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Changes to AEWV work requirements and duration of visa- Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Immigration New Zealand

Accredited Employer Work Visa holder’s maximum continuous stay period in New Zealand-

  • If the first AEWV application was submitted between 21 June 2023 and 6 April 2024 (inclusive) and they were paid at or above the median wage ($29.66 p/h), then the applicant is eligible for a maximum continuous stay period holding an AEWV for 5 years.
  • However, if the first AEWV application was submitted ON OR BEFORE 20 June 2023 or ON OR AFTER 7 April 2024 and they were paid at or above the median wage ($29.66 p/h), then the applicant is subject to a maximum continuous stay as depending on the conditions outlined below:-

Maximum continuous stay of 5 years (60 months) is applicable where employment is assessed as:

  • ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2, or 3; or
  • Is on the Green List; or
  • included in the Transport Sector: Work to Residence – Ship’s Master (231213) and Deck Hand (899211); or
  • Included in the Transport Sector: Work to Residence as of 6 April 2024 and they hold an AEWV that was submitted on or before 6 April 2024
  • Being paid at or above 1.5 times the median wage in the Skilled Migrant Category (currently at $47.41 p/h)

Maximum continuous stay is now 3 years (36 months) is applicable where employment is assessed as:

  • ANZSCO level 4 or 5 (where employment is not otherwise assessed as meeting the above)

The maximum visa length for an AEWV is reduced to 2 years, with the ability to apply for one more year with a new Job Check.

Accredited Employer Work Visa holder’s other requirement for visa eligibility –

When applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must present evidence of your work experience or qualifications. This is a requirement beyond the skills and qualifications your employer deems necessary for the job. Your employer is responsible for ensuring you meet the skill requirements before extending a job offer to you.

If your role is not listed on the Green List or does not fulfil the Green List role requirements, and if it is not compensated at a rate of at least twice the median wage, the following criteria apply:

  • You must possess at least three years of relevant work experience, or
  • You must hold a qualification that is level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Should your qualification be below the level of a bachelor’s degree, it must be accompanied by an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

To satisfy the work experience criterion, you are required to submit proof that verifies your employment history. It is important to note that you cannot use documents authored by yourself as evidence.

English requirements for AEWV[KI2] – English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa | Immigration New Zealand

If you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5 you must show that you can speak and understand English.

You can meet our English language requirements through:

  • your citizenship, where you studied, and the qualifications you gained
  • English language tests.

Kindly note for ANZSCO levels 1 to 3- There are no English language requirements if you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO levels 1 to 3.

There are 3 scenarios where your citizenship, work and study gives us confidence that your English language ability is at the level we require.

Scenario 1: If you’re a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, and have at least five years of in-person work or study experience in any of these countries, or in Australia or New Zealand.

Scenario 2: If you hold a qualification equivalent to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, obtained after a minimum of two years of study while physically present in one of these countries.

Scenario 3: If you possess a qualification comparable to a New Zealand postgraduate level 8 or higher, earned in any of the aforementioned countries with at least one year of in-country study.

Evidence Submission: Citizenship can be verified through your passport details. Additional proof of citizenship or residency is not required unless requested. For qualifications, submit a copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript.

Table 1: English language test results accepted by INZ