AEWV Employer Webinar

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process is a structured, three-stage system designed to ensure that New Zealand businesses hire migrants only when local labour is unavailable and that migrant workers are treated fairly. For employers, the process centres on proving organisational legitimacy and demonstrating a genuine need for an overseas worker.

The Three-Stage AEWV Process for Employers

To successfully hire a migrant worker under the AEWV scheme, an employer must complete the following steps in order.

Key Employer Requirements in 2026

• Pay at Market Rate: The previous “median wage” requirement for AEWV roles has been removed. You must now pay the market rate for the role—what a New Zealander would be paid for the same job in that specific region—provided it meets the current adult minimum wage.

• Genuine Full-Time Work: The position offered must be a genuine, full-time role of at least 30 hours per week. Casual or self-employed arrangements do not qualify.

• Ongoing Compliance: Accreditation is not a one-time event. You are legally required to maintain records, ensure the migrant has a valid employment agreement, and report any significant changes to the worker’s employment status (e.g., termination or resignation) to INZ.

Best Practices for Employers

• Prepare Financial Evidence: Having up-to-date evidence of your business’s financial viability and operational status ready before applying for accreditation can significantly reduce processing delays.

• Monitor Accreditation Expiry: Accreditation is time-limited. Set internal reminders to renew your status well before it expires to avoid disruptions to your ability to support migrant workers.

• Check Occupational Registration: If you are hiring for a regulated profession (e.g., nurse, electrician, engineer), ensure the candidate holds the necessary New Zealand professional registration before finalising the job offer.