All About the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa. It lets skilled migrants work for an accredited employer in New Zealand for up to 5 years. This visa is designed to prioritize New Zealanders for jobs first, while allowing employers to fill genuine skill shortages with overseas workers. The AEWV also aims to protect migrant workers from exploitation by allowing only accredited employers to hire them.

How to Apply for the AEWV

The AEWV process has three main steps: Employer Accreditation, Job Check, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa itself.

1. Employer Accreditation: Employers need to get accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before they can hire overseas workers. Accreditation confirms that the employer meets certain standards and is a responsible employer.

2. Job Check: Once accredited, employers must complete a Job Check for each role they want to fill with a migrant. This often includes advertising the role locally to ensure no New Zealand citizens or residents are available.

3. Work Visa Application: When the Job Check is approved, the migrant worker can apply for their AEWV.

Recent Updates to the AEWV

The AEWV has seen a few changes aimed at improving the system and protecting local workers:

- English Requirement: Migrants in low-skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) must now meet an English language requirement.

- Experience and Skills: Certain roles now require a minimum level of skills and experience.

- Work and Income Engagement: For some lower-skilled jobs, employers must work with Work and Income before hiring migrants.

- Stay Limit Reduced: For ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 roles, the maximum stay has been reduced from 5 years to 3 years.

- Franchisee Accreditation Removed: Franchisees must now use the standard accreditation route.

Keeping Employers Accountable: Post-Accreditation Checks

After becoming accredited, employers may undergo post-accreditation checks to confirm they’re meeting their obligations. These checks are routine and focus on about 16% of accredited employers each year. They are based on a mix of:

- Random selection

- Targeted samples of different types of employers

- Any reports or complaints received

If an employer is not following the rules, their accreditation could be suspended or revoked. There are penalties for failing to meet the necessary standards, but most employers are responsible and treat their workers well.

AEWV by the Numbers (as of October 23, 2024)

- Accredited Employers: 28,865

- Approved AEWV Applications: 129,644

- Current AEWV Holders: 84,035

- Revoked Accreditations: 542

- Suspended Accreditations: 151

Changing Employers or Roles

If AEWV holders need to change jobs, employers, or locations, they can apply for a Job Change. This flexibility helps AEWV migrants adapt if they lose their job or need to relocate.

 Ongoing Improvements and Review

In 2023, an independent review of the AEWV was carried out. Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission shared recommendations, and over 70% have already been implemented to ensure the system better supports New Zealand’s needs and protects workers.

The AEWV scheme is a balanced approach to bringing in skilled migrants to fill essential roles while safeguarding the rights of workers and the integrity of the immigration process. For employers and workers alike, meeting obligations under the AEWV is key to sustaining a strong, fair workforce in New Zealand.

Source: Immigration New Zealand