Applications are now open for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). From today, accredited employers who have passed a job check can ask a migrant worker to apply for an AEWV.
The AEWV is a new temporary work visa that replaces six temporary work visas, including the Essential Skills Work Visa and Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa. The work visa is the final part of the 3-step process to open, following employer accreditation and the job check.
Application requirements
A migrant worker can only begin an application for an AEWV if they have been asked to apply by their potential employer.
To complete an application, employers must provide the worker with:
the worker’s employment agreement and
a copy of the signed employment offer.
Evidence
When applying for an AEWV, workers may need to provide evidence that they have an acceptable standard of health and good character.
Workers must also provide evidence that their skills and experience match the skills and experience the employer told INZ was required as part of their job check application.
If workers have shown skills and experience in a previous work visa application, or by holding occupational registration, they will not need to provide evidence again.
Requirements for employer accreditation and job check
Applications for employer accreditation opened on 23 May. The type of accreditation an employer needs is based on their business model.
Applications for job checks opened on 20 June. Most employers need to ensure they have advertised the role they want to apply for a job check (if required) for 2 weeks, before starting their application.
Essential Skills Work Visa closure
The AEWV has replaced six temporary work visas including the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Essential Skills Work Visa. The Essential Skills Work Visa closed to new applications yesterday, 3 July 2022.
All applications lodged on or before the closing date will still be processed and current Essential Skills visas will remain valid until their expiry date.
Employers with workers who hold an Essential Skills visa do not need to do anything for those workers to continue to be able to work for them.
Essential Skills visa holders can continue to apply to vary their employer through existing channels and under existing criteria.
Partners of AEWV holders
Partners of AEWV holders will qualify for a work visa with open work rights if the AEWV holder is paid at least the median wage. Partners of AEWV holders who are paid below the median wage will need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Varying the conditions of an AEWV
AEWV holders will be able to vary the conditions of their visa, if it is approved. More information will be available on how to do this later in July.