Work Visa
What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) NZ?
Important Updates as of April 2024: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced significant changes to the New Zealand immigration visa process, specifically for the AEWV. These changes impact both employer and employee requirements, with some roles now facing reduced maximum visa durations.
Quick Visa Summary
- Visa: Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ
- Duration: 2 + 1 year for certain jobs or up to 5 years for specific roles
- Processing Time: Up to 12 weeks (Check current visa processing times on the New Zealand immigration website)
AEWV Overview
The Accredited Employer Work Visa operates under a three-check system:
- Employer Check: New Zealand employers must be accredited to hire overseas workers.
- Job Check: Ensures the job meets the necessary requirements, including wage criteria and job advertisement duration.
- Migrant Check: Verifies that the migrant meets the visa requirements.
Key Changes to AEWV (April 2024):
- New Minimum Skill Requirement:
- At least 3 years of relevant experience or a Level 4 diploma (assessed by NZQA) is now mandatory, except for roles on the Green List or jobs paying twice the national median wage.
- New English Language Requirement: Specific language proficiency standards must now be met.
- Visa Length Changes: Adjustments have been made to the duration of visas for certain roles.
Requirements to Apply for AEWV
To successfully apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Identity: A copy of your passport and an acceptable photo.
- Character Information: Police checks (PCC) from your country of origin and any country where you’ve lived for over 12 months.
- Health Information: Medical exams and x-rays are typically required.
- Job Offer & Job Token: Employer-provided documents, including a compliant employment agreement.
- Proof of Relevant Experience/Qualification: As required by the new rules since April 2024.
- Occupational Registration: Necessary for certain roles.
- English Language Tests: As specified by visa requirements.
Visa Categories Replaced by AEWV
Since its introduction in July 2022, the AEWV has replaced several temporary visa categories, including:
- Talent Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ
- Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa NZ
- Silver Fern Job Search Visa
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
- Essential Skills Visa
- Essential Skills Approval in Principal Visa
It’s important to note that other temporary visa categories, such as partnership visas, working holiday visas, and student visas with work rights, remain unaffected by the AEWV policy.
AEWV Processing Times in New Zealand
The New Zealand immigration process for work visas can take up to 12 weeks, depending on several factors:
- Incomplete Applications: Missing or excessive documents can delay processing.
- Additional Information Requests: The government may request further documentation, which can be checked online in some cases.
- External Information: Delays may occur if the government is waiting for documents from other organizations, such as international qualification verifications.
- High Application Volume: A large number of applications can slow down processing times.
For the latest processing time updates, visit the New Zealand immigration site.
We're Here to Support You
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application process can be overwhelming due to its increasing complexity.
Staying informed and compliant with immigration laws and the latest regulations is essential for a successful application. Our expert team is committed to guiding you through these challenges, ensuring you have the best possible chance of securing your work visa in New Zealand.