Temporary Accredited Employer Work Visa Skill Exemptions for Key Sectors

The government is implementing temporary measures to prevent shortages in specific sectors, while it continues to deliberate on long-term changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Starting on 8 September 2024, certain roles in specified sectors will be eligible for an exemption from the AEWV minimum skill requirement.

Meat and Seafood Processing:

New visa applicants who secure a position under the 2024/25 cap within the meat or seafood processing sector agreement are eligible.

Tourism and Hospitality:

Existing visa holders in roles within this sector that are exempt from the February 2023 median wage requirement qualify if their visa expires on or before 31 March 2025. They must be applying for another 1-year AEWV and their application must be for the same occupation.

Care Workforce:

Existing visa holders with roles covered by the care workforce sector agreement are eligible if their visa was granted between 4 July 2022 and 23 November 2023, they earned at least NZD$26.16 per hour, and they are seeking to apply for another 1-year AEWV for the same occupation.

These changes allow AEWV applicants to bypass the minimum skill requirements established in April 2024. However, they must still fulfil any criteria specified by employers in the Job Check application. These adjustments are part of a comprehensive review of the AEWV to ensure its effectiveness. The consultation process for exploring potential long-term enhancements to the AEWV will continue throughout the year.

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