As a requirement to get an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you currently have to be paid the median wage. This is currently $31.61 an hour and it is expected across most jobs for migrant workers. This posed a huge hurdle for many smaller businesses who could not afford to pay these rates but still suffered from labour shortages.

Fortunately, this rule is being dropped in favour of the market rate. This means that employers will only need to pay whatever the market rate for that job and location is, making things much more competitive and viable for smaller businesses. Please note that this will only affect future employment contracts and work visa applications. Whatever you have already agreed to or applied for will still remain in effect.

There are other changes that business owners and employees can look forward to as well. A new job check process will be introduced later in the year to help streamline things and help make applications faster. Migrants will also appreciate more work rights on interim visas, due to come in around April, to help stablise their employment. Migrants on a ANZSCO level 4 or 5 AEWV will have their visa durations increased to 3 years, and when applying for a new AEWV you will only need 2 years of relevant work experience rather than 3.

There are lots of other changes, some quite technical, so it is important to remain on top of how the immigration landscape is evolving and changing. If you need any advice or if you are looking to apply for a visa, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts are more than happy to assist you with all of your immigration needs.