Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Introduced: Road Map Ready

May 7, 2021

The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. It’s time to say ‘Hello’ and accept the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) introduced by New Zealand Government.

This new visa type called AEWV will be introduced on 1 November 2021 and will replace 6 of the existing temporary work visa categories.

So, let us begin by explaining what exactly is exciting about this new Temporary Work Visa System? It includes a simple 3-ways check visa application system. Therefore, no need to get puzzled up with the old and new rules till another amendment comes into effect. Take a sneak peek to avoid confusion.

This is an employer-led system, which simplifies the application process and makes it easier for businesses and regions to fill genuine skills shortages.

Let’s understand the employer-led new 3-check visa process.

Check 1 – Employers Check

Accreditation has become mandatory for all employers before they hire any migrant.

The accreditation levels are:

• standard accreditation — for employers who want to have up to 5 migrant workers on AEWVs at any one-time
• high-volume accreditation — for employers who want to have 6 or more migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.

Franchisees and employers wanting to place migrants on AEWVs with third parties (including labour-hire companies) will need to meet additional criteria to get accredited.

Check 2 – Job Check

This check will also confirm the job pays the market rate, the terms and conditions comply with NZ employment laws, and the employer has a labour market test to ensure there are no New Zealanders available to do the job that they want to fill.

Check 3 – Migration Worker Check

This is the last step in the AEWVs process. In this check, the migrant worker must show they meet INZ’s character, identity and health requirements, and meet the skills and experience stipulated as part of the employer’s job check application. If they meet all the requirements, they will be granted a visa to work in New Zealand.

An All-Time Opportunity For Better worker protection

This latest move will prove to be an important step to combat migrant exploitation by strengthening requirements on employers.  The changes are also necessary for encouraging employers to focus on ways to train and up-skill New Zealanders.

The system will reduce New Zealand’s dependency on lower-paid temporary workers, and can address productivity, skills and infrastructure challenges altogether. This will also increase the skill levels of migrants.

Important Dates One Need To Know

30 June 2021 is the last date to apply for Accreditation under the current voluntary accreditation scheme.

September 2021 is the month to apply for the new Accreditation.

Till 31 October, one can submit one of the visa types that is going to be changed/replaced.

1 November 2021 the wait period will be over as the new AEWV policy will become effective and be active for both employer and migrants.

If you want to know more about the new Accredited Employer Work Visa or if you have any queries, please contact us. Our team of experienced Licenced Immigration Advisers  is here to assist you with all your immigration-related queries and confusions, please contact us by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219