New Zealand: Immigration Update July 2025
Changes to the AEWV programme and wage thresholds
Immigration New Zealand has announced major changes to the AEWV programme. From 7 July 2025, the online application form has been updated for Green List and licensed roles. These changes will only impact those applying for roles on the Green List and roles that require occupational registration.
What’s changing?
Key changes to the AEWV form
- Occupation-specific questions will be replaced with more general ones. While the number of questions may remain similar, they will apply more broadly across roles.
- Specific requirements for each Green List occupation will be displayed directly in the form, helping applicants clearly understand what they need to meet.
- These updates will allow the form to be updated more quickly and accurately as Green List criteria change.
These changes will only impact those applying for roles on the Green List and roles that require occupational registration.
Wage threshold updates
Wage thresholds are used to determine visa criteria for some visas, including AEWV. They are based on New Zealand’s median wage to make sure visa settings match what is happening in the job market.
From 18 August 2025, new wage thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2024 median wage of $33.56 an hour. Although the median no longer applies in assessing eligibility for AEWV, it is still utilized in certain instances:
- earning twice the median wage ($67.12 an hour) – may be exempt from the labour market test and minimum skills threshold.
- earning 1.5 times the median wage ($50.34 an hour) – may be eligible for the maximum continuous stay of 5 years on an AEWV.
New rates will also apply for SMC applications claiming points for 1.5, 2 or 3 times the median wage. Work experience claimed after 18 August 2025 will need to be at $33.56.
For more detailed information about the changes and how they might impact your people, connect with our team of fully licensed advisers by contacting Crown World Mobility at crownworldmobility.nz@crownww.com
This summary was prepared using information obtained from INZ. Information is subject to change without notice.
