Unlocking New Zealand’s AEWV: Expert Insights for Success in 2025

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary visa granted to individuals who have received a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. To qualify for an AEWV, the employment offer must be for a full-time position, comprising a minimum of 30 hours of work per week, and must meet or exceed the New Zealand Immigration wage requirements, which can vary depending on the role and location.

AEWV Requirements

Regardless of the ANZSCO skill level of the role offered, an applicant for the AEWV must meet specific requirements set out by the employer as well as the minimum skills threshold established by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). However, where the role is an ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, the applicant must also meet the English language proficiency requirements.

 

Entitlements under the AEWV

Depending on the ANZSCO skill level of the role, an AEWV holder can stay in New Zealand working for their employer for up to 5 years. Upon expiry of the visa, they are required to leave New Zealand for 12 months to comply with INZ’s stand-down period instruction or apply for residence. Additional entitlements include:

  • Studying for up to 3 months in any 12-month period or undertaking any study required as part of the employment
  • Applying for a Residence Class Visa, if eligible
  • Using skilled work experience in New Zealand to claim points towards the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for a Resident Class Visa
  • Potentially creating a path towards Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence
  • Potentially creating a path towards Work to Residence under Care Workforce and Transport Sector
  • Potentially supporting a Work or Visitor Visa for their partner and a Visitor or Student Visa for any dependent child

 

The AEWV Application Process

The AEWV process involves three main steps:

  1. Employer Accreditation
  2. Job Check
  3. Migrant Worker Check

Employer Accreditation

There are three types of Employer Accreditation: standard, high volume, and controlling third party for businesses that place migrant workers with third parties while being the direct employer named in the employment agreement.

For Employer Accreditation, the employer is required to meet one of the following financial requirements:

  • The business has not had a loss in the last 2 years
  • The business has had a positive cash flow each month for the last 6 months
  • The business has enough capital or external investment to remain viable

Job Check

Once accredited, an employer must have a job check approved by INZ for any vacancy they need to fill with a non-New Zealand citizen or resident worker. This involves conducting a genuine labour market test and meeting specific advertising requirements based on the ANZSCO skill level of the role, such as advertising the role for 14-21 calendar days on a national listing website or channel and potentially engaging with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on Work and Income.

If the applicant’s occupation is on the Green List or the job pays twice the median wage, a labour market test is not required. The job offered must be for a full-time position with a minimum of 30 hours per week and pay at least the NZ adult minimum wage.

Migrant Worker Check

The applicant must meet the health, character, and skills requirements set out by INZ, as well as any additional criteria specified by the employer.

 

Recent AEWV Updates

March 10, 2025 Updates

  • Removal of median wage requirement for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) employers
  • Reduction of work experience requirement from 3 years to 2 years for ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5
  • Declaration-based engagement with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
  • Maximum 3-year visa length for new ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 AEWVs
  • Reclassification of certain occupations to ANZSCO skill level 3, aligning with the National Occupation List (NOL)
  • Mandatory English language requirements for ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5

 

April 8, 2025 Updates

  • Increased income threshold for supporting dependent children to NZD $55,844 annually, based on an 80% median wage for a 40-hour workweek (updated annually)
  • Introduction of interim visa work rights for AEWV applicants holding any work visa type or a student visa permitting work during term time
  • Time spent on interim visas allowing work will count towards the total continuous stay and work experience for work-to-residence pathways
  • Elimination of online module requirements for accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSEs)

 

Navigating the AEWV process can be complex, but understanding the requirements, entitlements, and recent updates can help you make informed decisions.

If you need assistance with your AEWV application or have any questions about the process, contact our experienced team at Sharma Law for a free 15-minute consultation and personalized guidance.

 

 

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