Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) form questions for Green List occupations and wage thresholds

Changes are being made to the online application form for Green List occupations and to the wage thresholds for AEWV.

From 7 July 2025, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application form will be updated to ensure the application process is straightforward and the form remains fit for purpose.

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.

Green List roles - jobs we need people for in New Zealand

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, these AEWV related thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2024 median wage of $33.56 an hour. This helps keep the system fair, protects local wages, and supports employers who need skilled workers.

These changes may affect AEWV applicants:

• earning twice the median wage ($67.12 an hour) — they may be exempt from the labour market test and minimum skills threshold.
• earning 1.5 times the median wage ($50.34 an hour) — they may be eligible for the maximum continuous stay of 5 years on an AEWV.

These updates are part of our ongoing work to maintain a fair, consistent, and responsive immigration system that supports employers and protects local wages.