Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a work visa allowing employers to hire skilled migrants for up to 5 years. Employers must be accredited and pass a Job Check, which involves advertising the role and meeting certain criteria. The AEWV commenced on 4 July 2022, replacing six previous work visas.
Accredited Employer Work Visa Overview
When it comes to work visas, the main option for skilled migrants in New Zealand is currently the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
If you receive an acceptable job offer in New Zealand, and you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for the job, you may be eligible for a work visa under the AEWV policy for up to 5 years.
To qualify for this visa, employers must first apply for and obtain accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) as an accredited employer. This accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of the organisation’s training, workplace conditions, and other practices.
Once accredited, employers must obtain an approved Job Check form from INZ to ensure that the employment offered meets certain standards, including minimum work hours, payment at the market rate, and compliance with employment regulations. With these steps completed, migrant workers meeting the specified eligibility and advertised criteria can apply for the AEWV.
Requesting the Remaining Balance of Your Work Visa
Since November 2023, AEWV holders can apply for the balance of their extended visa length. However, it is important to note that this extension does not occur automatically; applicants must formally lodge an application with INZ.
A migrant worker can work in New Zealand for up to 5 years under certain conditions:
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- by working in an ANZSCO level 1, 2, or 3 occupation;
- by working in an occupation on the Green List;
- or by earning at least 1.5 times the current median wage.
Similarly, a migrant worker in an ANZSCO 4 or 5 occupation can also work in New Zealand for up to 5 years if they applied for their first AEWV between June 21, 2023, and April 6, 2024, and were paid at or above the median wage of $29.66 per hour.
However, migrant workers in ANZSCO 4 or 5 occupations who applied for an AEWV on or before June 20, 2023, can only stay and work in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 years.
Variation of Conditions
In New Zealand, visa conditions are tailored to the specific type of visa held. These conditions encompass various aspects such as employment, education, and duration of stay. They are typically documented in the eVisa or visa label within the passport, and the official approval correspondence from INZ.
Should an individual seek alterations to their visa conditions, or if the current conditions become unsuitable, they have the option to request a variation of conditions.
It is important to note that variations can only be approved if they align with the initial purpose of the visa. For instance, while a student visa can be adjusted to accommodate a different course of study, transitioning to full-time employment would necessitate obtaining a new work visa.
The specifics of documentation required for a variation application vary based on individual circumstances.
Transferring Your Visa to a New Passport
Whether your passport is renewed, lost, stolen, or if you are unable to obtain a new passport, transferring your visa to the new document is crucial. Failure to do so might result in complications during travel. This process is necessary for both physical visa labels and eVisas.
Partners And Children of Work Visa Holders
Partners and children of work visa holders may be eligible to apply for a work visa based on partnership and a dependent student or visitor visa, subject to the principal applicant’s job offer being assessed as a meeting the relevant remuneration threshold. Partner and children will be granted visas for the same length as the work visa holder and will be entitled to visit, work and/or study in New Zealand for the same period of time as the work visa holder.