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Are you certain your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) workers can legally remain employed next month? Or could your business be weeks away from an unexpected staffing crisis without even realising it?
As AEWV maximum continuous stay (MCS) limits begin taking effect for the first time, many employers and migrant workers are discovering that long-serving team members may soon be required to leave New Zealand, or face a mandatory 12-month stand-down period offshore. With visas granted in 2022 and 2023 now reaching their limits, the risk of disruption, compliance breaches and sudden workforce gaps is no longer theoretical, it is happening now.
Immigration New Zealand is urging AEWV holders and their employers to actively plan ahead and use the AEWV stay calculation tool to understand exactly how long a worker can remain in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs.
What is maximum continuous stay?
The maximum continuous stay (MCS) is the total amount of time a person can remain in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs. Once this limit is reached, the visa holder must leave New Zealand and spend 12 months outside the country before they can be granted another AEWV.
Employers must also cease employment of AEWV holders once their maximum stay has been reached. Continuing to employ a worker beyond this point may result in compliance action and breaches of AEWV obligations.
This policy reinforces the AEWV’s temporary nature and requires employers to regularly test the New Zealand labour market, ensuring local workers are prioritised every 3 to 5 years.
How long can an AEWV holder stay?
When the AEWV was introduced in 2022, stay limits were set based on ANZSCO skill level:
- Skill levels 4 and 5: Maximum continuous stay of 3 years
- Skill levels 1 to 3: Eligible to stay for up to 5 years (initial period plus a potential 2-year extension)
Since July 2025, AEWV holders with visas granted between 2022 and 2023 have started reaching these limits. Affected workers must now either:
- Leave New Zealand for 12 months, or
- Apply for another visa type, if eligible
Employers relying on long-term AEWV staff should review their workforce plans urgently to avoid staffing gaps and compliance risks as more workers approach their MCS threshold.
New focus on the AEWV stay calculation tool
Immigration New Zealand is encouraging both employers and migrants to use the AEWV stay calculation tool to determine how long an individual can remain in New Zealand on AEWVs based on their specific role and circumstances.
To use this tool, you will need to know:
- Your ANZSCO skill level
- Whether your role is on the National Occupation List (NOL) for AEWV purposes
- Whether your role is on the Green List
- The date you applied, or will apply, for your AEWV
This information allows workers and employers to calculate the total time permitted under AEWV rules and identify whether a transition plan is needed.
Why early planning is essential
Failure to plan for MCS limits may result in:
- Sudden workforce shortages
- Visa refusals or stand-down periods
- Operational disruption
- Breaches of employer accreditation obligations
By understanding AEWV duration early, businesses can consider alternative options such as:
- Exploring other visa categories
- Identifying replacement staff or training local workers
- Preparing long-term workforce succession plans
What AEWV holders should do now
AEWV holders are advised to:
- Check how long they have already spent on AEWVs
- Use the AEWV calculation tool to confirm remaining eligibility
- Discuss long-term visa options well before their limit is reached
- Seek professional advice if unsure about their status or options
Being proactive allows time to plan transitions smoothly and minimise disruption to both employment and immigration status.
Support for AEWV workforce strategy
Navigating AEWV maximum stay rules and future workforce planning can be complex for both employers and workers.
Absolute Immigration New Zealand provides strategic advice on AEWV compliance, workforce planning and alternative visa pathways, helping businesses and visa holders remain compliant while protecting continuity of employment where possible.
For tailored guidance on AEWV maximum stay planning and next steps, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
