On March 10, 2025, the New Zealand government unveiled the updated second Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which is intended for people who are already employed in the country under the first AEWV and would like to stay longer. This visa is intended just for people who meet the requirements for reapplication and whose original AEWV is about to expire. To be eligible for future renewals under this program, those who do not currently hold an AEWV but are interested in working in New Zealand will need to apply for their first AEWV.
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Who is Eligible to Reapply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
You can reapply for another AEWV if:
- Your current AEWV is less than the longest you are permitted to remain in New Zealand.
- Despite holding several AEWVs, you have not gone over the maximum amount of time that is allowed.
- You must depart New Zealand for a minimum of 12 months before reapplying if your AEWV(s) has reached its maximum stay limit.
What is the Duration of stay?
Depending on your original AEWV’s issuance date and the ANZSCO skill level of your position, the maximum continuous stay on an AEWV can be anywhere between three and five years.
How to Apply for a New Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Your employer must provide a job token, a special link supplied by email as part of the job check procedure, for you to apply for another AEWV. Notably:
- You may utilize your most recent employment token if you apply for your first AEWV on or before March 9, 2025.
- A new employment token is needed for AEWVs that are applied for on or after March 10, 2025.
When to Apply for AEWV?
Applying for a new AEWV is advised as your current one is about to expire. Verify the validity of any necessary police or medical certificates at the time of application. By then, be sure your employer will have a legitimate job token.
Reusing a Job Token: If you continue to work in the same position for the same company, at the same location, and for the same salary, you can reuse a job token. Only AEWVs issued on or before March 9, 2025, are eligible for this option.
Exceptions: A job token cannot be used again if
- You applied for your AEWV on or after March 10, 2025.
- In some low-wage occupations, you were paid less than NZD $29.66 per hour at the time of your AEWV.
Applying with a fresh Job Token: Your employer must obtain a fresh job check and issue a new job token for your application if reusing a job token is not an option.
Can Family Members Apply?
If they fulfill the conditions and pay the application fees, your partner and dependent children may also apply for visas that match the length of your new AEWV. You have to fulfill certain wage and skill requirements if this is your first time supporting their visa application.
Announcement: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/applying-for-your-aewv-balance.
