New Zealand’s 2nd Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Starting March 10, 2025: The New Zealand government has announced new updates to the second Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). These updates were introduced on March 10, 2025. They are designed for individuals currently working in New Zealand under the first AEWV. These individuals can use the updates to extend their stay. This visa is for people whose first AEWV is about to expire and who meet the requirements for reapplication. If you don’t have an AEWV now but want to work in New Zealand, you’ll need to apply for an AEWV. This will help you qualify for future renewals under this program.
Eligibility for Reapplying
You may be eligible for another AEWV if:
You’ve been in New Zealand for less time than you’re allowed to stay for.
You have had several AEWVs, but you have not stayed in the country for more than the allowed limit.
If you have used up all your allowed stays, you must leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before you can reapply.
Duration of Stay
The longest you can stay on an AEWV is three to five years. This depends on the ANZSCO skill level of your job and the date you got your first AEWV.
Application Process for a New AEWV
To apply for another AEWV, your employer must issue a job token. A job token is a unique link sent via email as part of the job check process. It’s important to note:
- If your first AEWV was applied for on or before March 9, 2025, you can reuse your most recent job token.
- For AEWVs applied for on or after March 10, 2025, you will need a new job token.
When to Apply?
It’s a good idea to apply for your new AEWV as your current one is about to expire. Make sure that any medical or police certificates you need are valid when you apply. Also, make sure your employer will have a valid job token by then.
Reusing a Job Token:
You can reuse a job token if you keep the same role, employer, and location, and your pay is the same as before. This option is only available if your current AEWV was issued on or before March 9, 2025.
Exceptions:
You applied for your AEWV on or after March 10, 2025.
You were paid less than NZD $29.66 per hour in certain low-wage jobs when you received your AEWV.
Applying with a New Job Token:
If you can’t reuse a job token, your employer must get a new job check and issue a new job token for your application.
Family Members
Your partner and dependent children may also apply for visas corresponding to the length of your new AEWV, as long as they meet the visa requirements and application fees. If this is the first time you are helping them with their visa application, you must meet specific pay and skill requirements.
Conclusion
New Zealand will begin offering a new work visa on March 10, 2025. This visa is for people who have the skills to work in jobs that don’t require a specific license. It will be good for people who want to work in New Zealand. This visa makes it easier for employers to hire foreign workers. It does this to deal with labor shortages and strengthen the country’s economy.
If you want to work and live in New Zealand, this visa program offers a simple and easy way to do it. Make sure to prepare your application and credentials in advance to take advantage of this new opportunity. New Zealand needs skilled professionals like you to contribute to its successful industries.
