accreditation

From March 2025, the percentage of New Zealand citizens and residents hired by accredited labour hire companies for construction work will be reduced to 15%, enabling more migrant workers to be hired.

💸 F. Market Rate and Median Wage Changes

From March 2025, the median wage rate will be replaced by market rates. AEWV workers must be paid the market rate for their role and the minimum wage (NZ$23.50 per hour from 1 April 2025). For example, a Carpenter may be paid NZ$24.50 per hour instead of the previous NZ$29.66.

🌏 G. Maximum Period of Stay

From March 2025, AEWV applicants approved to work in a level 4-5 role will be granted an AEWV for a maximum continuous stay of 3 years.

🩺 H. Minimum Skills Threshold

From March 2025, the required years of relevant work experience for level 4-5 roles will be reduced from 3 to 2 years, allowing more migrant workers to qualify for lower-skilled roles.

🏘️ I. Residence Categories

The median wage rate of NZ$31.61 per hour will continue to be used for residence applications, including the Skilled Migrant Category and Parent Category, until further changes are announced. A review of the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List is expected in 2025.

🍒 J. Seasonal Worker Visa Categories

Around November 2025, INZ plans to introduce two new seasonal visa categories. The current Specific Purpose Work Visa – Seasonal Worker category will be extended until the new categories come into effect, offering additional support to employers of seasonal workers.