AEWV guide for employers

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – A Guide for Migrants and Employers

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary pathway for skilled migrants to work legally for accredited employers. Introduced to simplify the hiring process and ensure worker protection, the AEWV combines previous work visa categories into one streamlined system.

What is the AEWV?

The AEWV is a temporary visa for migrants who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer who holds valid accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It is part of a three-step system:

1. Employer Accreditation
2. Job Check
3. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application

Each step must be successfully completed before a migrant can apply for the AEWV.

Who Can Apply for the AEWV?

You may be eligible for the AEWV if:

• The role has passed the Job Check process
• You have a full-time job offer (minimum 30 hours/week) from an accredited New Zealand employer
• The job is paid the market rate for that occupation
• You are “suitably qualified” for the role and you also meet the “minimum skills threshold”
• You meet the required health and character standards

Applicants may also need to meet registration or licensing requirements for regulated occupations (e.g., electricians, nurses, teachers).

Key Features of the AEWV

• Validity: Typically 3 or 5 years (varies based on wage rate and skill level)
• Pathway to residence: Roles on the Green List or earning 1.5 times the median wage (or higher) may lead to residence pathways
• Dependants: Partners and dependent children may be eligible to join on a visitor, student or work visa (partners only).
• Change of employer: Requires a new Job Check and Job Change application for people who hold valid AEWVs.

AEWV Application Process

Once the employer has passed accreditation and received an approved Job Check, the applicant must:

1. Create a RealMe account if one has not been created already
2. Complete the AEWV application online
3. Upload relevant employment documents
4. Provide passport copy, medicals (if required), and police certificates
5. Pay the visa fee (currently NZ$1540)

Processing time typically ranges from 10 to 30 working days, depending on complexity.

What Is a Job Token?

A job token is a unique identifier generated by Immigration New Zealand after a Job Check is approved. The employer provides this token to the migrant worker, who must use it when applying for their AEWV.

Post-Visa Obligations for Employers

Once a migrant starts working, the accredited employer must:

• Provide settlement information to the worker
• Ensure the worker receives the agreed wage and employment terms
• Not recover recruitment costs from the migrant
• Inform INZ of any major changes (e.g., redundancy or job role change)

Post-Visa Obligations for Migrants

AEWV holders must:

• Work only for the accredited employer and role listed in their visa
• Inform INZ of material changes in circumstances
• Apply for a variation or new visa if changing jobs or employers

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Incorrect Job Check or ANZSCO code: This can result in delays or rejections. Always ensure role alignment.
2. Low wage rate: Applications are often declined if the wage falls below the market rate. The market rate is the rate paid to New Zealand workers for similar work. INZ refers to several sources for salary information to find out what the market rate is for a particular occupation.
3. Incomplete documentation: Ensure medicals, police clearances, and work contracts are complete.

Why Choose Visa Matters for AEWV Support?

With multiple licensed immigration advisers and years of experience, Visa Matters simplifies the AEWV process for both employers and migrants. We:

• Review job offers for compliance with employment and immigration law
• Select the correct ANZSCO classification
• Advise on wage compliance and role eligibility
• Manage documentation and timelines

Final Thoughts

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the backbone of New Zealand’s skilled migration programme. Whether you’re an employer facing skills shortages or a migrant looking to build a future in New Zealand, getting the AEWV process right is critical.

Contact Visa Matters today to ensure a smooth and successful AEWV journey.