The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, which are in place from today (7th April 2024).
Current AEWV holders
These changes do not impact AEWV holder’s current visa conditions or length, but may impact how long they can stay in New Zealand. They don’t impact already submitted applications but will apply to new Job Check and AEWV applications from 7th April 2024. This includes new applications even when the Job Check was approved before 7th April 2024.
Shorter visa lengths and maximum stays
From 7th April 2024, some new AEWV applicants in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 occupations will receive shorter visas (of 2 years) and have a reduced maximum continuous stay in New Zealand (of 3 years) on an AEWV.
The reduced maximum continuous stay will also apply to some current AEWV holders working in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 occupations. Although their current visa length will not change, they will no longer be able to apply for the balance of the five-year AEWV (which was introduced last year).
However, the following ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles will not be affected by the changes:
- Roles on the Green List
- Roles in transport and care sector agreements, and on a pathway to residence
- Those earning 1.5 times the median wage.
The length of an AEWV and maximum continuous stay for people in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 jobs will stay at 5 years.
Extra requirements for new AEWV applicants
From 7th April 2024, all new AEWV applicants will be required to meet a new minimum skill threshold and provide evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience to do the job that they have applied for.
Unless your role is on the Green List and meets the Green List role requirements, or is paid least twice the median wage, you must now have:
- at least 3 years’ relevant work experience, or
- a relevant qualification at level 4 or above of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
Any migrants in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 occupations will now need to meet a minimum standard of English.
Increased requirements for employers
There are new requirements employers must meet when advertising and hiring migrants on an AEWV.
Employers wanting to hire into roles at ANZSCO level 4 and 5 now need to:
- advertise for 21 days (previously 14)
- engage with Work and Income before submitting their Job Check, and
- declare in the Job Check why any suitable and available New Zealanders who applied were not hired.
If an employer does not hire a New Zealand applicant who was suitable and available, then the Job Check will be declined.
New accreditation requirements
Employers must now tell INZ if a migrant leaves their job before their visa expires. They must also ensure they provide the migrant at least 30 hours of work each week, or their accreditation can be revoked.
Processing times
These changes are likely to impact AEWV processing times.
More information
Further details of the changes can be found on INZ’s website.
If you want to know how the changes impact you, then get in touch with us.
