AEWV Policy Updates: Key Changes and Clarifications

Kia ora everyone,

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has recently released important updates and clarifications regarding the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) policy. As your trusted immigration advisors at Surani Associates, we want to keep you informed about these changes and how they might affect your immigration journey.

Key Policy Updates:

1. Work Experience Recognition:

   • Experience in the same field or industry as the job offered is now considered relevant.

   • Example: Kitchenhand experience is relevant for a Chef position.

2. New Requirements for Existing AEWV Holders:

   • New requirements don't apply retrospectively to those who arrived on an AEWV before the policy changes.

   • Requirements apply when applying for a new AEWV or balance of stay.

3. Skill Level Recognition:

   • For roles like caregivers (ANZSCO skill level 4), recognition at a higher skill level depends on the role's requirements, not the applicant's skills.

4. Employer Obligations:

   • Employers must sight and record evidence of work experience and qualifications.

   • A letter of support from the employer might suffice in some cases.

5. Maximum Continuous Stay (MCS) Extensions:

   • ANZSCO skill level 4 holders with 36 months MCS can potentially extend to 5 years if offered a skill level 3 job.

   • Previous NZ work experience can count towards meeting minimum skill requirements.

6. Qualification Requirements:

   • Bachelor's degrees or higher don't require NZQA assessment.

   • Level 4-6 certificates and Level 7 diplomas require NZQA assessment.

7. Job Advertisements and ANZSCO Requirements:

   • Job requirements in advertisements don't need to exactly match ANZSCO, but significant deviations may raise concerns with INZ.

8. Green List Occupations:

   • Roles on the Green List are eligible for a 5-year maximum continuous stay.

9. Employment New Zealand (ENZ) Modules:

   • Required for all organisations involved in recruitment, regardless of HR team size or experience.

These updates aim to clarify various aspects of the AEWV policy and provide more flexibility in certain areas. However, they also introduce new considerations for both employers and visa applicants.

At Surani Associates, we're here to help you navigate these changes. Whether you're an employer looking to hire international talent or a visa holder planning your next steps, our team can provide tailored advice to ensure you meet all new requirements.

Remember, immigration policies can be complex and subject to change. It's always best to seek professional advice for your specific situation. If you have any questions about these updates or need assistance with your visa application, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and let's work together to achieve your immigration goals in Aotearoa New Zealand.