–
Immigration New Zealand has announced three key changes for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders that will come into effect from 27 November 2023.
The changes are:
- Introducing a ‘maximum continuous stay’ for everyone who has an AEWV
- Increasing the length of the AEWV for people earning at least the median wage from 3 years to 5 years
- Increasing the length of the AEWV for people in the care workforce sector who are paid at least the level 3 pay rate, from 2 years to 3 years
–
AEWV maximum continuous stay and visa duration changes
A ‘maximum continuous stay’ is the total time someone can be on an AEWV before they must spend time outside New Zealand to be eligible for another AEWV.
AEWV holders who are paid at least the median wage can spend a maximum of five years on an AEWV, after which they must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before they are eligible to be granted a further AEWV. The five years can be on one AEWV or multiple AEWVs of shorter durations.
AEWV holders paid below the median wage and employed under Sector Agreements may have shorter maximum continuous stays or periods required outside New Zealand before reapplying.
People on a recognised pathway to residence will be able to apply to stay on an AEWV once they have reached the maximum continuous stay without spending the 12 months outside New Zealand. This could include, for example, someone meeting the skill threshold (occupational registration, qualification, or income) but needing more time to complete their skilled work experience.
–
AEWV extensions from three to five years
The maximum duration of an AEWV will be extended from three years to five years. This will apply to all AEWVs approved from 27 November 2023 where the job or job offer is paid at least the median wage.
Someone who holds or held an AEWV granted on or before 26 November 2023 will be able to apply for a further AEWV to receive the balance of up to five years (in total). They will need to have a job or job offer paid at or above the median wage.
Employers will not need to apply for a further Job Check if they are offering continued employment to someone who holds an AEWV on 26 November 2023 provided the worker’s visa conditions remain the same. The employer can reuse their job token.
–
Care workforce AEWV extensions from two to three years
The maximum AEWV duration for people employed as part of the Care Workforce Sector Agreement and paid below the median wage will be extended from two to three years. This will apply to all relevant visas approved from 27 November 2023.
Someone who holds or held an AEWV granted on or before 26 November 2023 and employed as part of the Care Workforce Sector Agreement will be able to apply for another AEWV to receive the balance of up to three years (in total).
Employers will not need to apply for a further Job Check if they are offering continued employment to someone who holds an AEWV on 26 November 2023. The employer can reuse the Job Check number, providing the worker remains in the same role, with the same employment conditions and in the same region.
–
For any questions regarding this update or any further immigration matters, please contact Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, here.
