Essential skills and AEWV: what changed for NZ employers

Immigration settings now centre on employer accreditation, job checks and median wage thresholds tied to ANZSCO roles. 'Essential skills' as a label has largely given way to AEWV and sector agreements.

Labour market tests prove no suitable New Zealanders were available — advertising evidence must match the approved job description exactly. Wage below median for the role is a common decline reason.

WorkSafe, IRD and employment law compliance feed back into accreditation renewals. Treat immigration as a board-level risk, not HR paperwork.

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