New employer-assisted work visa

In a nutshell

The Government is introducing a new employer-assisted work visa called Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). It is driven by the need to fill genuine skill shortages, upskill and hire New Zealand workers, combat migrant exploitation.

What is coming, what is going

The AEWV will replace 6 old visas. Namely,

• Essential Skills Work Visa
• Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
• Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed 7 October 2019)
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa.

Employer will lead the process. 3-check system.

All employers will have to be accredited to hire overseas workforce.

Benefits?

• A more streamlined process and consequent low immigration risk
• Earlier certainty for employers wanting to hire migrants
• Better recognition of various needs of industries and regions

Important dates

When will the changes take effect?

• Employers will be able to apply for accreditation from late September, 2021
• AEWV will be introduced from 01 November, 2021.
• Applicants for the current employer-assisted temporary work visa categories will be able to lodge their applications before 1 November 2021 (the last day of lodgement is 31 October).

Employer policies closing 30 June 2021

Employers will not be able to apply, or renew their application for,

• Accredited Employer (Talent – Accredited Employer)
• Labour Hire Accreditation (Essential Skills)
• Approval in Principle (Essential Skills).

It may still be worth applying for those before the date if a business is planning to hire migrants before the new AEWV comes into effect on 1 November, and this recruitment cannot be put off.

Importantly, those employers who want to support applications under the Essential Skills work visa category, will still be able to do so until the start of the AEWV.

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