Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — full strategy + 3-check chain

Build an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] hired by [EMPLOYER_NAME] as [POSITION_TITLE] (ANZSCO [ANZSCO_CODE]) at NZD [ANNUAL_SALARY_NZD] in [WORK_LOCATION]. Employer size: [EMPLOYER_SIZE].

§1 — AEWV THREE-CHECK CHAIN (110-140 words)
AEWV replaced 6 older visa categories on 4 July 2022. Single-pathway with 3 sequential approvals:

CHECK 1 — Employer Accreditation
  • [EMPLOYER_NAME] must hold current INZ Accreditation
  • Standard ([EMPLOYER_SIZE] <5 AEWV staff per year): basic compliance + HR practices
  • High-volume (5+ AEWV staff per year): higher scrutiny
  • Franchisee: special category
  • Accreditation valid 12 months initially, 24 months on renewal
  • Application fee NZD 740-3,870 depending on size

CHECK 2 — Job Check
  • Specific role + location accreditation
  • Wage must meet NZ median wage threshold (NZD 31.61/hour = ~NZD 65,750/year for 40 hrs/week — verify current; reviewed every Feb)
  • Labour market test — 21+ day advertising (most occupations)
  • Job Check exempt for Green List + Sector Agreement occupations

CHECK 3 — Migrant Worker AEWV
  • [CLIENT_NAME] applies after Job Check approved
  • Standard processing 6-12 weeks

§2 — JOB CHECK + MEDIAN WAGE (110-140 words)
For [POSITION_TITLE] at NZD [ANNUAL_SALARY_NZD]:
  • Hourly equivalent: [ANNUAL_SALARY_NZD] / (40 × 52) hours
  • Compare against current Median Wage threshold:
    - Feb 2024: NZD 29.66/hour
    - Feb 2025 (most recent): NZD 31.61/hour [VERIFY current at INZ Median Wage page]
  • Below median: AEWV not granted unless under specific exception (Sector Agreement occupations + transitional arrangements)
  • Job advertising for [ANZSCO_CODE] (if not Green List):
    - 21+ days on at least 2 platforms (Trade Me, Seek, MBIE Jobs Online)
    - Including: title, salary, location, contact
    - Document all applications + reasons for non-selection
  • Verify [ANZSCO_CODE] is on:
    - Green List Tier 1 (Straight to Residence — no Job Check needed)
    - Green List Tier 2 (Work to Residence — Job Check streamlined)
    - Sector Agreement list (care + construction etc.)
    - Standard occupation (Job Check + labour test required)

§3 — AEWV VISA DURATION + CONDITIONS (90-110 words)
Visa duration:
  • Below median wage (rare exceptions): up to 2 years
  • At or above median: up to 5 years
  • Family sponsorship: partner Partner Work visa + dependent children open visa
  • Conditions:
    - Work only for [EMPLOYER_NAME] in [POSITION_TITLE] at [WORK_LOCATION]
    - Change of employer requires new AEWV (new Job Check)
    - Change of location: variation of conditions
    - Maintain valid passport + report address changes
  • Renewal subject to continuing Employer Accreditation + role compliance
  • Indian-cohort common occupations: software engineers, registered nurses, automotive trades, civil engineers, chefs

§4 — APPLICATION PROCESS (90-110 words)
Stage 1: [EMPLOYER_NAME] accreditation (if not already accredited)
  • Online application at INZ employer portal
  • Fee + supporting docs (HR policies, IRD records, ACC records, business documents)

Stage 2: Job Check
  • Online application
  • Job description tied to ANZSCO [ANZSCO_CODE]
  • Wage + advertising evidence
  • Fee: NZD 735 [VERIFY]

Stage 3: AEWV application by [CLIENT_NAME]
  • Online via INZ ONLINE
  • Documents: passport, CV, references, qualifications, English proof (IELTS 6.5 typical or exemption), medical, police certificate
  • Fee: NZD 750-1,310 [VERIFY]
  • Processing: 4-10 weeks
  • Biometrics via VFS Global India

§5 — INDIAN-COHORT REALITY (60-80 words)
India is one of the top 3 AEWV source countries. Common patterns:
  • Software engineer (261313) — Auckland CBD employers; Green List Tier 1
  • Registered nurse (254499) — Te Whatu Ora / private hospitals; Green List Tier 1
  • Automotive technician — Sector Agreement
  • Civil engineer — Green List Tier 1
  • Chef (351311) — Sector Agreement (hospitality)
For non-Green List roles, prepare for Job Check + advertising scrutiny + median wage discipline.

§6 — TO PR PATHWAY (40-60 words)
After AEWV:
  • Green List Tier 1 occupations: Straight to Residence after 2 years
  • Green List Tier 2: Work to Residence after 2 years employment
  • Standard AEWV: Skilled Migrant Category (6-point system; 12-24 months on AEWV typical to reach SMC threshold)
Plan PR strategy from AEWV grant — start NZQA recognition + IELTS targeting for SMC points.

End with: "DRAFT AEWV STRATEGY — for review by IAA-licensed adviser. Median Wage threshold revises every February; check current rate before lodgement. Job Check is the highest-failure step — advertising compliance + wage justification are dispositive."