Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Government today announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

These changes do not impact AEWV holder’s current visa conditions or length, but may affect how long they can stay in New Zealand.

They do not affect already submitted applications but will apply to new Job Check and AEWV applications from today.

If employers have an approved Job Check, any migrant who applies for an AEWV will need to meet the tightened requirements.

Shorter visa lengths and maximum stays

From today, some new AEWV applicants in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 occupations will receive shorter visas and have a reduced maximum length of time they can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV.  

Increased requirements for new applicants

All new AEWV applicants will be required to meet a new minimum skill threshold and provide evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience to do the job applied for.  

Any migrants in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 occupations will now need to meet a minimum standard of English.

Increased requirements for employers

There are new requirements employers must meet when advertising and hiring migrants on an AEWV.  

This includes the way employers assess whether New Zealand applicants are suitable, and reasonable steps they need to take to ensure a migrant is suitably qualified for the role. If the vacancy is a job in ANZSCO level 4 or 5, the employer will also need to advertise longer and engage with Work and Income.  

New accreditation requirements

There will be new obligations for employers to tell us if a migrant leaves their job before their visa expires, and employers who do not provide at least 30 hours of work each week may have their accreditation revoked.

There are other changes affecting all three stages of the AEWV system. We encourage you to read more about all the AEWV changes on our website and reach out to migrants you have represented who might be impacted by these changes.

These changes will likely impact AEWV processing times.

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