{"id":55616,"date":"2025-12-18T14:44:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T03:44:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=55616"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:57:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T03:57:58","slug":"could-aewv-maximum-stay-limits-affect-your-job-or-your-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/could-aewv-maximum-stay-limits-affect-your-job-or-your-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Could AEWV maximum stay limits affect your job or your employees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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?<\/p>
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.<\/p>
Immigration New Zealand is urging AEWV holders and their employers to actively plan ahead and use the AEWV stay calculation tool<\/a> to understand exactly how long a worker can remain in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> The maximum continuous stay<\/a> (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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> This policy reinforces the AEWV\u2019s temporary nature and requires employers to regularly test the New Zealand labour market, ensuring local workers are prioritised every 3 to 5 years.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> When the AEWV was introduced in 2022, stay limits were set based on ANZSCO skill level:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Since July 2025, AEWV holders with visas granted between 2022 and 2023 have started reaching these limits. Affected workers must now either:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> 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.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> 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.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> To use this tool, you will need to know:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> This information allows workers and employers to calculate the total time permitted under AEWV rules and identify whether a transition plan is needed.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Failure to plan for MCS limits may result in:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> By understanding AEWV duration early, businesses can consider alternative options such as:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> AEWV holders are advised to:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Being proactive allows time to plan transitions smoothly and minimise disruption to both employment and immigration status.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Navigating AEWV maximum stay rules and future workforce planning can be complex for both employers and workers.<\/p> 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.<\/p> For tailored guidance on AEWV maximum stay planning and next steps, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tWhat is maximum continuous stay?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
How long can an AEWV holder stay?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
New focus on the AEWV stay calculation tool<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Why early planning is essential<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
What AEWV holders should do now<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Support for AEWV workforce strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>