On April 7th, 2024 the New Zealand Minister of Immigration unveiled significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. These changes came into immediate effect and will have implications for both existing visa holders and prospective applicants. Changes to the length of AEWV If you currently hold an AEWV, these changes may impact your stay duration or eligibility for further AEWVs. If you applied for your first AEWV before June 21, 2023, and are in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job with a wage rate at or above the required AEWV level, your maximum stay duration of three years will no longer allow access to the full five-year maximum. If you’re in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job on a pathway to residence, these changes won’t affect you. For new applications, higher requirements for work experience and qualifications now apply. A standard of English proficiency is mandatory for roles assessed as ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 and if you’re working in specific roles, your stay duration in New Zealand may be shorter. New Minimum Skill Requirements Minimum Skill Requirements have been introduced when applying for an AEWV and you must provide evidence of your work experience or qualifications. This is in addition to the skills and qualifications required by your employer for the job. Unless your role is on the Green List or pays at least twice the median wage, you must have either:
If your qualification is below a Bachelor’s degree level, an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is necessary as evidence. New English Language Requirement If the job falls under ANZSCO level 4 or 5, demonstrating proficiency in spoken and written English is now a requirement. Revised Visa Duration and Stay Rules for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 Roles For ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs paying at or above the required AEWV wage rate the maximum visa length for an AEWV is now reduced to 2 years with the option to apply for an additional year with a new Job Check. The total continuous stay on one or more AEWVs is now limited to 3 years. After reaching the maximum continuous stay, you must leave New Zealand for a specified period (usually 12 months) before applying for another AEWV. These changes apply to those who applied for their first AEWV on or after April 7, 2024, or before June 21, 2023. There is a limited number of ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles that will be exempt from these changes including roles on the Green List, in transport and care sector agreements, and on a pathway to residence earning 1.5 times the median wage. The duration of an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the maximum continuous stay for individuals in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 jobs will continue to be 5 years.
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