The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is granted for a fixed term — typically up to three years depending on your occupation and employment agreement. When that term is approaching its end, you have options: extend with your current employer, move to a new accredited employer, or transition to a residence pathway. This guide covers everything you need to know about extending your AEWV in 2026.
Can You Extend an AEWV?
Yes. An AEWV can be extended, subject to the following conditions:
- Your employer must still hold current accreditation (or you must have a new accredited employer lined up)
- A new Job Check must be approved for the role (unless an exemption applies)
- You must continue to meet the median wage threshold (NZ$35.00/hr as of 2026, or the relevant occupation threshold)
- You must not exceed the maximum continuous stay allowed for your visa category
The maximum stay on an AEWV is generally three years for most occupations, or five years for Green List Tier 1 occupations (straight-to-residence roles). Once you reach the limit, you must either leave New Zealand for 12 months or have transitioned to a residence-class visa.
Same Employer vs New Employer Extension
Staying with the same employer
If you are continuing in the same role with the same accredited employer:
- Your employer does not need to re-apply for accreditation if it is still current
- A new Job Check is required unless your role is exempt (e.g. Green List occupation, or role has not changed materially)
- You apply for a new AEWV using the existing job token once the Job Check is approved
- Apply before your current visa expires — your interim visa work rights allow you to keep working while your renewal is being processed, but only if you apply while your current visa is still valid
Moving to a new employer
If you are changing employers:
- The new employer must hold current accreditation (or apply for it — accreditation takes 2–4 weeks)
- A new Job Check must be approved for your specific role
- You apply for a new AEWV using the new employer's job token
- Your work rights on your current visa continue while the new application is processed, provided you applied while your visa was valid
Step-by-Step: Renewing Your AEWV
Step 1 — Confirm your employer's accreditation status Check that your employer is still an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation must be renewed periodically. If it has lapsed, your employer must renew before a new AEWV can be issued.
Step 2 — Job Check Your employer applies for a Job Check for your role. The Job Check confirms the job is genuine, that the role has been advertised (unless exempt), and that the wage meets the median wage threshold. Job Check approval typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Step 3 — Apply for your new AEWV Once the Job Check is approved, your employer provides you with the job token. You submit your AEWV application online via Immigration New Zealand's Visa View. The application fee is NZ$750.
Step 4 — Processing Processing currently takes approximately 25–35 working days. You can check current times on the NZ visa processing times guide.
Step 5 — Interim visa work rights While your application is pending, your current visa conditions and work rights continue under an interim visa — but only if you applied while your original AEWV was still valid. Do not wait until your visa expires.
Fees
| Item | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| AEWV application | NZ$750 |
| Job Check (paid by employer) | NZ$610 |
| Employer accreditation renewal | NZ$740 (standard) / NZ$1,220 (high-volume) |
Extension and Residence Pathways
Extending your AEWV does not reset your pathway to residence. Time spent on an AEWV counts toward eligibility for:
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — requires meeting points threshold and meeting median wage; AEWV holders in skilled roles are commonly eligible
- Green List straight-to-residence — if your occupation is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you may apply for residence after 24 months in the role (2 years), even before your AEWV expires
- Green List work-to-residence — if your occupation is on Tier 2, you may apply for residence after 24 months of employment in the qualifying role
If you are approaching the maximum stay limit (3 years for most, 5 for Green List Tier 1), you should be planning your residence application well in advance. An immigration adviser can help you assess your options and timing. See the Green List occupations guide and the AEWV main guide.
Key Reminders
- Apply for your extension before your current AEWV expires to preserve your interim visa work rights
- Confirm your employer's accreditation is current before they start the Job Check process
- Keep copies of all Job Check approvals and correspondence — you will need them for your new AEWV application
- If you are planning to apply for residence, do not let your AEWV lapse before lodging your residence application
For personalised advice on your specific extension situation, consider consulting a licensed immigration adviser.