New Zealand: Location Requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa Holders Clarified

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has published updated guidance clarifying the location requirements for workers holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). When submitting a job check application, employers must specify the location or region where the role will be based. If a role regularly requires work across multiple locations, each location must be included in the job check and employers must provide evidence that the position was advertised in those locations. Where multiple positions are included in the same job check, the location details must be identical for each position. 

AEWV holders may travel or temporarily work outside their approved location for up to six weeks (30 working days) within any 12-month period without the employer completing a new job check. Occasional travel does not need to be listed where the employee remains based at the approved location. However, if the employee will work outside the approved location for more than 30 working days in a 12-month period, the employer must complete a new job check and the employee must obtain an approved Job Change before commencing work at the new location. 

When assessing compliance, INZ may review the employee’s work locations during the 12 months preceding the date of the compliance check. Employers should therefore monitor temporary assignments carefully and ensure that all regular or longer-term work locations are accurately reflected in the relevant job check and visa conditions. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.