New Zealand: Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa, Compliance Obligations for Employers and Additional Green List Occupations Introduced

AEWV for low-skilled occupations. Occupations classified as level 4 and 5 under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) are subject to these restrictions:

• They must have at least three years’ relevant work experience or a relevant qualification at level 4 or above of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), except if applicant’s role is on the Green List or the applicant is paid at least twice the median wage. This requirement also applies to skill 1-3 occupations. Previously, applicants were assessed as suitably qualified if they had the qualifications, work experience, skills and other specifications that were listed by the employer in the Job Check application, as the minimum requirements for the job.
• They must prove they have met the minimum required standard of English, where there previously was no such requirement.
• Their visas are now only granted for up to three years (down from five years). Applicants with ANZSCO skill level 1-3 occupations will continue to receive an AEWV with five years validity.
• Their employer must advertise their prospective role for three weeks (up from two weeks) on a national job listing platform and must register with the Government Department of Work and Income (where previously, there was no such requirement). 

• Affected applicants now face stricter requirements, yet receive a visa with shorter validity. This could potentially be more onerous to applicants.
• Employers must comply with the longer job advertisement requirement. Noncompliance may lead to issues with potential employees’ visa applications and/or administrative penalties to employers. 

• Compliance obligations for employers. Employers are required to inform INZ when their AEWV employees cease employment, within 10 business days from the employment end date, whereas previously there was no such requirement.
• This notification requirement only applies to employers whose accreditation is issued or renewed after April 7, 2024. For employers whose existing accreditations are valid beyond April 7, 2024, the notification requirement will only apply when their accreditation is renewed. 

Employers must now be diligent in monitoring AEWV holders’ end of employment. Failure to meet this notification requirement may result in loss or suspension of accreditation status. 

New roles added to Green List. INZ has added six roles to the Green List, which facilitates opportunities for Straight to Residence and Work to Residence pathways in various high-demand fields:

• Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer);
• Naval Architect (aka Marine Designer);
• Information communications technology Database and Systems Administrator;
• Mechanical Engineering Technician;
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer; and
• Corrections Officer.

This provides residency pathways to more professionals.