Accredited Employer Work Visa: Market Rates Replace Median Wage in 2025

Key reforms

Change	Detail
Median-wage test scrapped	Employers now pay market rate (no set $ figure) provided it meets at least the statutory minimum wage.
Experience cut to 2 years	Lower-skilled migrants need only two years’ relevant experience.

What employers must do now

1. Update Job-Checks: show genuine market-rate evidence (collect salary surveys, ads, CEA data).

2. Refresh accreditation manuals: INZ will audit around the new multi-stage rules.

3. Prepare partner support: AEWV holders who want to sponsor partners must still meet a wage rate of NZ $26.85/hr from 28 Feb 2025.