New Zealand is actively fighting the problem of labor shortage and simplifying visa legislation. In 2025, the country entered into force key changes related to the abolition of the salary threshold, as well as the reduction of a number of requirements for employees. Find out how the new rules have made it easier to find a job in New Zealand

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

New Zealand is facing a shortage of skilled workers, which has forced the government to make significant changes to its migration laws. Here’s everything foreign nationals, including those from Cameroon, Kenya and Myanmar, need to know about New Zealand’s immigration policy easing in 2025.

Changes to New Zealand’s foreign employment process in 2025

1. Average salary requirement removed

The minimum salary requirement for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) and Specialist Work Visas (SPWV) will be removed from March 2025. However, employers are still required to advertise vacancies and offer salaries that reflect the market rate for the position and location. This change gives companies the freedom to do so while still ensuring that workers are paid fairly.

It is also important to note that this change does not affect existing employment contracts and salary criteria for residence visas.

2. Income threshold introduced for migrants with dependents

If an expat AEWV visa holder wishes to move to New Zealand with their children, they will now need to earn at least NZ$55,844 per year. This minimum threshold has remained unchanged since 2019 and is designed to ensure that migrant families can financially support themselves while living in the country.

3. Work experience requirements reduced

The minimum work experience requirement for migrants, which was previously three years, has been reduced to two years to alleviate the acute labour shortage. This change will make it easier for skilled workers to find work in New Zealand and meet the requirements for their jobs.

4. New visas for seasonal workers

To meet the demand for seasonal workers, New Zealand has introduced two new pathways:

- A three-year multiple-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.

- A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.

Important! Current temporary seasonal worker programs will continue to operate until the new system is fully implemented.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

5. Visa validity extended for lower-skilled jobs

The New Zealand government has extended visa validity to three years for jobs classified as skill level 4 or 5 under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

Previously, holders of this permit were granted visas for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Workers currently on two-year visas can apply for a one-year extension if they meet the requirements.

6. Recruiting local talent

Employers are no longer required to comply with the 21-day Work and Income mandatory recruitment period when advertising vacancies for skill level 4 or 5. Instead, they need only advertise the vacancies and interview qualified candidates to demonstrate efforts to recruit locally.

7. Extended temporary work rights for expats

From April 2025, AEWV applicants who are transferring from a work visa, any other permit type or a student visa with work privileges will be granted temporary work rights. This ensures that migrants can remain in employment while waiting for visa approval.

8. Simplified employer requirements

From 27 January 2025, changes will also come into effect for accredited employers who are recognised as seasonal employers (RSEs). This category of businesses will no longer be required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online training modules. Instead, Immigration New Zealand will provide easily accessible resources on employment rights and responsibilities.

9. Domestic labour requirement reduced for certain positions

To address the construction labour shortage, the domestic labour requirement for employers in certain construction sectors will be reduced from 35% to 15%. This change will make it easier to fill the labour shortage in this critical sector.

10. Simplifying the immigration process

The New Zealand Government is also simplifying the immigration process by reviewing the employment verification process, reducing processing times and simplifying work and income requirements. In particular, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is streamlining the employment verification process to reduce processing times for low-risk employers.

INZ has also made significant progress in reducing the processing time for employer accreditation requests, with the average time reduced from 62 days to 14 days.

These changes to immigration law are aimed not only at creating more flexibility for skilled workers, but also at simplifying the process for employers. New Zealand hopes that the approved changes will solve the problem of labor shortages.

Let's remind you! New Zealand is recognized as one of the best countries in the world to live and work. We have already told you how a foreigner can find a job in New Zealand, what types of work visas are available to an expat, and what is important to know when moving to this country in 2025.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.