Understanding the New Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand

Navigating the AEWV Changes

Effective from 27 November 2023, New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program has undergone significant changes. These updates, including the introduction of a 'maximum continuous stay' and adjustments in visa lengths, are crucial for applicants to understand. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these changes, complete with examples, to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.

New 'Maximum Continuous Stay' Rule

A key change is the introduction of a 'maximum continuous stay' for AEWV holders. This rule sets a limit on how long individuals can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV before needing to leave the country to be eligible for another AEWV.

• For those paid at or above the median wage or the level 4 pay rate in the care workforce sector, the maximum continuous stay is 5 years.

Extended AEWV Lengths

The maximum visa length for AEWV holders has been increased, depending on the wage level and sector.

• For individuals earning at least the median wage, the AEWV can now last up to 5 years.

• In the care workforce sector, for those paid at level 3 and 4 pay rates, the maximum visa length is now 3 years.

Illustrative Example:

Consider an AEWV holder paid at least the median wage from 27 November 2023:

• Their visa may last for up to 5 years.

• They can spend up to 5 years on one or more AEWVs.

• After 5 years, to apply for another AEWV, they must spend at least 12 months outside New Zealand.

• Once they've spent the required time abroad, they may be eligible for another AEWV for up to 5 years.

Understanding 'Maximum Continuous Stay'

The 'maximum continuous stay' is the total duration you can be on an AEWV before a mandatory period outside New Zealand is required.

Visa Length vs. Continuous Stay

It's important to note that the maximum visa length may not always match the maximum continuous stay.

Example for Clarity:

Imagine a bus driver in the transport sector paid below the median wage:

• Their maximum visa length is 3 years.

• Their maximum continuous stay is 5 years.

• They can initially get a 3-year AEWV.

• Before the end of 3 years, they can apply for a second AEWV, but only for up to 2 years, aligning with the 5-year continuous stay limit.

Calculating Maximum Continuous Stay

This duration is counted from when your first AEWV was issued or your arrival in New Zealand on an AEWV. Time on an AEWV approved before 27 November 2023 counts towards this maximum stay.

Reaching Maximum Continuous Stay

Upon reaching this limit, you must leave New Zealand for a specified period to be eligible for another AEWV. The required time outside New Zealand varies based on wage levels and sectors.

Pathway to Residence Considerations

Individuals on a pathway to residence may apply for another AEWV without the 12-month overseas period, under certain conditions.

Longer Visa Length for Specific Roles

• Roles paid at least the median wage have seen an increase in AEWV length from 3 to 5 years.

• For care workforce roles paid below the median wage, the maximum AEWV length has increased from 2 to 3 years.

Applying for AEWV Balance

If you have an existing AEWV, you may apply for the balance of the longer visa. This process requires the standard AEWV application fee.

Order of Processing Applications with Reused Job Tokens

Applications for AEWV balance with reused job tokens are queued and processed based on the current AEWV's expiry date.

Implications for Partners and Children

Partners and dependent children of AEWV holders are eligible for further visas matching the AEWV length, subject to usual visa requirements.

Understanding the AEWV Updates

These changes to the AEWV are designed to streamline the visa process and provide clearer pathways for workers and their families in New Zealand. This guide aims to offer comprehensive and easy-to-understand insights into the updated AEWV program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Updated Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand

What is the 'maximum continuous stay' for AEWV holders?

The 'maximum continuous stay' is the total time you can be on an AEWV before you must spend time outside New Zealand to be eligible for another AEWV. For those paid at or above the median wage, it's 5 years.

How has the AEWV length changed for those earning at least the median wage?

For individuals earning at least the median wage, the AEWV length has increased from 3 to 5 years.

What are the new AEWV length changes for the care workforce sector?

For the care workforce sector, the maximum visa length for those paid at level 3 and 4 pay rates has increased to 3 years.

Can you provide an example of how the new AEWV rules work?

If you are paid at least the median wage and receive an AEWV from 27 November 2023, your visa can last up to 5 years. After 5 years, you must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before applying for another AEWV.

Is the maximum visa length always the same as the maximum continuous stay?

No, the maximum visa length is not always the same as the maximum continuous stay. If the continuous stay is longer, subsequent AEWVs can only be approved up to the length of the maximum continuous stay.

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How is the maximum continuous stay calculated?

It is counted from when your first AEWV was issued or when you arrived in New Zealand on an AEWV. Time on an AEWV approved before 27 November 2023 also counts towards this maximum stay.

What happens when I reach my maximum continuous stay?

You must leave New Zealand for at least the required amount of time to be eligible for another AEWV. The required time outside New Zealand varies based on your wage level and sector.

Can I apply for another AEWV without spending time outside New Zealand if I am on a pathway to residence?

Yes, you can apply for another AEWV without the overseas period if you are on a recognized pathway to residence and meet certain conditions.

What should I do if I have an existing AEWV?

You may be eligible to apply for the balance of the longer visa length. This requires the standard AEWV application fee and adherence to specific requirements.

How are applications for AEWV balance processed?

Applications with reused job tokens are queued and processed based on the expiry date of the current AEWV.

For more information or assistance, please feel free to contact us directly.