Accredited Employer Work Visa

From 04 July 2022, the Accredited Employer Scheme has replaced the following Work Visas that were available in New Zealand for overseas workers:

• Essential Skills Work Visa
• Essential Skills Work Visa – Approved in Principle
• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
• Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
• Silver Fern Job Search Visa
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process involves following 3 steps:

• Employer Accreditation
• Job Check
• Migrant Worker Check

From 09 November 2023, the maximum duration of an AEWV is extending from 3 years to 5 years.

AEWV allows you to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer for minimum 30 hours per week. However, you can also study for up to 3 months in any 12 month period, or take any study required as part of your employment

Your job offer must be from an employer who is accredited with Immigration New Zealand and has an approved job check for the role to hire migrants on the AEWV. Your job must offer at or above median wage rate unless your role is under the list of exemption. The Applicant must meet the health and character requirements set out by Immigration New Zealand.

Pathway to New Zealand Residence

Accredited Employer Work Visa may also create a pathway towards New Zealand Residence under Skilled Category or Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence Category. 

Where the role of a Migrant Worker is in Tier 1 of the Green List, the Migrant Worker can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. Where the role of a Migrant Worker is in Tier 2 of the Green List and they have been working for two years in the role, the Migrant Worker is eligible to apply for the Work to Residence Visa.

For anyone who is unable to demonstrate that they are on a pathway to residence, having exhausted their 5 year AEWV period, they are required to spend 12 months stand down period outside of New Zealand to be eligible to apply for a further AEWV.