The AEWV is the main temporary work visa in New Zealand. It is a new employer-led work visa process to be followed to hire migrant workers.

Key information and statistics

Accreditation applications opened on 23 May 2022, Job Check applications opened on 20 June 2022 and work visa applications opened on 4 July 2022. 

As at 8 April 2024:

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has approved 116,759 AEWV applications, and there are 34,440 accredited employers
• INZ has undertaken 2,974 post-accreditation checks and an additional 482 are underway
• MBIE has received 2, 625 complaints against accredited employers. This number only indicates an allegation involving an Accredited Employer has been received, not whether the allegation can be substantiated
• There are currently 199 active investigations on Accredited Employers underway
• 224 employers have had their accreditation revoked and 76 have had their accreditation suspended
• 50 employers are under assessment to have their accreditation revoked and 4 employers are currently under assessment to have their accreditation suspended. Revocations and suspensions can occur due to a range of reasons, and a number are due to liquidation.

Further information  

Accreditation for the AEWV

Accredited Employer Work Visa resources