New Zealand has become a favorite destination for skilled workers aiming to grow their careers and embrace a vibrant lifestyle. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) provides a significant pathway for professionals who want to work in New Zealand while ensuring that employers uphold specific standards to support foreign employees. This post will explore the AEWV, its eligibility criteria, and the key changes anticipated in 2025.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV is the main temporary work visa in New Zealand. It allows a migrant to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer for up to 5 years.
The AEWV scheme is designed to ensure New Zealanders are first in line for jobs and makes it easier for employers to hire skilled migrants where genuine skill or labour shortages exist.
It also helps combat migrant exploitation by ensuring only employers who are accredited can hire migrant workers.
All applications are made through Immigration Online.
Who is Eligible for the AEWV?
Eligibility for the AEWV involves criteria for both employers and employees.
Employer Eligibility
Employers wishing to hire foreign workers must first gain accreditation. This requires them to demonstrate compliance with New Zealand's employment laws and commitment to fair work practices.
To achieve accreditation, an employer must:
Provide evidence that they prioritize hiring New Zealand citizens and residents.
Follow health and safety regulations that are relevant to their industry.
Show their capacity to train foreign workers effectively.
Accredited employers can include large companies, local businesses, and even startups, all of which contribute to filling essential roles. For example, the health sector has seen successful applications from hospitals actively seeking overseas nurses to meet patient care demands.
Employee Eligibility
For employees, the requirements are as follows:
Hold a valid job offer from an accredited employer.
Possess the necessary skills and experience for the job.
Demonstrate good character and health, usually confirmed by a police clearance and a health exam.
The job must be classified as skill level 1, 2, or 3 according to New Zealand's ANZSCO skill classification.
In recent years, applicants in fields such as engineering and information technology have had increased chances of approval due to high demand.
Application Process for the AEWV
Once an employer is accredited and the prospective employee meets their eligibility criteria, the application process can begin. The employee must submit their application to Immigration New Zealand, including essential documents such as:
Proof of qualifications and work history, including references.
Evidence of a job offer from the accredited employer.
Health and character certificates.
The application process is generally smooth if all paperwork is complete. In 2022, about 75% of AEWV applications were processed in under 20 working days, allowing successful candidates to start their new roles relatively quickly.
Key Changes Expected in 2025
Removing the median wage requirement
Wage thresholds for all AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) roles will be removed.
Employers still need to advertise and offer AEWV and SPWV employees the market rate for their position and workplace location. This change does not affect existing employment agreements. There are no changes to the wages that AEWV or SPWV workers must earn to apply for residence.
New earning threshold
AEWV migrants will need to earn at least NZ$55,844 a year to bring children, along with meeting other criteria. This threshold has not been updated since 2019.
Reducing the experience requirement for migrants
The experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2. This ensures migrants are sufficiently skilled while addressing key issues raised during consultation.
Introducing new pathways for experienced seasonal workers
In November 2025, 2 new pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced, including a 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a 7-month single entry visa for lesser-skilled workers. The existing temporary seasonal pathways will remain available until then.
Increasing the visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 AEWV holders to 3 years
Following feedback through consultation, the visa duration will increase to 3 years for new AEWVs issued for jobs assessed as skill level 4 or 5 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The visa length will change from 2 years (with the option of 1 additional year) to 3 years to align with the total time these workers can stay in New Zealand (their maximum continuous stay). Those currently on a 2-year visas will be able to apply for a further AEWV for 1 year if they meet the requirements.
Amending the Work and Income engagement requirement
The current requirement for employers to engage with the Work and Income will be amended to be declaration based. Employers must declare that they have, in good faith, advertised ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 jobs with Work and Income and interviewed candidates who could have been suitable for the job. This can be done alongside the recruitment that employers will already be undertaking in the domestic labour market. There will also no longer be a set 21-day timeframe for the engagement with Work and Income.
Greater work rights for those on interim visas
From April 2025, interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants who are applying from any work visa type or from a student visa that allows them to work during term time, supporting migrants to maintain employment while their visa is processed.
Removing the requirements for completion of Employment New Zealand online modules
The requirements regarding online modules will be removed from 27 January 2025 for all current and future accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE).
INZ will instead provide employers and workers with links to freely available Employment New Zealand or INZ webpages that set out employment rights and obligations at the most appropriate points in the immigration process.
Preparing for Change
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a crucial option for skilled workers wanting to move to New Zealand. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process can help ensure a successful outcome.
With potential changes on the horizon in 2025, staying informed will be critical for both aspiring workers and employers considering sponsorship. Being aware of these developments equips you with valuable insights to navigate New Zealand's evolving immigration landscape.
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant job market, and welcoming community. For those ready to embark on a new adventure, understanding the AEWV can unlock countless opportunities to thrive in this beautiful country.
Embark on your journey to a fulfilling life in New Zealand with the right knowledge and preparation.
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