The New Zealand job market is witnessing significant changes as a result of the government’s new immigration regulations. After gaining a job in New Zealand, staying in the country will be determined by a variety of circumstances. One can stay for up to 5 years depending on their salary, the ANZSCO level of their job, and when they applied for their first AEWV.
The new immigration rules of New Zealand has made way for 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) 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 April 7, 2024 or before June 21, 2023.
Some ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs will not be affected by these changes, including those:
On the New Zealand Green List
- Transport and care sector agreements, and on a pathway to residence
- Earning 1.5 times the median wage.
The total period of time you are permitted to spend in New Zealand while holding one or more Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs) is known as the maximum continuous stay. Before your current AEWV expires, you can apply for another one, and you can remain in New Zealand until your maximum continuous stay is up.
The length of an AEWV and maximum continuous stay for people in ANZSCO level 1 to 3 jobs will remain 5 years. You must depart New Zealand for a predetermined period of time, usually 12 months, after your maximum continuous stay is up in order to apply for another Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).