On April 7, 2024, the government announced immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The changes apply to existing AEWV holders, new applicants, and their employers.
The changes to the AEWV include:
- Introducing an English language requirement for migrants applying for low skilled level 4 and 5 roles;
- A minimum skills and work experience threshold for most AEWV roles;
- For roles that fall into the level 4 and 5, employers will need to engage with Work and Income before approval to bring in migrants will be granted;
- Reducing the maximum continuous stay for most level 4 and 5 roles from 5 years to three years;
- The franchisee accreditation category will be disestablished and these businesses will be to apply to bring in workers from overseas through the standard, high-volume, or triangular employment accreditation.
The requirements employers must meet to hire migrants on the AEWV have changed. There are now more requirements at the accreditation and Job Check stages and during the accreditation period. There are also higher work experience and qualification requirements for AEWV applicants, 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 for those working in specific roles.
The changes to Sector Agreements and the Green List include:
- The Transport Sector Agreement Work to Residence pathway for bus and truck drivers is closing to new applicants;
- Plans to add seven roles to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement, following the closure of the Recovery Visa are not progressing;
- Plans to add 11 occupations to the Green List are not progressing.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.