How Long Can You Stay on an Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ?
- iclegalnz
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme is a gateway for skilled migrants to live and work in the country under the sponsorship of a government-approved employer. Understanding the maximum stay period, renewal process, and pathways to residence is crucial for both employees and sponsoring companies. In this article, we provide an authoritative breakdown of how long you can stay on an AEWV and what factors determine your eligibility for extensions or residence.
Understanding the Validity of the Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ
The standard Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ is generally issued for a period of up to three years, depending on several factors including the job offer, wage thresholds, and occupation classification. However, not all applicants receive the same duration, as visa length can vary based on:
The employer’s accreditation status
The duration of the job offer
The occupation and whether it’s listed on the Green List
The salary offered in relation to the median wage
As of 2024, to be eligible for a visa longer than 24 months, the job must pay at or above the median wage threshold, currently set at NZD $29.66 per hour. Otherwise, the visa may be capped at a maximum of two years.
Maximum Stay: Up to 5 Years with Pathways to Residence
In some cases, it is possible to stay in New Zealand for up to five years on an AEWV. This applies if:
You work in a Green List occupation
You meet specific qualifications and experience requirements
You are on the residence pathway under the AEWV program
If you do not transition to residence during your initial stay, you can apply for an extension or a new AEWV, provided you meet the updated criteria. However, there is a maximum continuous stay limit of five years for AEWV holders who do not become residents, after which a 12-month stand-down period outside New Zealand is required before applying again.
Green List Occupations and Extended Stay Options
Certain high-demand roles on the Green List qualify for longer AEWVs and expedited residence applications. These include occupations in:
Health (e.g., doctors, nurses, midwives)
Engineering
Construction and Infrastructure
IT and Digital Technologies
Primary Industries and Science
Green List applicants can often secure a three-year AEWV with the ability to apply for residence after two years of employment, or even sooner under the Straight to Residence pathway.
Visa Duration Based on Pay and Role
The remuneration offered plays a critical role in determining how long you can stay on an AEWV:
Pay Rate | Visa Duration |
At or above median wage | Up to 3 years |
Below median wage | Up to 2 years |
Green List occupation (meeting criteria) | Up to 3 years + residence |
Employers must demonstrate that the role meets the required pay thresholds and that no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available to fill the position. This ensures compliance with the Job Check process required for visa issuance.
Renewing the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa
You may be eligible to renew your AEWV if:
Your employer remains accredited
You continue to meet wage and job role conditions
You have not exceeded the 5-year cap for temporary work visas
Extensions are not automatic. Immigration New Zealand assesses each renewal against current immigration policies, which may have changed since your original visa was granted.
Transitioning from Work Visa to Residence
AEWV holders have multiple residence options, depending on their role and personal circumstances:
1. Straight to Residence Pathway
Available for workers in critical occupations on the Green List. You can apply for residence immediately upon arrival or soon after, without the need to complete two years on the Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ.
2. Work to Residence Pathway
If your job is on the Green List but not eligible for straight residence, you may apply for residence after completing 24 months of work under an AEWV.
3. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
AEWV holders not on the Green List may qualify under the points-based Skilled Migrant Category, provided they:
Score sufficient points based on qualifications, age, experience, and job offer
Meet English language and health requirements
The SMC pathway remains a popular option for AEWV holders aiming for long-term settlement.
What Happens After 5 Years on an AEWV?
If you remain on a temporary visa and do not secure residence, you will be subject to the five-year maximum stay rule. After this period, you must either:
Leave New Zealand for 12 months (stand-down period), or
Apply for and receive residence under an eligible category
You can reset your AEWV clock only after completing the 12-month stand-down outside New Zealand unless you transition to residence.
Dependents and Family Stay Duration
AEWV holders can bring partners and dependent children under specific visa categories. The duration of their stay is typically aligned with the principal AEWV holder’s visa length. However, dependents do not receive residency rights unless they apply under family residence categories or are included in a residence application.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Check the Green List for updates, as it’s reviewed periodically
Confirm your occupation code (ANZSCO) and ensure it matches the employer’s Job Check application
Monitor median wage changes, as this affects visa eligibility
Maintain clear communication with your accredited employer regarding future sponsorship or extension possibilities
Final Thoughts
The Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ is a valuable route for skilled workers looking to build a career and life in New Zealand. While the standard duration ranges from 2 to 3 years, it can be extended under the right conditions, and it provides multiple residence pathways for long-term settlement. Being aware of wage thresholds, Green List status, and stay caps is essential to maximizing your time in New Zealand and securing a future here.
Navigating New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa just got easier. At Immigration Chambers, we decode complex immigration policies and provide personalised, compliant visa strategies tailored to your role and employer. From job check guidance to full application support, we make your work visa journey smooth and stress-free. Trust our legal expertise to bring your career plans to life.
For expert assistance in applying for or renewing your AEWV, or transitioning to residence, consult with our Licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand or immigration lawyer in Auckland to ensure full compliance with Immigration New Zealand's latest policies.
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