Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa in New Zealand that enables skilled migrant workers to work for an Accredited employer. This visa is designed to address labour shortages in key industries while ensuring fair employment practices and protecting migrant workers from exploitation.
Benefits of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
With an AEWV, migrants can:
- Work full-time for an accredited employer in New Zealand for a specified period.
- Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period, or undertake study required as part of their employment.
- Apply for a resident visa pathway, such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, or Transport Work to Residence Visa if eligible.
Major Steps in the
AEWV Process
The AEWV application process is employer-led and consists of three key steps:
01
Employer Accreditation
Before hiring a migrant worker, the employer must become accredited with INZ. Accreditation ensures that the employer:
- Complies with New Zealand’s employment and immigration laws.
- Provides fair wages, ethical recruitment, and good working conditions.
- Has financially stable operations and a genuine need for migrant workers.
02
Job Check
The Job Check ensures that:
- The job pays at least the NZ median wage ($29.66 per hour as of 2023) unless an exemption applies.
- The employer has genuinely advertised the role to local New Zealanders if required.
- The job meets New Zealand’s employment laws and industry standards.
Labour Market Test Requirements (Updates for 2025 announced)
Employers must advertise roles for at least 14 days on national job platforms. However, exemptions apply for jobs:
- Listed on the Green List of in-demand occupations.
- Paying at least twice the median wage ($59.32 per hour).
Once the Job Check is approved, employers can invite a migrant worker to apply for an AEWV.
03
Visa Application
After receiving a Job Check approval, the migrant worker must:
- Meet health, character, and skill requirements.
- Provide proof of relevant qualifications and work experience.
- Accept the offered job with the accredited employer.
The AEWV is linked to the specific employer and job role, meaning if the worker wants to switch jobs, they must apply for a Variation of Condition or a new AEWV.
Common Pitfalls and Concerns While Applying
- Delays in Processing Times
Due to increased scrutiny, visa processing times have significantly increased. Please check on Immigration Website or with a Licensed Immigration Advsior.
- Wage Rate and Job Compliance Issues
- Employers must ensure they meet or exceed the median wage requirement unless sector-specific exemptions apply.
- Migrants working in low-skill roles (ANZSCO level 4 or 5) may face shorter visa durations and additional restrictions.
- Misunderstanding Maximum Continuous Stay
Most AEWV holders can stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years, but some roles have restrictions:
- – Roles below the median wage may have a shorter visa duration.
- – Migrants must leave New Zealand for 12 months after reaching their maximum stay before applying for a new AEWV (T&C applies).
- Compliance with Employment Agreements
Employers must clearly define minimum working hours and pay rates to avoid disputes.
- Job Changes and Employer Transfers
The new employer must be accredited and must have a valid Job Check approval.
- Employer Accreditation Renewal Issues
Employers must prove continued financial stability and compliance.
- High Rejection Rates for Non-Compliance
Workers applying without the correct qualifications, work experience, or documentation risk visa rejection.
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People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
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