Accredited Employer Work Visa: A Pathway to Employment in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a streamlined work visa designed to attract skilled international workers and meet labor shortages across various sectors. This visa type simplifies the process for both employers and foreign employees, creating a clear path for qualified individuals to work for accredited employers in New Zealand. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the AEWV, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits for both employees and employers.

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The AEWV is a temporary work visa introduced by Immigration New Zealand as part of a broader overhaul of the country’s work visa system. It allows foreign workers to live and work in New Zealand under the sponsorship of an accredited employer, meaning an employer that has met specific standards set by the government. The primary goal of the AEWV is to ensure that employers can access skilled labor to support the country’s economic growth while safeguarding job opportunities for New Zealanders.

Key Requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa

The AEWV has specific eligibility criteria for both employers and applicants:

Employer Accreditation
Only employers who have received accreditation from Immigration New Zealand can hire workers through the AEWV. To gain accreditation, employers must demonstrate that they meet fair and lawful employment practices, including paying fair wages, maintaining safe workplaces, and complying with labor laws. Accreditation is granted for one year initially and is renewable. Employers are also required to demonstrate their efforts to recruit New Zealand residents for the position before considering foreign workers.
Job Check Requirement
Once an employer is accredited, they must conduct a “Job Check” for any roles they intend to fill through the AEWV. The Job Check ensures that the job meets minimum pay and employment standards and confirms that suitable New Zealanders are not available for the position. The role must be for at least 30 hours per week, and the offered salary must meet New Zealand’s median wage requirements (or the specific wage threshold for certain industries). If the Job Check is approved, the employer can proceed to recruit a foreign worker for the position.
Applicant Requirements
For workers, eligibility for the AEWV depends on several factors, including:
- Skill and Experience: Applicants must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the role.
- Health and Character: Immigration New Zealand requires applicants to pass health checks and provide police clearance to ensure they meet health and character standards.
- Job Offer from an Accredited Employer: The applicant must have a job offer from an accredited employer for a position that has passed the Job Check.

Application Process for the AEWV

The AEWV application process involves both the employer and the employee. Here are the steps to follow:

Employer Accreditation
Employers need to apply for accreditation through Immigration New Zealand’s online system. This involves providing information about the company’s operations, compliance with labor laws, and practices to support workers’ wellbeing. Once accreditation is granted, the employer can begin the Job Check process for specific roles.
Job Check Approval
The employer submits a Job Check application to verify the job’s compliance with wage and employment standards and prove that efforts were made to recruit New Zealanders. Once approved, the employer receives a Job Check number, which the employee will need when applying for the AEWV.
Employee’s Visa Application
After receiving a job offer from an accredited employer with an approved Job Check, the employee can apply for the AEWV. This involves submitting personal information, proof of qualifications and experience, and required documentation. Once approved, the employee is granted the AEWV, allowing them to work in New Zealand for the specified employer.

Benefits of the AEWV for Employees and Employers

The AEWV brings several advantages to both foreign employees and accredited employers:

For Employees:
- Pathway to Residency: While the AEWV is a temporary visa, it may provide a pathway to residency for skilled workers in occupations that are in high demand. This is particularly relevant for applicants working in roles included on New Zealand’s Green List, which highlights sectors with critical skills shortages.
- Stability and Security: The AEWV allows employees to work for an accredited employer, ensuring that they work in a fair and legally compliant environment.
- Access to New Zealand’s Job Market: Skilled workers have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in New Zealand, often leading to career advancement and potential long-term employment.
For Employers:
- Simplified Hiring Process: The AEWV provides a more efficient process for hiring skilled foreign workers, which is essential for industries facing labor shortages.
- Assurance of Skill Fit: By following a structured process involving skill verification and Job Checks, employers can be confident that the candidates they hire are qualified and well-suited to the job.
- Meeting Market Demands: The visa enables employers in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and IT to fill roles essential to New Zealand’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Limitations and Conditions of the AEWV

While the AEWV provides many advantages, it also has certain limitations:

Employer-Specific: The AEWV is tied to a specific employer, meaning employees cannot freely switch jobs without applying for a new visa.
Temporary Nature: Although the visa can be renewed, it does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Workers interested in residency must explore other options or residency pathways.
Median Wage Thresholds: Many AEWV roles require a salary at or above New Zealand’s median wage, which may limit opportunities for some low-wage positions.

Recent Updates and the Future of the AEWV

Immigration New Zealand has continued to make adjustments to the AEWV program in response to labor market needs and feedback from stakeholders. The government aims to ensure that the AEWV remains flexible enough to meet critical workforce shortages while preserving opportunities for New Zealand citizens. Future updates may expand eligible occupations, adjust wage thresholds, or introduce new pathways to residency.

Conclusion

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a significant part of New Zealand’s immigration landscape, creating opportunities for skilled foreign workers while supporting businesses and sectors that rely on international talent. Through this program, New Zealand is able to attract global expertise and maintain a balanced approach to immigration. For those seeking to work in New Zealand, the AEWV offers a structured, reliable way to gain employment, contributing to both personal growth and the country’s economic development.