Starting 8 April 2025, significant changes to New Zealand’s visa processing system will come into effect, granting interim work rights to applicants awaiting the outcome of their Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application.
The update, announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), aims to streamline the transition for workers moving into new roles under the AEWV scheme while reducing delays in employment. Planning short visits to New Zealand, obtaining a New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is essential. The NZ eTA is valid for two years.
Applicants who submit an AEWV application while holding any valid work visa or a student visa with work rights during term time will now receive interim work rights.
This allows them to begin working in the role specified in their AEWV application (linked to their Accredited Employer’s Job Check) without waiting for full approval.
Time spent working on an interim visa with work rights will now count toward the work experience required for work-to-residence visa pathways.
For applicants applying for a second or subsequent AEWV, time spent on an interim visa with work rights will now count toward the maximum continuous stay period allowed under the AEWV scheme.
Note: Time spent on an interim visa before the first AEWV approval, however, will not be considered.
The update primarily supports:
|
Scenario |
Pre-April 8, 2025 Rule |
Post-April 8, 2025 Rule |
|
The interim visa likely has work rights for that specific job. |
The interim visa has work rights for the new AEWV job. (Continuity assured). |
|
Interim Visa likely has Visitor conditions (No work). |
Interim Visa has work rights for the new AEWV job. (Work permitted sooner) |
|
Interim Visa likely has Visitor conditions (No work). |
Interim Visa has work rights for the new AEWV job. (Work permitted sooner) |
|
Interim Visa has Visitor conditions (No work). |
Interim Visa has visitor conditions (No work). (No change for this group.) |
|
Generally No (if not working) or Yes (if working under specific pre-existing rule). |
Yes (if working under new interim work rights). |
|
Generally No (unless working under specific pre-existing rule & 2nd+ AEWV). |
Yes (if working under new interim work rights & 2nd+ AEWV, excluding pre-1st AEWV time). |
INZ says the update aims to reduce delays, keep skilled workers in jobs faster, and make New Zealand more competitive for global talent.
Next Steps: Employers and migrants should review the new interim visa conditions ahead of the April 2025 rollout. For official updates, check out the New Zealand Immigration website.
