If you have skills or expertise and have been offered full-time work by an accredited employer, then you may be eligible for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
The Government has now confirmed the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be introduced on 4 July 2022.
The new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application process will be employer led.
The migrant will need to meet the skills and experience stipulated as part of the job check.
The system will introduce 3 checks before an employer can hire a migrant worker:
The employer check will replace 3 current employer schemes:
These employer schemes closed to new and renewing applications on 30 June 2021.
To pass the employer check you need accreditation in the new system. Only accredited employers can hire a migrant worker on the AEWV.
The accreditation must be held by the direct employer named on the migrant worker’s employment agreement.
Franchisees and employers wanting to place migrants on AEWVs with controlling third parties (including labour hire companies) will need to meet additional criteria to get accredited.
Immigration New Zealand will provide a further detailed definition of what franchisee business models must meet these requirements before the AEWV is introduced.
The job check will confirm the job pays the market rate, the terms and conditions comply with our employment laws, and the employer has done a labour market test if required.
A labour market test shows that the employer has genuinely advertised the role to New Zealanders and there are no New Zealanders available to do the job.
For jobs paying below the median wage, the labour market test includes checking with the Ministry of Social Development.
Jobs paying 200% of the median wage do not need a labour market test.
Jobs paying at, or above, the median wage in regions also do not need a labour market test.
In cities, jobs that are on a skills shortage list and pay at, or above, the median wage don’t need a labour market test.
Employers pay for a job check and can only hire a migrant worker if the job check is passed.
The migrant worker check is where the migrant worker applies for a visa.
It is the last step in the AEWV process. The migrant must show they meet INZ’s character, identity and health requirements, and meet the skills and experience stipulated as part of the employer’s job check application.
Migrant workers or employers pay for this check.
The Government has decided to defer the introduction of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa until 4 July 2022.
Employers will be able to apply for accreditation before the AEWV is introduced, from 23 May 2022.
Employers accredited under the current system will need to apply and meet the policy requirements of the new accreditation system.
Employers only need to be accredited under the new system when they want to start hiring migrants on AEWVs.
Employers can support work visa applications under the Essential Skills work visa category until the AEWV is introduced.
In between the existing Labour Hire Accreditation closing and the new accreditation policy being implemented, Labour Hire Accreditation will not be mandatory for labour hire employers supporting Essential Skills Work Visas for jobs in the construction industry in the Canterbury region.
The Government has deferred the introduction of the AEWV until mid-2022. When the AEWV is introduced, it will replace 6 temporary work visas.
Your potential employer must complete the employer accreditation and job check before you apply for a work visa.
If you have a current temporary work visa you will not be affected as long as you are meeting your visa conditions and your visa remains valid.
If you have a Residence from Work visa application underway (requiring a further Work to Residence visa to be granted residence), you will be able to continue this process if you remain with your employer.
The changes to accredited employer work visas will not affect other work visas holders.
If you held a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and been employed in New Zealand by an accredited employer for more than 2 years, you may be eligible for this residence visa.
The AEWV replaces these 6 work visas:
The following temporary work visas will not be changed by the new visa system:
Important to know: Current work visas remain valid until their expiry date if all employment conditions are met.
Read more about Employer Accreditation and what that means for you as a migrant.
If you are a New Zealand employer thinking of employing migrants, we invite you to attend our Employer Webinar specifically tailored to give New Zealand employers the necessary information required to become accredited and apply the new Accredited Employer Visa policy.
