Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a visa for migrant workers who have been offered employment by an accredited employer in New Zealand. This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand, provided the job meets Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements.

To apply for an AEWV, the following three steps must be completed:
1️⃣ Employer Accreditation – The employer must be accredited by INZ.
2️⃣ Job Check Approval – The employer must have an approved Job Check, proving no New Zealanders are available for the role.
3️⃣ AEWV Application – The migrant worker applies for the visa, submitting required documents.

Important: AEWV holders may be eligible for residence under New Zealand’s Green List pathway or Work to Residence visa after meeting specific conditions.

Key Requirements for an AEWV Application

1️⃣ General Requirements

✔ The applicant must have a valid job offer from an accredited employer.
✔ The employer must hold a valid accreditation (not expired or suspended).
✔ The job must match the details approved in the Job Check (e.g., job title, location, pay).
✔ The applicant must meet qualification and skill requirements for the role.
✔ The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

2️⃣ Required Documents for an AEWV Application

✔ Signed Employment Agreement (matching Job Check details).
✔ Signed Job Offer Letter (if separate from the Employment Agreement).
✔ Job Check Number from the employer (proof of an approved Job Check).
✔ Evidence of relevant qualifications and experience, such as:
🔹 Employer references, tax records, or payslips (for work experience).
🔹 Qualification certificates (for education).
✔ Proof of English language ability (for some ANZSCO skill level 4 & 5 roles).

Employment Requirements for an AEWV

To be eligible for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the job offered must match the details approved in the Job Check. This ensures transparency and prevents job substitution, which could lead to a visa rejection.

1️⃣ Job Must Match Job Check Details

The Job Check process ensures that:
✔ The role was genuinely advertised to New Zealand workers first.
✔ The salary and conditions meet NZ employment standards.
✔ The employer is accredited and compliant with INZ rules.

For an AEWV to be approved, the job details in the visa application must be the same as those in the approved Job Check, including:

🔹 Job Title & Occupation Code – The job title and ANZSCO occupation code must be the same. Example: If a Job Check was approved for a Construction Project Manager (133111), the AEWV cannot be for a Site Supervisor or Civil Engineer.

🔹 Job Location – The visa applicant must work at the same location specified in the Job Check. If the business has multiple branches, the location must match what was approved.

🔹 Pay Rate & Salary Conditions –

– The pay must fall within the range approved in the Job Check.
– The employer cannot lower the salary after Job Check approval (exceptions apply only if the Job Check was submitted before 9 March 2025, and the reduced pay is still at market rate).
– Pay must comply with New Zealand’s median wage thresholds (some sectors have higher minimum pay requirements).

🔹 Hours of Work –

– Must be full-time (30+ hours per week).
– The guaranteed minimum hours cannot be lower than what was in the Job Check.
– If the Job Check approved a range of hours (e.g., 30-40 hrs/week), the AEWV must reflect the same range.

🔹 Contract & Employment Terms –

– The visa applicant must receive the same job offer and employment agreement submitted for the Job Check.
– The contract cannot include trial periods (as per INZ rules).
– Any leave entitlements, bonuses, or overtime conditions must be equal to or better than those in the Job Check.

⚠ Important:
If the job does not match the approved Job Check, the AEWV will be declined. Employers must submit a new Job Check if there are major changes to the job details.

🟦 Maximum Continuous Stay Period

AEWV holders can only stay in New Zealand for a limited time before they must leave for 12 months or transition to residence. The maximum stay depends on the job:

🔵 5 years – For ANZSCO skill levels 1-3 jobs, Green List roles, and some transport and healthcare roles.
🔵 3 years – For most ANZSCO skill level 4-5 roles.

AEWV holders must leave NZ for 12 months before applying for a new AEWV unless they qualify for a residence pathway.

🟦 Work Visa for Dependents of AEWV Holders

AEWV holders may support visa applications for their partners and children, provided they meet income requirements.

🔵 Partner’s Visa Options:

🔹 Open work visa (if the AEWV holder earns at least $29.66 per hour).
🔹 Visitor visa (if the AEWV holder earns below the required amount).

🔵 Children’s Visa Options:

🔹 Student Visa (for dependent children attending school).
🔹 Visitor Visa (for preschool-age children).

Important: If an AEWV holder’s dependent child’s visa is declined, the AEWV holder may be subject to deportation.

How MK Law Can Help You

At MK Law, we specialize in Accredited Employer Work Visa applications for both workers and employers. Our legal expertise ensures that applications are processed smoothly, without delays or refusals.

🔷 For Employers:

🟦 Assess and prepare Job Offers & Employment Agreements to ensure compliance.
🟦 Ensure Job Check details match AEWV applications to prevent rejections.
🟦 Advise on accreditation renewal & ongoing compliance.

🔷 For Workers:

🟦 Complete AEWV applications with all required evidence.
🟦 Ensure work experience & qualifications meet INZ requirements.
🟦 Handle AEWV rejections & appeals, ensuring a second chance at approval.

🔷Dependents & Family Support:

🟦 Assist AEWV holders in applying for partner & children’s visas.
🟦 Advise on minimum income thresholds for supporting family members.
🟦 Help AEWV holders transition to residence if eligible.

Why Choose MK Law?

✔ NZ Immigration & Employment Law Experts – Extensive experience with AEWV cases.
✔ Minimize Delays & Rejections – Ensuring applications are strong and complete.
✔ Guidance for Employers & Workers – Helping both businesses and migrants succeed.
✔ Fast & Effective Appeals – Fighting refusals and protecting your immigration status.