Find out the latest changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand for 2024. Key updates include visa duration, work experience requirements, and employer obligations.
AEWV Changes for 2024 and What They Mean for You, What You Need to Know for 2024
As of April 7, 2024, New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program will undergo significant changes. These changes affect both AEWV applicants and employers, altering visa durations, qualification requirements, and employment conditions. If you are planning to apply for an AEWV or already hold one, it’s crucial to understand how these changes might impact your stay in New Zealand, eligibility for further visas, and employer obligations.
Changes for People with an AEWV
For those already holding an AEWV, several key changes are coming into effect, especially for individuals who applied for their first AEWV before 21 June 2023:
- Reduced Maximum Stay for Some Applicants
- If you are employed in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job with a wage at or above the required AEWV rate, and your AEWV was issued for a three-year period, you will no longer be able to extend your stay to the maximum five years.
- Pathways to Residence Remain Unaffected
- If your ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job is part of a residency pathway, the new maximum stay and visa duration changes will not affect you.
- Changes for Applicants After 7 April 2024
- New applicants seeking to apply for an AEWV after 7 April 2024 will need to meet updated criteria. In particular, you may no longer be eligible to stay in New Zealand for the maximum five years if you are in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job.
New AEWV Application Criteria
From 7 April 2024, several new requirements for AEWV applicants will be enforced:
- Higher Work Experience and Qualification Requirements
- To apply for an AEWV, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience or hold a qualification at level 4 or above of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
- If your qualifications are not at Bachelor’s level or higher, you must provide an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
- Minimum Standard of English
- Applicants for ANZSCO level 4 or 5 jobs must meet a minimum English language proficiency. This requirement applies only to the applicant and does not affect partners or children of AEWV applicants.
- Shortened Visa Duration
- ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs paying at or above the required AEWV wage will have a maximum visa length of 2 years, with the option for an additional 1-year extension after a new Job Check.
- The maximum continuous stay on an AEWV is now reduced to 3 years. After reaching this limit, workers will need to leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before applying for another AEWV.
Employer Changes Under AEWV
The new AEWV changes also affect employers, particularly those seeking to hire migrants for ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles. Employers will need to adjust to new requirements at the accreditation and Job Check stages:
- New Minimum Skill Requirements
- Employers must now verify that a migrant has the necessary skills before offering them a job token. They must ensure the migrant meets the updated skill requirements for the role, including those related to qualifications and experience.
- Employment Hours and Conditions
- From 7 April 2024, employers must employ AEWV holders for at least 30 hours per week. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to the revocation of accreditation.
- Expanded Grounds for Suspension of Accreditation
- Employers under investigation for any accreditation breaches may face a suspension of their accreditation. This includes non-compliance with the new skill requirements or failure to meet employment conditions.
- New Job Advertising and Engagement Rules
- Employers filling ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs must:
- Advertise the job for 21 days (previously 14 days).
- Engage with Work and Income and declare why any New Zealand applicants were not hired if they met the role’s requirements.
- Employers filling ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs must:
- New Reporting Requirements
- Employers will be required to report to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) within 10 working days if a migrant leaves their job one month before their visa expires. Failure to comply could result in revocation or suspension of accreditation.
Navigating the AEWV Changes in 2024
These AEWV changes in New Zealand for 2024 bring important updates for both applicants and employers. If you’re applying for an AEWV or renewing your visa, it’s crucial to meet the new work experience, qualification, and English proficiency requirements. Employers must also stay up to date with the new conditions to avoid potential penalties.
For further information, check the official AEWV visa information page to ensure you meet the updated criteria and understand your obligations under the new rules.
