In this GMS Flash Alert, we report on the increase of the median wage threshold in New Zealand, and its impact on certain visa classes.
From 18 August 2025, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) wage median threshold will increase to NZD 33.56 per hour. This change was foreshadowed by Immigration New Zealand in June 2024.1
The new median wage threshold will need to be considered when applying for the AEWV. The indicated wage threshold must be met in order to be eligible for the AEWV.
Under certain circumstances the position (and the person to be employed) may be subject to labour market testing, which means that the employer must establish if there is available labour force in New Zealand within a reasonable timeframe for the work in question.
Employers need to monitor whether salary requirements are met and need to budget for increases to help ensure the continued legal employment of their workforce under this visa category.
The median wage was increased for residence visas in February 2024, but has been paused at NZD 29.66 per hour for AEWV applications from February 2023
The impact of the changes on eligibility criteria for AEWV applicants include:
This change has been brought in to protect local wages and help ensure that employers who need skilled workers are paying salaries that reflect what a New Zealander would receive in an equivalent role.
Employers and immigration advisers may wish to review any upcoming or in-progress applications before 18 August 2025, to foster proper compliance in respect of submissions of the Job Check and AEWV for those impacted.
1 Immigration New Zealand, "Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) form questions for Green List occupations and wage thresholds" (08 July 2025).
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NZD 1 = AUD 0.958
NZD 1 = EUR 0.51
NZD 1 = GBP 0.445
NZD 1 = USD 0.6045
NZD 1 = JPY 88.56
Source: www.xe.com
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
**Please note also that the KPMG International member firm in Australia is currently providing New Zealand immigration services.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in New Zealand.
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