AEWV vs Essential Skills (New Zealand)

Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Right for You?

If you're eyeing a move to New Zealand for employment, understanding the difference between the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Visa is crucial. Approximately 50,000 foreign workers hold work visas in New Zealand annually, navigating through various visa options to find the best fit for their skills and career goals.

The AEWV is designed for those seeking to work for New Zealand employers accredited by the government, ensuring a more streamlined process for both the employer and employee. This visa is particularly beneficial if you're targeting jobs that require specific skills and qualifications. It's a suitable option if you plan to work with a vetted employer and are looking for potential pathways to residency.

What About the Essential Skills Visa?

On the other hand, the Essential Skills Visa caters to those aiming to fill temporary skill shortages in New Zealand's job market. It doesn't require employer accreditation, making it accessible for a broader range of job opportunities. This visa type is ideal if you're looking for temporary employment and have a job offer in a role that matches your skills.

Why Compare These Visas?

Choosing between the AEWV and the Essential Skills Visa can significantly impact your work and living status in New Zealand. If you're unsure which path to take, consider your long-term goals: are you seeking a temporary job or a more permanent career trajectory with residency options? For more details on how to navigate these options, check out our How To Apply guide and explore the pathways for Skilled Migration.

Quick Comparison Table: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) vs Essential Skills Visa

When considering working in New Zealand, two common visa options are the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Visa. Below is a comparison of these visas based on key dimensions.

Eligibility and Employer Requirements

Eligibility for both visas requires you to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer. However, the AEWV specifically requires the employer to be accredited with Immigration New Zealand. This means the employer has met certain standards and is authorized to hire overseas workers.

The Essential Skills Visa, on the other hand, may require a labor market test unless the job is listed on a skill shortage list. This test ensures there are no suitable New Zealanders available for the job.

Costs and Application Timeline

The application cost for the AEWV is generally higher, ranging from NZD 750-1000, reflecting the additional checks involved in employer accreditation. The Essential Skills Visa is typically less expensive, with fees around NZD 495.

In terms of timeline, the AEWV often has a quicker processing time of 1-2 months, thanks to the streamlined process for accredited employers. The Essential Skills Visa can take 2-3 months to process, partly due to the labor market test.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Regarding the path to permanent residency (PR), the AEWV offers a clearer route, especially if your job is in a skill shortage area. This visa aligns well with New Zealand's focus on attracting skilled migrants, which you can explore further in our Skilled Migration guide.

The Essential Skills Visa provides a more limited pathway to PR, mainly influenced by the skill level of your job. For those aiming for long-term residence, understanding the PR Pathway Guide is crucial.

For more detailed information on how to apply for these visas, see our How To Apply guide.

Are You Sponsored by an Accredited Employer?

• Employer Accreditation: If your employer is an accredited one, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is tailored for you. This visa is specifically designed for workers whose employers have met the New Zealand accreditation standards, ensuring a streamlined process for both the employer and the employee.

• Job Offer Requirements: A valid job offer from an accredited employer is a fundamental requirement. This ensures that the job you're offered meets the necessary standards in terms of wages and conditions.

• Long-term Employment: If your goal is long-term employment with a single employer, the AEWV provides stability. The visa allows you to work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on the job offer and your contract's duration.

Is Your Job in a Sector with Skill Shortages?

• Skill Shortages: If your occupation is on the skill shortage list, the AEWV might be more beneficial. Employers in sectors experiencing skill shortages can more easily sponsor overseas workers under the AEWV, bypassing labor market testing.

• Higher Qualification Requirements: For occupations requiring higher qualifications or specialized skills, the AEWV is preferable. This visa supports positions that demand specific expertise not readily available in New Zealand.

Does Your Partner Need a Visa Too?

• Partner and Family Inclusion: AEWV holders can include their partners and dependent children in their application. If you're moving with family, the AEWV allows your partner to apply for a Partner Of Worker visa, enabling them to work in New Zealand as well.

• Educational Opportunities for Children: Your dependent children can attend school in New Zealand as domestic students, providing them access to the local education system without additional international fees.

For more detailed guidance on choosing the right work visa, consider referring to our PR Pathway Guide or exploring other visa options like the Essential Skills Work Visa if your situation aligns better with its criteria.

• Choose Option B If...

Is the Essential Skills Visa Right for You?

• Skill Level and Occupation

  • You are employed in an occupation that is in demand in New Zealand but not covered by an employer's accreditation.
  • Your job offer is for a role classified at a lower skill level that does not require employer accreditation under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

• Employer Accreditation

  • Your employer is not accredited with Immigration New Zealand, and you cannot wait for them to gain accreditation.
  • You have a job offer from a small business or a newer company that is not yet eligible or ready for accreditation.

Employment Duration and Terms

• Short-Term Employment

  • Your employment contract is for a short-term duration that aligns with the typical conditions of the Essential Skills Visa.
  • You are looking to fill a temporary labor shortage in New Zealand where your skills are urgently needed.

• Flexible Employment Options

  • You wish to have the flexibility to change employers within the same job role or skill level, which might be simpler under the Essential Skills Visa than the AEWV, depending on specific circumstances.

Current Residency and Family Considerations

• Family Accompaniment
  • You plan to bring family members who may qualify for visas like Partner Of Worker or dependent child visas, and the Essential Skills Visa better suits your family's needs.
  • Your spouse or partner is aiming to work in New Zealand and your visa choice will facilitate their application process.

Financial and Application Factors

• Cost and Processing Times

  • The financial requirements or application fees of the Essential Skills Visa are more manageable for your current budget.
  • You anticipate a shorter processing time for the Essential Skills Visa, which suits your timeline better than waiting for an accredited employer.

• Pathway to Residency

  • You are seeking a straightforward, potentially quicker pathway toward residency, possibly aligning with Skilled Migrant residency options later on.

For those considering the Essential Skills Visa, it's important to evaluate these scenarios carefully. The visa offers flexibility for non-accredited employment and short-term roles, which can be beneficial depending on your specific circumstances. Always consider consulting the Documents Checklist to ensure you meet all requirements before applying.

Employment Requirements

One of the primary differences between the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Work Visa lies in the employer requirements. For the AEWV, you must be employed by a New Zealand employer who is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the employer meets certain standards, such as demonstrating a commitment to training and employing New Zealanders. This accreditation process is a key step in applying for the AEWV, as it aims to ensure that foreign workers are only employed where there is a genuine need that cannot be fulfilled locally.

In contrast, the Essential Skills Work Visa does not require your employer to be accredited. Instead, it focuses on the labor market test, where the employer must show that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the role. This difference in employer obligations can impact your visa choice based on the status and preference of your potential employer.

Skill Level and Employment Position

Another significant differentiator is the skill level and type of job position each visa targets. The AEWV is more flexible and can be utilized for a variety of skill levels, making it attractive for both high-skilled and lower-skilled workers. However, it often aligns well with positions that are either on the long-term skill shortage list or require higher qualifications.

The Essential Skills Work Visa, on the other hand, categorizes jobs into skill bands, which are determined by the remuneration and the skill level of the occupation. Your job offer's pay rate and occupation determine the visa's validity duration and the pathway to residency. Generally, higher-skilled roles under the Essential Skills Visa may lead to longer visa durations and a clearer route to residency.

Pathway to Residency

When considering long-term goals, the pathway to residency is a crucial factor. The AEWV can potentially offer a more direct pathway to residency, especially if the employment is in a role that is in high demand or on a skills shortage list. This might be particularly appealing if you're looking for a permanent move to New Zealand.

In comparison, the Essential Skills Visa offers a more indirect route to residency, often requiring multiple renewals or transitions to other visas, such as the Skilled Migrant Visa. The complexity of transitioning from an Essential Skills Visa to a residency status can be influenced by changes in job conditions, skill levels, and immigration policies.

Choosing between the AEWV and the Essential Skills Work Visa involves considering these key differences and how they align with your employment offer and long-term plans. Evaluating the requirements for each can help you determine the best fit for your situation, whether you are focused on immediate employment opportunities or have aspirations for Skilled Migration.

Misconceptions About the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• AEWV Guarantees Permanent Residency: Many people mistakenly believe that holding an AEWV automatically leads to permanent residency. However, while it may be a step in the right direction, you still need to meet specific requirements under the Skilled Migrant category for residency.

• Any Employer Can Sponsor AEWV: Not all employers can sponsor an AEWV. Only those accredited by Immigration New Zealand can do so. It's crucial to verify an employer's accreditation status before applying.

Misunderstandings About the Essential Skills Work Visa

• Skill Level Doesn't Matter: There's a misconception that the Essential Skills Work Visa is available for any job, regardless of skill level. In reality, the application considers the skill level of the job, and certain low-skilled positions might not qualify or have different conditions.

• Unlimited Duration: Some believe the Essential Skills Work Visa can be held indefinitely. However, the duration varies based on the skill level of the job, and extensions require reapplication. You can find more about extending visas in the Visa Extension Guide.

Can You Change Employers?

• Easy Employer Transfer: It's commonly assumed that you can freely switch employers on both the AEWV and Essential Skills visas. In truth, changing employers requires a new visa application or visa conditions amendment, which can be complex and time-consuming.

General Misconceptions

• Path to Residency: Neither visa type directly leads to residency. While they can be part of your journey, you must explore other pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant route, to achieve residency.

• No Need for Qualifications: There's a belief that you don't need qualifications for these visas. In fact, both types often require specific qualifications or work experience relevant to the job offered.

Understanding these nuances is crucial when considering your options for working in New Zealand. For more details on how to apply, check our How To Apply page.

Can You Switch Between AEWV and Essential Skills?

Switching between the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Visa in New Zealand is possible, but it requires meeting specific criteria and following a formal application process. The decision to switch often depends on your employment circumstances, the requirements of each visa, and your long-term plans in New Zealand.

Key Considerations for Switching

• Employment Eligibility: If you hold an Essential Skills Visa and wish to switch to an AEWV, your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Conversely, to move from an AEWV to an Essential Skills Visa, you need a job offer that meets the skill and salary thresholds outlined for the Essential Skills category.

• Visa Conditions: Ensure that your current visa conditions allow for a change. Some visas have restrictions that may affect your ability to switch to another visa category.

• Application Process: You must apply for a new visa under the desired category. This involves completing the appropriate forms, such as INZ-1017 for employer accreditation or INZ-1198 for work visa applications.

Steps to Switch Between Visas

1. Evaluate Eligibility: Check if you and your employer meet the requirements for the visa you wish to switch to.
2. Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, such as proof of employment, employer accreditation, and any other supporting materials outlined in the Documents Checklist.
3. Submit Application: Apply through the appropriate channels, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete.
4. Await Decision: Processing times can vary, so consult the Processing Times guide for estimates.

Switching visas is a significant step, influencing your work and residency options in New Zealand. For more comprehensive advice, consider consulting with an immigration advisor or referring to detailed guides like the Visa Extension Guide.

Real Scenarios: Choosing Between AEWV and Essential Skills

When deciding between the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Work Visa, consider the different opportunities and constraints each visa entails. Both options allow you to work in New Zealand, but their eligibility criteria and benefits might influence your decision.

Imagine you're a software engineer with a job offer from a New Zealand-based tech company. The AEWV might be the more advantageous choice if the employer is accredited, as this visa type is designed to streamline the process for skilled workers in sectors facing a labor shortage. It emphasizes the importance of having a legitimate job offer from an accredited employer and does not require a labor market test, making it a potentially faster route to employment.

In contrast, if you have experience in hospitality and have secured a job offer from a smaller, non-accredited employer, the Essential Skills Work Visa could be more suitable. This visa requires a labor market test, proving no suitable New Zealanders are available for the job. While this might extend the application process, it provides an opportunity for those without access to accredited employers.

Can You Transition From One Visa to Another?

Transitioning from one visa type to another is a common consideration for many new residents. If you initially arrive on an Essential Skills Work Visa and your employer later becomes accredited, you might consider switching to an AEWV. This could offer greater job security and a clearer pathway to residence, especially if you plan to move permanently to New Zealand.

However, transitioning visas involves meeting the specific requirements of the new visa type, such as having a valid job offer and ensuring that your role meets the skill and salary thresholds. For a comprehensive understanding of the process, refer to the Visa Extension Guide.

Considering the Path to Residency

Both visa types can contribute to your long-term residency plans. The AEWV is particularly beneficial if your role is categorized as highly skilled, aligning well with the Skilled Migrant pathway. On the other hand, the Essential Skills Work Visa might require additional steps if your job does not immediately qualify as highly skilled. Nonetheless, accumulating work experience in New Zealand can enhance your eligibility for residency over time.

In conclusion, the decision between the AEWV and the Essential Skills Work Visa should be based on your current job offer, the accreditation status of your employer, and your long-term residency goals. Carefully evaluate each visa's requirements and benefits to choose the path that aligns best with your professional and personal objectives in New Zealand.