Changes to maximum duration of Accredited Employer Work Visas

From 27 November 2023, the maximum duration of the accredited employer work visa is changing from 3 years to 5 years if paid the current median wage.
There will also be a maximum continuous stay introduced for accredited employer work visa holders which requires an individual to spend time outside New Zealand if they do not qualify for residency.
The below table specifies the duration of visa and the amount of time you must spend outside New Zealand at the end of your maximum continuous stay.

Role	Maximum visa length	Maximum continuous stay	Time you must spend outside New Zealand
Roles paid at least median wage	5 years	5 years	12 months
Care workforce sector roles paid the level 4 pay rate	3 years	5 years	12 months
Care workforce sector roles paid the level 3 pay rate	3 years	3 years	12 months
Construction and infrastructure sector roles paid below median wage	2 years	2 years	12 months
Transport sector roles paid below median wage	3 years	5 years	12 months
Seasonal snow and adventure tourism sector roles paid below median wage	7 months	5 years	12 months
Tourism and hospitality sector roles paid below median wage	2 years	2 years	12 months
Meat processing sector roles paid below median wage	7 months	7 months	4 months
Seafood processing (onshore) sector roles paid below median wage	7 months	7 months	4 months

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