New changes for “Accredited Employer Work Visa” are in effect now in New Zealand. This means starting June 26, 2024, people with an AEWV in jobs classified at levels 4 and 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and without a path to residency can no longer sponsor visa applications for their partners or dependent children.
AEWV fees start from NZD 750. Almost 80% of visa applications under this stream are processed in about 4 months.
Exceptions for family members under new AWEV rules
However, partners and dependent children can still apply for their visas to come to New Zealand. They can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or an international student visa if they meet the requirements.
The government has made this change to align with other recent adjustments to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, returning to similar settings as the previous Essential Skills Work Visa. As per the New Zealand immigration department, this change will not affect:
| Category | Description |
| People who already hold visas as a partner or dependent child | Individuals who currently possess visas under partner or dependent child categories. |
| AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with a pathway to residency | Workers holding AEWV in lower ANZSCO levels who have pathways to residency through Green List, sector agreements, or earning high wages. |
| People with ongoing applications as a partner or dependent child | Individuals with pending applications under partner or dependent child categories, processed by the rules in effect at the time of application. |
What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Accredited Employer Work Visa allows you to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer offering at least 30 hours of work per week. The duration of this visa is 5 years. It allows you to work in New Zealand under conditions where the employer meets accreditation standards and offers sufficient weekly hours. Other benefits are:
| Eligibility | Details |
| Study for up to 3 months in any 12 month period, or do required study as part of employment | Qualifies individuals to apply for visas such as Straight to Residence, and Work to Residence (including Care Workforce and Transport visas), based on specific criteria. |
| Eligible to apply for certain visas | Qualifies individuals to apply for visas such as Straight to Residence, Work to Residence (including Care Workforce and Transport visas), based on specific criteria. |
| Use skilled work experience in NZ for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa points | Allows individuals to claim points towards the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa based on their skilled work experience acquired in New Zealand. |