8 Definitions for AEWV

The changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme announced on 7 April 2024 include revised requirements for migrants applying for this work visa. These requirements are premised on certain definitions from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) which have their own specific underlying meanings. Here we have detailed the 8 most prominent definitions that are crucial to Job Checks and AEWV applications.

1. Minimum skills threshold 

A migrant candidate meets the minimum skills threshold if an immigration officer is convinced that they:  

• can demonstrate three years or more of relevant work experience i.e., evidence from a third party 

       Note: Self-written documents like CVs are not accepted. 

• have a relevant qualification equivalent to Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). 

       Note: Qualifications that are bachelor's degrees or higher can be considered relevant to any job. 

2. ANZSCO (Skill Level)

It is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. ANZSCO provides INZ with information it needs to check:  

•  the skill levels of jobs 
•  the qualifications and experience you need to work in those jobs  

Finding the closest ANZSCO code to the role an employer is hiring a migrant for is a task that depends on various factors. Read more about navigating the ANZSCO here.

3. Maximum visa length vs Maximum continuous stay

Maximum visa length is how long a visa allows a migrant to stay in New Zealand, i.e., the duration of the visa. On the other hand, maximum continuous stay is the total time allowed in New Zealand across multiple AEWVs before the migrant must spend a certain duration of time outside the country. 

4. Suitability qualified

To be considered 'suitably qualified' before a migrant candidate can apply for an AEWV, the employer must check that they: 

• meet the AEWV skill requirements set by INZ 
• have the skills and experience specified for the job 

5. Suitable and available New Zealanders

To be a 'suitable and available New Zealander', a person must: 

• be a New Zealand citizen or resident 
• be qualified for the job or able to be trained on the job 
• live close to where the job is or be able to move that location 
• have a practical way of travelling to the job, e.g., by bus or their car 
• be available for full-time work in the hours the employer needs 

6. Readily trainable

A person who ‘can readily be trained to do the work on offer’ is someone who: 

• with on-the-job training could do the work on offer despite not having the qualifications, work experience or skills identified by the employer as being necessary to perform the role; and 

• has other competencies identified by the employer as necessary for the performance of the work which INZ considers reasonable 

7. 'Relevant' — Qualification/Work Experience

A qualification or work experience is relevant if it is in the same or similar field or industry as the job offered. 

8. Minimum standard of English

A migrant candidate applying for an AEWV needs to demonstrate that they can speak and understand English. These can be met through: 

• their citizenship, where they studied and the qualifications they gained or 
• English language tests

Ensuring that these terms are fully comprehended before submitting AEWV applications is very important. A Licensed Immigration Adviser can assist you with demystifying the fine print to deliver a positive outcome on Job Checks and work visas.

We run regular webinars for employers, HR professionals, and recruiters throughout the year where we simplify immigration policies and key updates and provide handy tips to help better navigate the world of immigration. Register here for our upcoming webinar or the whole series and stay up-to-date with immigration policies important for your people and your business.