Navigating the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Journey to New Zealand

Emilia, had always been captivated by the allure of New Zealand—the breathtaking landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the promise of new opportunities. As an experienced software developer, she dreamed of taking her career to new heights while embracing the Kiwi way of life.

When a leading tech company in Auckland extended a job offer, Emilia knew this was her chance to turn dreams into reality. But first, she needed to navigate the intricacies of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

The Gateway to Opportunity

The AEWV is mainly designed for both skilled professionals like Emilia who have secured employment with an Accredited Employer in New Zealand. It ensures that the talent coming into the country fills genuine skill shortages and contributes positively to the economy.

Emilia understood that obtaining this visa required careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements.

Securing a Genuine Job Offer

Her journey began with the job offer—a comprehensive document that was more than just a letter of intent. It detailed every aspect of her future role:

• Employer Details: The offer included the company's name, address, and contact information, confirming their status as an accredited employer (which can be verified online here).

  
  

• Position Specifics: Emilia's name was clearly stated, along with her new title—Senior Software Engineer.

  
  

• Job Description: The document outlined her responsibilities, from leading development teams to innovating software solutions that would impact users worldwide. This must of course correspond to what the Accredited Employer stated in their Job Check Approval, received from Immigration New Zealand.

  
  

• Location and Duration: Her workplace would be in the heart of Auckland's tech district, and the contract spanned three years, with potential for renewal.

  
  

• Compensation and Conditions: The salary offered was competitive, exceeding the current applicable median wage — a critical factor for visa eligibility—and included details on work hours, benefits, and conditions.

Emilia carefully reviewed the offer, ensuring it matched the details approved in the company's Job Check — a process employers undergo to confirm the job meets New Zealand's labor market needs.

Demonstrating Qualifications and Expertise

Next, Emilia needed to prove she was the right fit for the role. The visa requirements stipulated that she must be suitably qualified, which meant providing evidence of her:

Educational Background:

• She held a Master's degree in Computer Science from a reputable university. Since her degree was obtained overseas, she obtained an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to confirm its equivalence to New Zealand standards. She was not required to do that for this AEWV application, but looking ahead to the Resident Visa stage she did this anyway. The other important aspect is that she could use her lower, Bachelor Degree in support of her suitability for the role as Bachelor Level Degrees can be used for any occupation.

  
  

  Professional Experience:

• With over five years in software development, Emilia compiled reference letters from previous employers, detailing her contributions and achievements. She included certificates of employment, payslips, and tax records to substantiate her work history. INZ set down minimum skills threshold, which may only be satisfied if you:

  a) can demonstrate three years or more of relevant work experience with sufficient evidence from a third party; or

  b) have a relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

Her qualifications and experience not only met but exceeded the minimum skills threshold, positioning her as a valuable asset to her prospective employer.

Proving English Proficiency

Effective communication was, of course, essential, and Emilia needed to demonstrate proficiency in English:

• Language Test: This is only required for occupations that are level 4 or 5 on the ANZSCO scale. Emilia's position was Level 1 (highly skilled role). Nevertheless, she took the IELTS exam (with the future Resident Visa application in mind), scoring 8, well above the minimum overall score of 4.0 required for her visa category.

  
  

• Alternative Evidence: Although not necessary in her case, she was aware that citizenship from certain English-speaking countries or holding degrees from universities in those countries could also satisfy this requirement.

Her strong command of English reassured both the immigration officials and her employer of her ability to integrate smoothly into the workplace and broader community.

Understanding Visa Duration and Stay Limits

Emilia learned that the AEWV's duration would align with her job offer, up to a maximum of five years for roles like hers that are paid above the median wage.

She appreciated that after this period, she might need to spend time outside New Zealand before applying for another AEWV unless she transitioned to a different visa category or obtained residency.

Bringing Family into the Fold

Family was a cornerstone of Emilia's life, and she wished for her partner, Luis, and their young daughter to join her:

• Supporting Dependent Visas: The AEWV allowed Emilia to support visa applications for her immediate family.

  
  

• Meeting Income Thresholds: She needed to demonstrate sufficient income to support them without resorting to public funds.

  
  

• Preparing Applications: Emilia meticulously prepared their documentation, ensuring all information was accurate and complete. Of significance was the requirement to prove to INZ that Emilia and Luis have been living together in a genuine and stable partnership.

  
  

Their successful applications meant the family could embark on this new chapter together.

Navigating Sector Agreements and Special Cases

While Emilia's profession was straightforward in terms of visa requirements, she was mindful that others might face different scenarios:

• Sector Agreements: Certain industries, like tourism, hospitality, and caregiving, had specific agreements that could affect visa conditions, such as wage thresholds (which are lower than the current median wage) and maximum stay durations (which is shorter, and can be as short as 7 months with 4 months stand down period).

  
  

• Special Exemptions: Roles critical to New Zealand's immediate needs, such as dairy farm workers during calving season, might have temporary exemptions from some requirements.

  
  

Emilia advised her friend Raj, who was considering a job in the hospitality sector, to research these specifics or consult an immigration lawyer at the earliest opportunity.

Staying Compliant and Informed

Throughout her application process, Emilia prioritised compliance:

• Regular Updates: She frequently checked the Immigration New Zealand website for any policy changes, which does change on a regular basis (unfortunately).

  
  

• Accredited Employer Status: She confirmed her employer maintained their accreditation, a crucial factor for her future Resident Visa application is she chooses to apply with this current employment.

  
  

• Adhering to Conditions: Emilia understood the importance of working only in her specified role, for her named employer, and in the designated location. These are critical AEWV conditions which must not be breached, or character issues may arise at the next visa stage.

Embracing the Kiwi Life

Their visas were approved within comparatively short space of time. Emilia and her family made the move to New Zealand. The vibrant streets of Auckland, the friendly faces, and the multicultural environment made them feel at home almost immediately.

At her new job, Emilia thrived. The collaborative atmosphere and innovative projects were exactly what she had hoped for. Her colleagues appreciated the expertise and fresh perspectives she brought to the team.

Outside of work, weekends were spent exploring—hiking in the Waitakere Ranges, visiting museums, and enjoying the beaches. Her daughter adapted quickly, making friends at her new school and picking up the local accent with endearing speed.

Reflecting on the Journey

Emilia's successful navigation of the AEWV process was a combination of diligent preparation, understanding the requirements, and seeking guidance when needed.

She realised that while the process was thorough, it was designed to ensure both migrants and New Zealand benefited mutually.

Her advice to others considering this path was clear:

• Be Thorough: Gather all necessary documentation and double-check details.

  
  

• Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change, so keep abreast of the latest information or seek professional advice.

  
  

• Seek Professional Advice: When in doubt, consult an immigration lawyer.

  
  

• Embrace the Process: View each step as part of the journey to your new life.

A New Chapter Ahead

Emilia's story is a testament to what's possible when ambition meets preparation. New Zealand didn't just offer her a job; it provided a community, a lifestyle, and a place her family could call home.

For migrants like Emilia, the Accredited Employer Work Visa is more than a legal requirement—it's the key to unlocking opportunities and contributing to a country that values diversity and talent.

Final Thoughts

Every journey to New Zealand is unique, but the shared thread among migrants is the pursuit of opportunity and a better life. The AEWV process, while detailed, is a clear pathway for skilled individuals to join and enrich the Kiwi community.

If you're considering this journey:

• Understand the Requirements: Familiarise yourself with what's needed for the AEWV.

  
  

• Prepare Diligently: Gather your documents, evidence of qualifications, and ensure your job offer meets the necessary criteria.

  
  

• Stay Positive: The process may seem daunting, but each step brings you closer to your goal.

New Zealand is a land of opportunity, ready to welcome those who are prepared to contribute their skills and embrace the culture. Your story, like Emilia's, could be one of adventure, growth, and fulfillment in this beautiful corner of the world.

Note: This story is a fictional representation intended to illustrate the Accredited Employer Work Visa process in an engaging and relatable manner. However, it reflects the journey many of our clients undertake as they progress through the immigration system to reach the Resident Visa application stage.

For personalised advice and the most current immigration information, please feel free to contact us directly.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented by the author/s in this article (or anywhere else) is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Each immigration case is unique, and any opinion expressed without considering individual circumstances is necessarily generic and may be incomplete. The author/s disclaim all liability for any consequences resulting from reliance on such generic information. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author or any other person. For personalised legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, it is essential to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer and you are strongly advised you seek such tailored legal (immigration) advice.