Finding a job in New Zealand has become more streamlined in 2025, thanks to recent immigration policy updates. If you are planning to explore career opportunities in New Zealand, here’s what you need to know about the latest requirements and visa options available for job seekers.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Easier Entry for Skilled Workers
The AEWV remains the main pathway for migrants seeking employment in New Zealand. As of March 2025, several changes have made the process simpler:
- Wage rules relaxed: Employers no longer need to match the median wage; instead, they must pay at or above the minimum wage (NZD 23.50/hour from April 2025) and meet local market standards.
- Lower work experience requirement: Only two years of relevant experience is now required instead of three.
- Longer visa for lower-skilled roles: Applicants at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 can now secure visas for three years instead of two.
- Income threshold for dependents increased: To bring family, applicants must earn at least NZD 55,844 per year, a step up from the earlier threshold.
- Simplified employer checks: Employers only need to declare that they advertised and fairly considered locals, reducing paperwork at the “job check” stage.
- Sponsorship limits: Low-skilled AEWV holders can no longer sponsor visas for partners or dependent children.
For international job seekers, these updates mean quicker access to work opportunities, but family sponsorship has become more restricted for lower-skilled roles.
Digital Nomad and Remote Work Flexibility
New Zealand now welcomes digital nomads and remote professionals through its updated visitor visa rules. From January 2025, visitors can legally work remotely for overseas employers while in New Zealand for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
- Application fee: NZD 341 (plus a tourism levy).
- Processing time: About 3.5 weeks.
This pathway is particularly attractive for freelancers and short-term job seekers who want to explore New Zealand’s lifestyle while working for international clients.
Qualification Recognition for Indian Degree Holders
In June 2025, New Zealand added Indian degrees to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This means Indian graduates no longer need the costly and time-consuming International Qualification Assessment (IQA) process before applying for skilled work visas. For Indian job seekers, this is a major advantage, offering faster and smoother application approvals.
What This Means for Job Seekers?
Overall, the new changes show New Zealand’s effort to attract skilled professionals and digital workers while tightening conditions for low-skilled family sponsorship. International job seekers now benefit from:
- Easier work visa access with less red tape.
- A clear digital nomad route for short-term work stays.
- Faster qualification recognition for Indian applicants.
For those aiming to relocate, the best strategy is to secure an offer from an accredited employer under the AEWV or explore remote work options to test New Zealand as a potential career destination.
