About the Visa
The AEWV visa type lets accredited New Zealand employers hire foreign workers when no suitable New Zealanders are available.
Launched on July 4, 2022, it simplifies hiring overseas skilled workers by replacing six previous work visa types.
Visa Eligibility
Applicants earning at least the median wage (NZD 29.66 per hour) are eligible for an AEWV visa.
Visa Validity
Up to 5 Years.
Purpose
Designed to fill skill shortages by enabling accredited employers to bring in overseas talent under specific conditions.
For Existing AEWV Holders
Existing AEWV holders can extend their stay by applying for the balance of their visa under the new conditions.
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Criteria for the visa
Employer Requirements
- Accreditation: Mandatory for businesses, ensuring high employment standards, local staff training, and sustainability. Accreditation serves as a badge of quality and reliability for potential employees.
Applicant Requirements
- Wage Threshold: A minimum wage of NZD 29.66 per hour is required, aligning with New Zealand’s median wage, to qualify for the extended visa duration.
Note – It can change if the government increases the median wage. - Job Check: A critical step to verify that the offered position meets local employment standards and addresses genuine skill shortages, ensuring priority is given to local workers when available.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet health, character, and job-specific skill qualifications, ensuring a positive contribution to New Zealand’s workforce. Check more on eligibility below or click here.
Benefits for the visa
Employment Flexibility and Study Options
- Minimum Work Hours: Requires at least 30 hours of work per week for an accredited employer, providing job security for visa holders.
- Study Benefits: Visa holders can study for up to 3 months in 12 months, promoting personal and professional growth.
Family Support Provisions
- Income Threshold for Dependents: An annual income of at least NZD 43,322.76 is required to sponsor dependent children’s visitor or student visas, promoting family unity and support during their stay in New Zealand.
Note – It can increase based on government policy.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
Special pathways to residence, such as Straight to Residence or Work to Residence, are available for roles listed on the Green List or for positions paying twice the median wage after 2 years in the role. This opens doors for skilled migrants to transition to permanent residency, contributing long-term to New Zealand’s economy and society.
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Visa Process and Duration
Steps
Involves employer accreditation, job check, and visa application by the migrant worker.
Processing Times
Applications are efficiently processed, with 80% completed within 7-12 weeks, highlighting New Zealand Immigration’s commitment to a streamlined process.
ICL Immigration Assistance
Offers comprehensive support, from initial consultations assessing eligibility to documentation preparation, application submission, and ongoing updates.
The ICL Process
1. Consultation
Initial eligibility assessment for both employers and migrant workers, including guidance on meeting the AEWV criteria.
2. Documentation
Assistance in preparing and compiling all necessary documentation for accreditation, job check, and visa application.
3. Submission and Liaison
Manage the submission process and liaise with Immigration New Zealand to address any queries or requirements.
4. Visa Approval & Support
Ongoing support throughout the visa application process, updates on progress, Visa approval, and advice on post-arrival procedures.
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Eligibility Details for AEWV
Applicants must fulfill specific health, character, and job-related skill qualifications.
Health Requirements
Medical Examination: Mandatory comprehensive medical exam to ensure good health and minimal burden on healthcare services.
Character Requirements
- Police Clearance: Required for stays of 24 months or more, including previous stays under different visas. Not required for applicants 16 years old or younger.
- Good Character Declarations: Must disclose any criminal convictions or deportations, with honesty being crucial.
Job-Specific Skill Qualifications
- Relevant Qualifications: Must have qualifications recognised in New Zealand or equivalent, such as degrees or professional licenses.
- Work Experience: Necessary relevant work experience, varying by role but aligned with New Zealand’s skill shortages.
- Skill Assessment: Some professions require assessment by a New Zealand professional body.
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate sufficient English language skills, typically verified through approved tests.
Additional Considerations
- Labour Market Test: Employers might need to prove the absence of suitable local candidates for the role.
- Compliance with Laws: Applicants must agree to adhere to all New Zealand laws and regulations, including employment and residency rules.
What is Employer Accreditation?
Requirement
Mandatory for businesses hiring foreign workers under the AEWV scheme.
Benefits
Streamlines the hiring process for foreign talent and demonstrates the employer’s quality and reliability to potential employees.
Process
Involves proving the business’s sustainability, commitment to training local staff, and adherence to employment laws and standards.
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FAQs
The AEWV is a visa type in New Zealand that allows foreign nationals to work for an accredited employer. It's part of New Zealand's efforts to ensure that employers prioritize hiring local talent before recruiting from overseas.
Any foreign national offered a job by an accredited New Zealand employer can apply for this visa. The job offer must align with the skill level and pay requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
Requirements include a valid job offer from an accredited employer, meeting the pay threshold for the offered role, having relevant qualifications and experience, and meeting health and character standards.
Employers must apply to Immigration New Zealand, demonstrating their commitment to fair employment practices, financial stability, and training and employing New Zealanders.
The AEWV can be valid for up to 3 years, depending on the terms of employment and the employer’s accreditation status.
Yes, AEWV holders can bring their partner and dependent children. Partners can apply for a work visa, and children can study as domestic students.
Applicants must submit an online application with all required documents, including the job offer details, proof of qualifications, and health and character certificates.
Pay thresholds depend on the skill level of the job and are regularly updated. The current thresholds are available on Immigration New Zealand's website or connect with us for more information.
Processing times vary but generally range from a few weeks to several months, depending on application volumes and complexity.
AEWV holders may be eligible for residency under certain conditions, such as holding a long-term skill shortage visa or meeting specific salary thresholds over time.
If an application is denied, Immigration New Zealand will provide reasons. Applicants can address these in a subsequent application or consider alternative visa options.
ICL Immigration offers services including eligibility assessment, application preparation, and comprehensive support throughout the application process.
The AEWV caters to various professions, especially those listed in the Long-Term Skill Shortage List or those above the median wage in New Zealand. This includes roles in IT, engineering, healthcare, and other skilled sectors.
Before offering a job to a foreign national, an employer must conduct a labour market test. This test proves that there are no suitable New Zealand residents or citizens available to fill the position, thereby justifying the employment of a migrant under the AEWV.
To qualify for an AEWV, the job offer must typically be for at least 30 hours per week. This ensures that the role is substantial and contributes meaningfully to the New Zealand economy.
Migrants holding an AEWV can apply for residency, particularly if they meet certain criteria such as being in a high-demand profession, earning above a specified wage threshold, or possessing critical skills needed in New Zealand.
Employers seeking accreditation must submit various documents demonstrating their commitment to fair employment practices, financial stability, and the training and employment of New Zealand citizens or residents.
ICL Immigration offers comprehensive assistance to employers, including guidance on meeting accreditation criteria, preparing the application, and ensuring compliance with New Zealand's immigration policies.
The application process involves obtaining a job offer from an accredited employer, ensuring the role meets specific salary and skill level criteria, and submitting an application with all required documents to Immigration New Zealand.
ICL Immigration provides expert services in preparing and submitting AEWV applications, including assessing eligibility, organizing necessary documentation, and offering tailored advice to maximize the chances of approval.
Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.