Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

From the 27 November 2023, the following changes will take effect:

-        The introduction of a 5 year ‘maximum continuous stay’ for most AEWV holders.

-        Increases of the maximum length of the AEWV to five years for those earning at least the median wage and 3 years for those in the care workforce sector.

-        Current eligible AEWV holders will have an option to apply for the balance of the longer five-year or three-year visa; their current visas will not extend automatically.

Both employers and workers will need to meet criteria to apply for the balance of the longer visa.

As Immigration New Zealand is predicting a large number of balance applications, it will prioritise the processing of those where the applicant’s current AEWV will expire within the next nine months.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the team at D&S Law and we will be happy to help.