INZ Expands List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
From 23 June 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will update and broaden the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, offering a more efficient route for visa applicants with overseas qualifications. This update introduces qualifications from nine additional countries, meaning applicants from these nations may no longer need to undergo an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) when […]
2025 reforms to the AEWV Announced
As an early Christmas present, Immigration New Zealand have announced a number of reforms to the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa), that are set to roll out across 2025. These changes aim to simplify processes, and include removing wage thresholds, easing work experience requirements, and improving the Job Check process. Key Changes Starting 27 January […]
Latest AEWV Processing Times
Immigration New Zealand have just updated their processing times for Accredited Employer Work Visa applications, Job Checks and Employer Accreditation. Visa/product type Average wait time 80% of applications Employer accreditations for AEWV Accreditation renewals 5 weeks 5 weeks 11 weeks 11 weeks Job checks (All roles) Job checks (Green list roles) Job checks (ANZSCO […]
Changes to Work Rights for Partners of Migrant Workers in New Zealand
From 2nd December 2024, the New Zealand government will expand open work rights to more partners of migrant workers. These changes aim to strengthen family ties and help fill critical gaps in the workforce. Key Changes: Eligibility for Open Work Rights: Partners of migrants holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can receive open work […]
Important Update for AEWV applicants with Partners and Children
Immigration New Zealand have just announced a significant change for Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants, applying to work in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 role. As of June 26, 2024, there are some changes to how AEWV holders can support visa applications for their partners and dependent children. Here’s a breakdown of what you […]
Significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, which are in place from today (7th April 2024). Current AEWV holders These changes do not impact AEWV holder’s current visa conditions or length, but may impact how long they can stay in New Zealand. They don’t impact already […]
Wage increase for AEWV paused
The New Zealand Government has announced they will paused the planned increase of the median wage rate for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) that was due to be introduced in February 2024. This means that the current wage rate of NZ$29.66 per hour will stay in place for most AEWVs. And the Care Workforce […]
Accredited Employer Work Visa extensions
From 27th November 2023, the maximum visa length for the AEWV increased from 3 to 5 years. If you currently hold a 3-year AEWV (that you applied for before 27th November 2023) and you are paid at least the median wage, you can apply to get the balance of the longer 5-year visa. Partners and […]
List of qualifications exempt from assessment updated
The “List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment” is a list which compares overseas qualifications to comparable New Zealand qualifications. If your qualification appears on this list, you do not need to pay for an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for your resident visa application, which can be both time […]
New median wage from February 2024
The New Zealand median wage will be increasing to NZ$36.61 per hour from February 2024 (currently NZ$29.66 per hour). This is going to impact a number of visas which have wage thresholds based on the median wage, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Category Visa, and some occupations in the Green List or […]
Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visas
From November 2023, the maximum duration of an Accredited Employer Work Visa will be extended from 3 years to 5 years After spending 5 years on an AEWV, you will need to spend 12 months outside of New Zealand, unless you are on a pathway to residence or have a residence application pending. Existing AEWV […]
New Zealand median wage increase
On 27th February 2023 the New Zealand median wage is increasing to NZD $29.66. This will impact the criteria to be eligible for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, and other visas (including the Skilled Migrant Work Visa, the Green List and Highly Paid Resident Visas) which also have median wage-related criteria. AEWV Job Checks If […]
Job Change enabled for Accredited Employer Work Visas
Immigration New Zealand have introduced the ability to apply for a variation of conditions (VOC), known as a Job Change, for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs). You can apply for a Job Change to change your employer, job, location or a combination of these. Your employer will need to be accredited and have a valid job […]