For low-skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) migrant workers will only need to show 2 years of past experience instead of 3 years. It is up to employers to ensure the candidate meets the 2-year threshold.

The requirement for employers to engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for low-skilled roles will now be declaration-based only. Employers will need to declare in good faith that they have advertised with MSD and interviewed candidates who may be suitable, and retain evidence of having done this in case they are asked to provide it.

The duration of AEWVs issued to low-skilled workers goes to 3 years, aligning with their maximum continuous stay. These adjustments are intended to give more flexibility for employers while ensuring that visa holders meet the necessary experience and hiring standards.

INZ is moving from using ANZSCO to the National Occupation List (NOL). Certain occupations will be reclassified as skill level 3 (instead of 4 or 5), which cuts down the burden of advertising and dealing with MSD. Roles affected include cooks, fitness instructors, nannies, scaffolders, and so on. For specific roles like excavator operators and forklift drivers, employers can designate them as skill level 3 if they require a qualification at level 4 (certificate) or 3 years of experience.

Migrants applying for an AEWV must meet a minimum standard of English if offered a job classified as ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5. From 10 March 2025, these requirements will no longer apply to jobs at skill level 4 that will be reclassified as skill level 3. This exemption applies even if the job check was approved before that date.

Job check applications submitted before the changes will follow current rules, though INZ may hold applications or grant exceptions if the new rules are more favourable.