ROLES EXEMPT FROM THE AEWV MEDIAN WAGE THRESHOLD

If you want to hire migrants on the Accredited Employer Work Visa and the role is on this list you can pay less than the median wage.

YOU MUST MEET A PAY THRESHOLD

The following sectors have Sector Agreements where specific occupations are exempt from the median wage requirements. Note that if you are paying below the median wage, there are conditions in place for the visas granted.

You may still choose to pay the median wage, in which case, visas will be granted for up to 3 years.

The median wage is currently $29.66/h.

The Hospitality sector is not covered by the Sector Agreement, however there is a wage exemption in place until April 2023.

Sector — Care workforce

Roles paid below the median wage will have visas granted up to 24 months, followed by a 12-month stand down period unless the wages are subsequently increased to the Level 4 rate.

Workers paid the Level 4 rate will have a work to residence pathway.

• Kaiāwhina (hauora) (Māori health assistant)
• Disabilities services officer
• Residential care officer
• Aged or disabled carer
• Nursing support worker
• Personal care assistant
• Therapy aide
• Child or youth residential care assistant
• Diversional Therapist

Sector — Construction and infrastructure

Roles paid below the median wage will have visas granted up to 24 months, followed by a 12-month stand down period unless the wages are subsequently increased to the median wage.

• Metal fabricator
• Welder
• Fitter (general)
• Fitter-Welder
• Painting trades worker
• Fibrous plasterer
• Solid plasterer
• Wall and floor tiler
• AC and Refrigeration Mechanic
• Bricklayer
• Builder’s Labourer
• Carpenter
• Carpenter and Joiner
• Landscape Gardener
• Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer
• Glazier
• Plumber’s Assistant
• Roof Plumber Painting Trades Workers
• Floor Finishers
• Stonemasons

The migrant worker can get another visa for a job paid above the median wage without having to complete a stand-down period.

MEAT PROCESSING

Roles paid below the median wage will have visas granted up to 7 months, followed by a 4-month stand down period unless the wages are subsequently increased to the median wage.

• Meat Process Worker, including red meat and pork processing

SEAFOOD (ONSHORE)

Roles paid below the median wage will have visas granted up to 7 months, followed by a 4-month stand down period unless the wages are subsequently increased to the median wage.

• Seafood Process Worker

SECTOR – SEAFOOD (SEA-BASED)

Roles paid below the median wage will have visas granted up to 12 months. No stand down.

• All roles currently covered by the Foreign Fishing Crew visa

SECTOR – SEASONAL SNOW AND ADVENTURE TOURISM

Up to 7 months Multiple AEWVs below median wage can be granted to allow for movement between roles across seasons.

• Snowsport Instructors
• Mountain and Glacier Guides
• Snow Groomers (within ANZSCO Mobile Plant Operators not elsewhere classified)
• Outdoor Adventure Instructors
• Outdoor Adventure Guides not elsewhere classified
• Whitewater Rafting Guides
• Parachute Rigger and Ski Technician (within ANZSCO Technicians and Trades Workers not elsewhere classified)
• Snow Maker (within ANZSCO Stationary Plant Operators not elsewhere classified)

SECTOR — TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

• Hotel service manager
• Hotel or motel manager
• Accommodation and hospitality managers nec
• Licensed club manager
• Conference and event organiser
• Travel consultant
• Travel agency manager
• Tour guide
• Caravan park and camping ground manager
• Diving instructor (open water)
• Hunting guide
• Gallery or museum technician
• Trekking guide
• Waiter
• Commercial housekeeper
• Kitchenhand
• Barista
• Hotel or motel receptionist
• Bar attendant
• Fast food cook
• Food trades assistants nec
• Hospitality workers nec
• Cafe worker
• Pastrycook’s assistant
• Doorperson or luggage porter
• Gaming worker
• Travel attendants nec