From 18 August 2025, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme will adopt a new median wage of NZ$33.56 per hour. Wage thresholds for skilled residence pathways – including the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List Straight to Residence – will also increase in line with the updated rate.
Wage thresholds are used to determine eligibility criteria for several New Zealand visa categories, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and skilled residence pathways. Many of these wage thresholds are indexed to the median wage, which is calculated by Statistics New Zealand based on national labour market data.
While median wage updates typically take effect in February each year, the AEWV system has continued to use the 2022 rate of NZ$29.66 per hour since February 2023. Other categories – such as the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List residence pathways – moved to the 2023 median wage of NZ$31.61 per hour from 28 February 2024.
This pause in updating the AEWV threshold was intentional, reflecting the wider review of the AEWV policy that took place last year.
From 18 August 2025, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)-related wage thresholds will be updated to reflect the median wage of NZ$33.56 per hour released by Statistics New Zealand in June 2024. Wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Straight to Residence, and Work to Residence visas will also increase in line with this new rate.
AEWV Policy Changes from 18 August 2025
The updated median wage will affect multiple aspects of the AEWV policy, including:
Green List wage thresholds
Roles on the Green List will continue to be exempt from Labour Market Tests. However, some Green List occupations have wage thresholds tied to the median wage. These thresholds are distinct from AEWV criteria and apply to both AEWV and residence pathways under the Green List. To meet Green List requirements for the AEWV and Straight-to-Residence Visa, certain occupations will need to meet new wage thresholds as follows:
| Occupation group | Current wage threshold
(NZD) | New wage threshold
from 18 August (NZD) |
| ICT, electronics and telecommunications
(2.08x the median wage) | $65.74 | $69.80 |
| ICT, electronics and telecommunications roles based on contract for services
(3.12x the median wage) | $98.62 | $104.71 |
| Multimedia specialist
(1.65x the median wage) | $52.15 | $55.37 |
| Multimedia specialist roles based on contract
for services (2.47x the median wage) | $78.07 | $82.89 |
| External and Internal auditor
(1.3x the median wage) | $41.09 | $43.63 |
Other Residence Visa thresholds
The shift to a NZ$33.56 per hour median wage will also affect eligibility for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
To be granted a Resident Visa under the SMC, one of the core requirements is that the applicant must have skilled employment with an accredited employer that pays at least the equivalent of the median wage if their occupation is listed at ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3; or pays at least the equivalent of 1.5 times the median wage if their occupation is listed at ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5 or not included in ANZSCO.
Looking Ahead
These changes are part of Immigration New Zealand (INZ)’s regular process to align immigration policy with labour market conditions. Separately, the Government is reviewing key elements of the skilled residence system, including the Green List and Skilled Migrant Category, with further announcements expected later in 2025.
Submit Job Checks early: Employers relying on current wage thresholds for Labour Market Test exemptions or Green List roles should aim to submit their Job Check application before 18 August 2025 so that the applications are assessed by INZ under the existing wage thresholds.
Review AEWV eligibility: Employers should ensure prospective AEWV candidates meet the new skill and wage thresholds, particularly for Green List roles, ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles, or positions covered by sector agreements.
Anticipate Skilled Residence changes: Wage thresholds for Skilled Migrant, Straight to Residence, and Work to Residence categories will also increase from 18 August. Employers may wish to factor this into their long-term recruitment or talent retention planning.
Seek advice early: The AEWV and skilled residence pathways involve multiple criteria and evolving policy settings. Seeking immigration advice early can help minimise processing delays, avoid unnecessary requests from INZ, and reduce stress levels.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Jaq Chong
Senior Manager
Kim Gibbs
Manager, Immigration
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com