What is changing?
The Government is making temporary adjustments that ease skills requirements for certain types of role. The changes are meant to make it easier for employer to attract migrant workers in certain industries and roles, and are part of a broader review of the AEWV scheme to ensure its effectiveness.
In essence, some roles in specific sectors will be exempt from the AEWV minimum skill requirement under the following conditions. The minimum skills requirement policy was introduced in April 2024 as additional to the employer's requirements for a particular role. According to immigration policy, an applicant meets the minimum skills threshold if an immigration officer is satisfied that they:
- can demonstrate three years or more of relevant work experience with sufficient evidence from a third party; or
- have a relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF); or
- a bachelor's degree in any subject
Applicants seeking an Accredited Employer Work visa for the roles below are exempt from the minimum skills threshold but still need to demonstrate they meet the employer requirements.
Who is affected?
These changes aim to address sector-specific shortages once again while longer-term AEWV modifications are being considered.
The exemptions will apply to:
- New Applicants: Seeking roles in specific meat and seafood processing positions.
- Current Visa Holders: Renewing their AEWV for roles within the tourism and hospitality or care workforce sector agreements, provided their application is for the same occupation as their current role
Which sectors does this apply to?
Meat and Seafood Processing sector
New visa applicants offered roles within the 2024/25 cap under the meat processing or seafood processing sector agreement.
Tourism and Hospitality
Existing visa holders in the tourism and hospitality sector who:
- Have a visa expiring on or before 31 March 2025
- Are applying for a further 1-year AEWV
- Are applying for the same occupation
- Are exempt from the February 2023 median wage requirement
Care Workforce
Existing visa holders in the care workforce sector agreement who:
- Had their visa granted between 4 July 2022 and 23 November 2023
- Were paid at least NZD $26.16 per hour
- Are applying for a further 1-year AEWV
- Are applying for the same occupation
These exemptions address the minimum skill requirements introduced in April 2024 but do not alter any employer-specific requirements listed in the Job Check application.
When is this happening?
The changes are effective for applications submitted on or after 8 September 2024.
