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  • Writer's pictureTHI
    • Apr 8
    • 2 min read

How long can you stay on an AEWV?



Maximum Continuous Stay

  1. The maximum continuous stay is the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on one or more Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs).

  2. You can apply for a further AEWV before your current AEWV ends, and stay in New Zealand until you reach the end of your maximum continuous stay.

  3. When you get to the end of your maximum continuous stay you need to leave New Zealand for a specified amount of time — normally 12 months — before you can get another Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).


How long can you stay?


You can stay for up to 5 years depending on:

  • how much you are paid

  • the ANZSCO level of your job, and

  • when you applied for your first AEWV.


Your maximum continuous stay may be less than 5 years if you:

  • are paid less than the February 2023 median wage, or

  • applied for your AEWV on or after 7 April 2024, and your role is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5


How long must you be outside New Zealand?


At the end of your maximum continuous stay you must spend at least 12 months in a row outside New Zealand if you are paid:

  • the February 2023 median wage rate or above, or

  • below the February 2023 median wage rate in a role other than meat and seafood processing.


You must spend at least 4 months in a row outside New Zealand if you are paid below the February 2023 median wage rate in a meat or seafood processing role.


The tables below to find out the length of your maximum continuous stay and how much time you must spend outside New Zealand.








Care workforce roles paid below the Feb 2023 median wage

  1. For people in the care workforce sector paid at or above NZD$26.16 an hour or equivalent salary, the AEWV length is 3 years.

  2. For workers paid NZD$26.16 an hour, this gives you enough time to complete the level 4 qualification and move to the higher pay rate and pathway to residence. If you move to the NZD$28.25 an hour rate, you can apply for a further AEWV to get the maximum continuous stay of 5 years.

  3. For workers paid NZD$28.25 an hour, this gives you time to apply for residence after you have completed the required 2 years of work experience while being paid NZD$28.25 an hour.


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