INZ has released further information in relation to the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme which will be introduced from 1 November, 2021.

There remains limited information available as INZ continue to work through potential “cause and effect” issues.

In summary the new system is effective from 1 November, 2021 and will replace the following six visa categories:

1. Essential Skills Work Visa
2. Essential Skills Work Visa – Approval in Principle
3. Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
4. Long Term Skills Shortage List Work Visa
5. Silver Fern Job Search Visa
6. Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa

Under the new Accreditation criteria, to sponsor migrant workers from 1 November, all employers will need to be “Accredited” (Employer Check).

There are three levels of Accreditation. There are higher expectations on employers who want to sponsor six or more migrants, who are Franchisees, or are Labour Hire Companies.

Applications to be accredited under the new system will be able to be lodged from late September, 2021.

You can still gain accreditation under the current regime until 30 June 2021. This may be an advantage if you wish to secure a realistic potential residency pathway for a valued migrant.

This may well be a Migrants last and /or only potential chance to secure a pathway to residence in New Zealand. 

The current Skilled Migrant Category is closed and there is genuine concern about the changes that will be made to this category prior to opening again at some point in the future.

The new system for securing an AEWV will involve three stages:

1. The Employer Check
2. The Job Check (labour market testing – where necessary)
3. The Migrant Worker Check

To discuss in more detail contact Steve Baker Workforce Sourcing Manager, Licensed Immigration Adviser 201801044 at steve.baker@enterprise.co.nz