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The Accredited Employer Work Visa - Accredited Employer NZ Opportunities
The Accredited Employer NZ Work Visa (AEWV) is a pivotal pathway for skilled overseas workers seeking employment in New Zealand. This visa specifically allows workers to take on jobs with accredited employers in NZ who meet the eligibility criteria for hiring international talent.
This program has successfully brought countless skilled individuals to New Zealand, enriching various sectors. If you meet the requirements for the AEWV Work Visa, this could be your perfect opportunity to live and work in New Zealand.
Understanding the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) & the NZ Accreditation Process
The AEWV is a job-based temporary work visa, representing one of New Zealand’s most prominent work visa options. It is specifically designed to address skill shortages across various industries, enabling overseas workers to fill roles where local talent is currently unavailable. Accredited employers in NZ benefit by connecting with promising overseas workers, potentially finding highly skilled employees for their teams. Currently,
Accredited Employer NZ Work Visas are being granted for up to five-year stays, offering significant stability for workers during their time in New Zealand.
The AEWV process involves three key steps:
- Employer Accreditation. Before a NZ employer can hire a migrant worker with the AEWV, they must become accredited and provide accurate information regarding their company and the listed role that needs to be filled. This will ensure that the employer meets all the specific standards and obligations for accredited employers, including providing genuine job offers to eligible candidates and supporting the rights of migrant workers. It is extremely important to know that not just any employer can hire workers with the AEWV, and if you are an employer, you must become accredited before extending any job offers with this visa.
- Job Check. After an employer gains accreditation, they must then undergo a job check. This is where the job offer is officially assessed to see that it meets New Zealand’s employment standards, such as minimum wage requirements. This will verify that the offered job is a genuine position, and that the employer has truly tried to fill the role with a local New Zealand worker before seeking overseas help.
- Migrant Check. The ultimate step in the process is to ensure the overseas worker applying for the AEWV is eligible for the visa and fit for the job. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will assess their qualifications, work experience and other pertinent credentials. The migrant will also need to meet all other important requirements before they apply, such as being in good health and having good character. INZ manages visa applications and will ensure everything is in order before a migrant is granted a visa.
Key Requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa: NZ Employer & Worker Criteria
For a successful AEWV visa application, both the NZ employer and the potential overseas employee must meet specific requirements:
- Median Wage. The applicant must be paid at least the New Zealand median wage. However, there may be exceptions to this rule if the worker works for a certain industry sector, such as care workforce, hospitality, tourism, and transport. In these sectors, lower wages may be permissible.
- Employee Agreement. The employment agreement must clearly outline the job role, salary, and maximum hours to be worked every week. This is essential, as INZ will use it to determine if the hourly pay rate meets the median wage requirements.
- No 90-Day Trial Clause. Due to multiple cases of migrant exploitation, employment agreements for AEWV holders can no longer include a 90-day trial clause as of October 2023. While it is possible that this may be reinstated for other workers, it is expected that AEWV holders will keep this protection.
Expert Assistance for Your Accredited Employer NZ Journey with ASIC
Being granted an Accredited Employer NZ Work Visa can be a life-changing opportunity, but the application process can often be complex for both NZ employers and prospective employees. Working with an experienced immigration adviser or consultant can significantly streamline the process, improve chances of success, and clarify any confusion for all involved parties.
At Auckland South Immigration Consultants (ASIC), we understand that every visa case is unique. Therefore, we are committed to providing personalised support and expert assistance tailored to your specific requirements for navigating the Accredited Employer NZ system. We work closely with our clients to ensure we are always aligned and strongly encourage you to voice any concerns or questions you have. We know the visa process can be stressful, especially given how profoundly a visa can impact your life. Our aim is to support you every step of the way on your Accredited Employer Work Visa journey.
If you are interested in other visa pathways, such as a visitor visa, student visa, or residence visa, our team will also be happy to help.