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The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a valuable pathway for skilled professionals looking to work in New Zealand and for businesses aiming to fill skill shortages. This visa program bridges the gap between employers and migrant workers, ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s employment standards. Let’s explore every detail about this visa, leaving no room for confusion.

What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The AEWV is designed to enable New Zealand employers to hire international workers for roles they cannot fill locally. This visa is linked to employers who hold accreditation from Immigration New Zealand, ensuring that they meet certain employment and business standards.

Employers must first gain accreditation, verify that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the role through a Job Check, and then offer positions to migrant workers under this visa. This visa fosters a structured and transparent hiring process, protecting both employers and employees.

Eligibility Criteria for AEWV

To qualify for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements:

1. Job Offer from an Accredited Employer
   The job must come from an employer approved under the Accredited Employer scheme.
2. Health and Character Standards
   Applicants must pass the health and character assessments as per Immigration New Zealand (INZ) guidelines.
3. Skills and Qualifications
   The candidate must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience for the role.
4. Employment Details
   The job must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week), and its terms must comply with New Zealand employment laws, including market-rate wages.
5. Occupational Registration
   For certain jobs, the applicant must hold the required registration to practice in New Zealand.

Steps to Apply for the AEWV

1. Employer Accreditation
   Employers must first obtain accreditation to hire migrant workers. This involves proving their compliance with immigration and employment laws.
2. Job Check
   The job offered must pass a Job Check to ensure that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the role. This includes meeting minimum pay thresholds and employment conditions.
3. Work Visa Application
   Once the above steps are completed, migrant workers can apply for the AEWV. They must provide evidence of their qualifications, work experience, and eligibility.

Visa Duration and Conditions

• Validity Period: The AEWV can be issued for up to three years, depending on factors like wage rates and employment conditions.
• Job-Specific: The visa ties the worker to the specific employer, role, and location mentioned in the visa conditions.
• Bringing Family: AEWV holders can bring their partners and dependent children to New Zealand, subject to certain conditions, such as the visa holder earning above the median wage.

Benefits of AEWV for Migrants

• Pathway to Residency: In some cases, AEWV holders may become eligible for permanent residency, providing stability and long-term opportunities.
• Work Conditions: Workers benefit from fair wages and safe work environments mandated by New Zealand employment laws.
• Family Inclusion: This visa allows workers to bring their families to New Zealand, enhancing their overall experience.

Benefits for Accredited Employers

• Access to Talent: Employers can hire skilled workers for hard-to-fill roles.
• Streamlined Processes: Accredited employers enjoy faster visa processing times and reduced paperwork.
• Workforce Flexibility: Employers can sponsor multiple workers under one accreditation, enabling efficient workforce management.

Updates for 2025

Starting in 2025, the AEWV framework has undergone enhancements to provide more streamlined processes and ensure compliance with labor market standards. Employers and workers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these updates to maximize their benefits.

Key Interlinking Resources

If you’re exploring opportunities under the AEWV, you may also need the following information:

• NZeTA Visa
• New Zealand Visa
• NZeTA Travel Visa
• NZeTA Visa Information
• NZeTA Visa Status
• Submit NZeTA Online

These resources offer comprehensive details about travel and immigration requirements for entering New Zealand.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa is a game-changer for professionals and businesses alike. It provides opportunities for skilled workers to contribute to New Zealand’s economy while allowing employers to access global talent pools. By ensuring compliance with the rules and understanding the eligibility criteria, applicants and employers can make the most of this visa program.

With the right preparation and resources, your journey to working in New Zealand can be seamless and rewarding.