If you currently have an AEWV, these changes could affect how long you can stay before you need to spend time outside New Zealand for your eligibility to be granted a further AEWV.

If you applied for your first AEWV before 21 June 2023 and are in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 jobs, paying at or above the required AEWV wage rate, and currently hold a three-year AEWV, you will no longer be able to access the maximum time of five years.

If you are in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job on a pathway to residence, you will not be affected by these changes.

If you apply for a further AEWV on or after 7 April 2024, you will have to meet the updated criteria. If you are in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 job you may not be able to stay and work in New Zealand for the maximum time of five years.

What is changing for new AEWV applications?

There are now higher work experience and qualification requirements, a standard of English for people applying to work in roles assessed as ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5, and a shorter stay in New Zealand if you are working in specific roles.

New minimum skill requirement.

If you are applying for an AEWV you will need to show evidence of your work experience or qualifications. 

This is in addition to the skills and qualifications that your employer has identified as necessary for the job. Your employer will also need to check you meet the skill requirements before they offer you the job.

Unless your role is on the Green List and meets the Green List role requirements, or is paid at least twice the median wage, you must now have:

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, or...
• a relevant qualification at level 4 or above of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Evidence of your qualification must be accompanied by an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if it is below the Bachelor’s degree level. To meet the work experience requirement, you must provide evidence proving you did the work — you cannot include documents that you wrote.

Minimum standard of English.

If the job is ANZSCO level 4 or 5, you need to show that you can speak and understand English.

This requirement will not apply to current applications, or people travelling as the partner or child of AEWV applicant.

Shorter visa length and stay in New Zealand for some jobs.

For ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs paying at or above the required AEWV wage rate, the maximum visa length for an AEWV is reduced to 2 years, with the ability to apply for one more year with a new Job Check.

The total time you can stay in New Zealand (also called a maximum continuous stay: MCS) on one or more AEWVs is reduced to 3 years. When you get to the end of your maximum continuous stay you will need to leave New Zealand for a specified amount of time — normally 12 months — before you can apply for another AEWV.

These changes will apply to anyone who applied for their first AEWV on or after 7 April 2024 or before 21 June 2023.

Some ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs will not be affected by these changes, including those:

• On the Green List
• In transport and care sector agreements, and on a pathway to residence
• Earning 1.5 times the median wage.

The length of an AEWV and maximum continuous stay for people in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 jobs will remain 5 years.



Advisa Immigration Services continues to get regular INZ updates on how these new instructions will impact current visa holders. 

If you have a particular question, feel free to reach out for our obligation-free assistance.

Kind Regards,

Steve Baker
General Manager
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044
P: 03 353 0680
M: 027 212 5483