Changes in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Publish Date: 08/04/2024

1. If you applied for your initial AEWV before 21st June 2023 and work in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles meeting the required wage rate, holding a three-year AEWV, you won't have access for the full five-year duration. If you are in an ANZSCO level 4 and 5 position on a pathway to residency remain unaffected by these changes.

2. If the job is ANZSCO level 4 or 5, you need to show that you can speak and understand English. This requirement will not apply to current applications, or people traveling as the partner or child of AEWV applicant.

3. To apply for an AEWV, you must demonstrate your work experience or qualifications. Unless your role is on the Green List and meets its requirements, or you're paid at least double the median wage, you now need:

• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience, or
• A relevant qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

If your qualification is below a Bachelor's degree level, evidence must be accompanied by an International Qualification Assessment (IQA). To satisfy the work experience criterion, you must provide verified evidence of your work, excluding documents that you wrote.

4. For occupations not on the Green List or not paid double the median wage, applicants need either three years of relevant work experience or a qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higher, with English proficiency for ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles. Ongoing applications and dependents of AEWV applicants are exempt.

5. For ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 jobs meeting the AEWV wage requirement, AEWV visas are now limited to 2 years, extendable for 1 more year with a new Job Check. Total continuous stay in New Zealand is limited to 3 years, requiring a 12-month departure before reapplying. These changes apply to any who applied for their first AEWV application from April 7, 2024, or earlier than June 21, 2023.

6. Some exceptions for ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs include Green List jobs, roles in transport and care sectors or on a residency pathway, and 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 remain 5 years.

Additional adjustments to Sector Agreements and the Green List include:

• The Work to Residence pathway for bus and truck drivers under the Transport Sector Agreement is closing to accept new applicants.
• The government plans to add seven roles to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement, following the closure of the Recovery Visa are not progressing.
• It also efforts to include 11 occupations on the Green List are currently not advancing.