For businesses and employers requiring migrant workers, New Zealand Immigration has provided an update on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
In the first instance, employers and businesses are encouraged to train, upskill, and look to the local talent pool where possible. But when genuine skill or labour shortages exist, accredited employers can hire skilled migrant workers using the AEWV.
Employers and business owners must be accredited to employ migrants on the new visa. A three step process has been outlined:
AEWV accreditation applications will be available online only from Monday 23 May 2022.
The estimated processing timeframe for standard and high-volume accreditation is 10 working days, where the employer has a standard business model, no history of non-compliance and all information necessary to make a decision has been provided with the application.
Please take note that employers who do not plan to hire migrant workers on AEWVs in July do not need to apply for accreditation immediately. Employers should apply when you plan to start using your accreditation.
Once you are accredited, you need to apply for a job check for each job you want to hire a migrant worker for. The estimated processing timeframe is 10 working days.
The AEWV will be available from Monday 4 July 2022, with an estimated processing timeframe of 20 working days.
How much does it cost?
There are different fees depending on the type of accreditation employers and business owners apply for. Full details are available from New Zealand Immigration.
Pathway to residence
A pathway to residence will be introduced in the future for migrants who have held an AEWV for at least two years and are paid at least 200% of the median wage.
