From 07 April 2024, there are now higher work experience and qualification requirements, a standard of English for people applying to work in roles assessed as ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5, and a shorter stay in New Zealand if you are working in specific roles.

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.

Stage 1: Become accredited (employer-led)
Stage 2: Submit a job check (employer-led)
Stage 3: Migrant applies for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (migrant-led)

In late 2019, the New Zealand government announced the introduction of a new employer-led immigration system known as the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This policy comes into effect on 04 July 2022 and requires an employer to be accredited with Immigration New Zealand in order to ‘sponsor’ a migrant worker.

The Government recently announced that they were relooking at parts of the Accredited Employer Work Visa. As a result, the go live date has slightly shifted.