In the realm of New Zealand immigration, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) plays a crucial role. This visa is designed to meet the country’s labor market needs by allowing skilled workers from overseas to come and work in New Zealand. It has replaced some of the previous work visa categories and brought in a more streamlined and employer – focused approach.
What Is The AEWV?
The AEWV is a work visa that enables employers in New Zealand who are accredited by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreign workers. In simple terms, if an employer wants to bring in someone from another country to work for them, they first need to get accredited. Once accredited, they can then offer a job to a foreign worker, who can apply for the AEWV.
Employer Accreditation
The Process
Employers need to apply for accreditation with Immigration New Zealand. They have to show that they are a genuine business operating in New Zealand. This means providing evidence of their business registration, financial stability, and compliance with New Zealand’s employment laws.
For example, they need to prove that they pay their employees the correct minimum wage, provide proper working conditions, and have a good track record in the industry.
Benefits for Employers
Once accredited, employers have more flexibility in hiring foreign talent. They can quickly fill skill – shortage positions in their companies. For instance, if a tech company in Auckland is struggling to find enough local software developers, being an accredited employer allows them to look for talent overseas.
Accreditation also gives the employer a certain level of credibility in the eyes of both the government and potential employees. It shows that they are a legitimate and reliable employer.
Requirements for the Employee
Job Offer
The foreign worker must have a valid job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. The job offer should be for a genuine position within the company. The position should also meet the skill level and pay requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
For example, if the job is in a skilled trade like plumbing, the worker should have the relevant qualifications and experience. The pay offered should be at least the industry – standard wage for plumbers in New Zealand.
Health and Character Requirements
Just like with most New Zealand visas, the applicant for an AEWV needs to meet health and character requirements. They will need to provide medical certificates showing that they are in good health. This is to ensure that they will not pose a burden on New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Regarding character, they must not have any serious criminal records. Immigration New Zealand may conduct background checks to verify this. For example, if someone has a history of violent crimes in their home country, they may not be eligible for the AEWV.
Skills and Qualifications
The worker should have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job they are applying for. If it’s a professional job like a doctor or an engineer, they need to have the appropriate degrees and relevant work experience. In some cases, their qualifications may need to be recognized in New Zealand. For example, an engineer from overseas may need to have their degree assessed by a relevant professional body in New Zealand to ensure it meets the local standards.
Application Process
Employer – Initiated Steps
After getting accredited, the employer first offers the job to the foreign worker. They then need to provide certain information to the worker to help with the visa application. This includes details about the company, the job description, and the employment conditions.
The employer also has to pay an accreditation fee and may be subject to ongoing monitoring by Immigration New Zealand to ensure they continue to meet the accreditation criteria.
Employee Application
The foreign worker then starts their visa application. They need to fill out an online application form provided by Immigration New Zealand. Along with the form, they have to submit all the required documents, such as their passport, job offer letter, medical certificates, and evidence of their skills and qualifications.
The application process may also involve an interview, either in person or over the phone or video call. This is to further assess the applicant’s suitability for the job and the visa.
Processing Time
The processing time for an AEWV can vary. It depends on various factors such as the complexity of the application, the volume of applications Immigration New Zealand is currently handling, and whether all the required documents are provided correctly. On average, it can take several weeks to a few months for the application to be processed. For example, if there are missing documents or if the applicant’s background requires more in – depth checks, the processing time may be longer.
Duration of the AEWV
Initial Visa
Usually, the initial AEWV is issued for a period of up to three years. This gives the foreign worker a reasonable amount of time to work in New Zealand and contribute to the employer’s business. During this time, they can build their career, gain new experiences, and potentially integrate into New Zealand society.
Renewal
At the end of the initial visa period, the worker may be eligible for a renewal. To be eligible for renewal, they need to still meet the requirements, such as still having a valid job with the accredited employer. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process, but may be less complex if the worker has a good track record in New Zealand.
Rights and Responsibilities of Workers on AEWV
Rights
Workers on an AEWV have the right to be paid the agreed – upon wage, which should not be less than the industry – standard wage. They also have the right to work in the position as described in the job offer. For example, if they were hired as a marketing manager, they should not be made to do menial labor tasks instead.
They are entitled to the same employment benefits as New Zealand citizens and residents in the same role. This includes things like annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
Responsibilities
The worker is responsible for complying with the terms of their visa. This means they must work for the accredited employer who sponsored their visa. If they want to change jobs, they usually need to go through a new visa application process, unless the new employer is also accredited and the job change meets certain criteria.
They also need to respect New Zealand’s laws and regulations. This includes everything from traffic laws to workplace health and safety regulations.
Impact on New Zealand’s Economy
Filling Skill Gaps
The AEWV helps New Zealand’s economy by filling skill gaps in various industries. For example, in the construction industry, where there may be a shortage of skilled builders, foreign workers on AEWVs can come in and contribute to building projects. This not only helps the construction companies complete their projects on time but also boosts the overall housing and infrastructure development in the country.
Boosting Productivity
By bringing in workers with different skills and experiences from around the world, New Zealand companies can become more productive. New ideas and innovative ways of working can be introduced, which can lead to increased efficiency and competitiveness. For instance, a software company that hires foreign developers may gain access to new programming techniques and software development methodologies.
Conclusion
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a significant aspect of New Zealand’s immigration system. It serves as a bridge between New Zealand’s labor market needs and the global talent pool. Through this visa, employers can access the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses, while foreign workers get the opportunity to work and live in New Zealand. The AEWV’s requirements, application process, and conditions are carefully designed to ensure that both the employer and the employee are held accountable. It has a positive impact on New Zealand’s economy by filling skill shortages and enhancing productivity. As New Zealand continues to develop and face new challenges in the labor market, the AEWV will likely remain a key tool in attracting and retaining the right talent. Whether you are an employer looking to expand your workforce or a foreign worker seeking new career opportunities, understanding the AEWV is essential.
Related topics:
