Starting March 10, 2025, New Zealand’s second Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program comes into effect. This updated visa is designed to allow individuals already working in New Zealand under the first AEWV to extend their stay. If you hold a current AEWV and are nearing its expiration, you may qualify for reapplication under the new rules. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about the updated AEWV process, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and important deadlines.
What is the AEWV and Who Can Apply?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a key component of New Zealand’s immigration system, designed to enable skilled workers to live and work in the country. The AEWV program is crucial for employers in New Zealand who are looking to fill skilled labor shortages by hiring qualified workers from overseas.
The second AEWV is specifically aimed at individuals already in New Zealand on the first AEWV and looking to extend their stay or renew their work visa. However, for those who have not yet applied for the AEWV, they will need to apply for the first AEWV to be eligible for future extensions under the updated program.
Eligibility for Reapplying Under the New AEWV
To be eligible for reapplying for the AEWV, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Shorter Stay Duration: If your current AEWV’s duration is shorter than the maximum allowed continuous stay in New Zealand, you may qualify for an extension.
- Holding Multiple AEWVs: If you have held multiple AEWVs without exceeding the total permissible stay, you can apply for a new AEWV.
- Maximum Stay Limit Reached: If you’ve already reached the maximum stay limit on your AEWV(s), you must leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before reapplying.
Maximum Duration of Stay on the AEWV
The maximum continuous stay allowed under an AEWV ranges from three to five years, depending on your occupation’s skill level (as per ANZSCO) and the issuance date of your initial AEWV. It’s essential to understand your eligibility and the duration for which you can stay in New Zealand under the AEWV before planning your reapplication.
How to Apply for the Updated AEWV?
When your current AEWV is nearing expiration, it’s essential to initiate the reapplication process to avoid any gaps in your legal work status. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the second AEWV:
- Employer Job Token: Your employer must issue a job token. This is a unique link sent via email as part of the job check process.
- If your initial AEWV was issued on or before March 9, 2025, you may reuse your existing job token.
- For AEWVs applied on or after March 10, 2025, you will need to secure a new job token from your employer.
- Job Token Reuse: You can reuse your job token if:
- You remain with the same employer, working in the same role, at the same location.
- You continue to earn at least the same salary as your initial AEWV.
- New Job Token Requirement: If you are unable to reuse the job token (for example, if you are applying for the second AEWV after March 10, 2025), your employer must go through a new job check and issue a new job token for your application.
- Valid Medical and Police Certificates: Ensure that your medical and police certificates are up-to-date when submitting your reapplication. These documents are part of the visa process and must be valid at the time of application.
Also Read: UK Seasonal Worker Visa Extended for 5 More Years to Combat Labour Shortage: What You Need to Know
Important Exceptions to Consider
There are certain cases where you cannot reuse a job token, such as:
- If your AEWV was applied for on or after March 10, 2025.
- If you were paid less than NZD $29.66 per hour in specific low-wage occupations when you first received your AEWV.
In these cases, you will need to apply with a new job token, which your employer must obtain after going through the job check process again.
Family Members: Can They Apply for Visas?
One of the significant benefits of the AEWV is that family members (spouse and dependent children) can also apply for corresponding visas to stay in New Zealand. The length of the family visa will match the duration of the main applicant’s AEWV.
- If this is the first time you’re sponsoring your family’s visa applications, you must meet specific pay and skill requirements as part of the application process.
This allows skilled workers to bring their families along, providing a better quality of life and a sense of stability for everyone involved.
When Should You Apply?
The ideal time to apply for a new AEWV is when your current visa is about to expire. Ensure that you complete the application process before your visa lapses to avoid any potential issues with overstaying or illegal work status in New Zealand.
- Job Token Availability: Be sure that your employer has a valid job token when it’s time to reapply.
- Medical and Police Certificates: Keep track of your medical and police certificates and ensure they are valid at the time of application to avoid unnecessary delays.
Key Points to Remember
- AEWV Extension: If you are already on an AEWV, check your eligibility to extend your visa by meeting the required conditions.
- New Job Token: If your AEWV is applied for after March 10, 2025, you will need to go through the job check process and secure a new job token from your employer.
- Family Applications: Your family can apply for visas matching the duration of your AEWV, with specific pay and skill requirements.
- Reapplication Conditions: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, such as the duration of your current AEWV, before applying for an extension.
Conclusion
The updates to New Zealand’s second Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), starting March 10, 2025, streamline the process for workers wishing to extend their stay in the country. With clear guidelines on eligibility, application procedures, and the option to bring along family members, the AEWV provides a great opportunity for skilled workers seeking to further their careers and build a life in New Zealand.
For those nearing the expiration of their current AEWV, it’s crucial to apply for an extension in a timely manner, ensuring that all necessary documents and job tokens are in place. Always consult with your employer and immigration professionals to ensure a smooth application process and continued success in New Zealand’s thriving job market.
