Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – A Phased Approach

Update as of 7 April 2022

• INZ released further updates on the fee and estimated processing timeframes for the 3 steps to hiring a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Find out here!

Update as of 22 March 2022:

• INZ released further updates on the accreditation and job check steps. Please see them here.

Update as of 16 July 2021:

• INZ has deferred the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) policy from 1 November 2021 to mid-2022.
• INZ has also deferred the new Employer Accreditation system from 1 November 2021 to mid-2022. 
• Official dates and for both the policy and the system are yet to be announced.

This has been a long time coming. After the first glimpses of announcements in 2019, we finally have a name and a launch date for a new temporary work visa.  The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will replace key work visa categories i.e., Essential Skills, Talent (Accredited Employer) and Long Term Skill Shortage List; and will begin in mid-2022.

This date will also see a whole new process come into place – a 3-tiered employer led system where the actual work visa by the foreign worker will only be submitted at the third step. This simply means that accreditation will be mandatory for any employer supporting a migrant worker on AEWV from mid-2022.

However, this is not an abrupt transition – it is a phased approach starting 30 June 2021. Here’s what it looks like:

30 June 2021

On this day, 2 employer policies are closing to new and renewal applications: Accredited Employer (Talent – Accredited Employer) and Labour Hire Accreditation. If any employers want to use these schemes, then their applications must be submitted by 30 June. This date is significant because it provides a very small window for any employers still wanting to be accredited, and support employees on Talent (Work to Residence) Work Visas.

Late September 2021 

Sometime around the end of September, INZ’s portals will open to accept applications under the new accreditation system. This gives those employers wanting accreditation sooner than later a chance to get a month or so head start.

31 October 2021

This date is critical as any Essentials Skills, Talent Accredited Employer (Work to Residence) and Long-term Skill Shortage Skills Visas must be submitted by then. This would be especially relevant to employees of those employers who do not want to become accredited anytime soon.

1 November 2021

The whole process changes and the full AEWV policy and 3-check system is officially live.

Note: INZ has delayed the start of the Accredited Employer Work Visa and employer accreditation scheme until mid-2022. Learn more.

Immigration Simplified

Providing professional immigration advice and support for over 15 years. Aims Global is an agile team of licensed immigration advisers and experts who are skilled advocates for our clients and are always at the forefront of policy changes.

Our mission is to help our clients achieve their goals through simplifying the complex immigration process. We are experts in understanding your needs so we can fulfil your purpose, whether you’re an employer, employee, student, or family.

Contact us now to find out more: https://www.aimsglobal.co.nz/contact-us