How Long Can You Stay in New Zealand on an AEWV?
If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you may have heard about the "maximum continuous stay".
But what does that actually mean, and how long can you stay in New Zealand?
The answer isn't the same for everyone.
Your maximum continuous stay will generally be either 3 years or 5 years, depending on your job, skill level, pay and, in some cases, when you applied for your first AEWV.
What is a maximum continuous stay?
Your maximum continuous stay is the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs before you are required to spend time outside New Zealand.
This is different from the expiry date on your current visa.
For example, you might be granted an AEWV for two years but have a maximum continuous stay of five years. This doesn't mean your visa automatically continues for another three years. You would need to qualify for and apply for another visa before your current one expires.
When can you stay for up to 5 years?
For most AEWV holders working in higher-skilled roles, the maximum continuous stay is 5 years.
This generally includes people working in:
ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3 roles
Certain NOL skill level 1, 2 or 3 occupations that can be used for an AEWV
Green List roles
Certain eligible transport or care workforce roles
Roles paid at least the applicable higher wage threshold
There are also transitional rules that can apply depending on when you applied for your first AEWV.
When is the maximum stay 3 years?
If your job is assessed as ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 and you don't meet one of the exceptions that allows a five-year maximum continuous stay, your maximum stay will generally be 3 years.
This is why two people who both hold an AEWV may have very different maximum stay periods.
Your occupation, pay and individual visa history all matter.
What happens when I reach my maximum continuous stay?
If you reach the maximum amount of time you are allowed to stay on a regular AEWV, you will normally need to spend 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand before you can be granted another regular AEWV.
Simply changing employers or applying for another AEWV doesn't reset the clock.
You may be able to hold another type of visa, if you qualify, but remaining in New Zealand on another visa does not count towards the 12 months you are required to spend outside New Zealand.
What if my circumstances change?
Your maximum continuous stay isn't necessarily fixed based on the job you had when you first arrived.
For example, if you are currently in a role with a three-year maximum continuous stay and later move into a higher-skilled role that qualifies for a five-year maximum, you may be able to stay in New Zealand on an AEWV for up to five years in total.
As always, you would need to meet the immigration requirements for the new role and visa.
Does time outside New Zealand reset my AEWV maximum stay?
A holiday or a few months spent overseas does not reset your maximum continuous stay.
For a regular AEWV, you need to spend 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand to start a new maximum continuous stay period.
This is important to understand if you are approaching your maximum stay and planning what you will do next.
Don't wait until you're close to your maximum stay
If your long-term goal is to remain in New Zealand, I recommend looking at your options well before you reach the end of your AEWV maximum continuous stay.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have a pathway to residence, or there may be steps you can take now that could put you in a better position in the future.
For some residence pathways, you may need to work in skilled employment, earn a certain wage, hold particular qualifications or gain a certain amount of skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Finding this out early gives you time to plan rather than discovering your options when your current visa is about to expire.
Not sure how long you can stay?
AEWV maximum continuous stay rules can be confusing, particularly if you have held more than one AEWV, changed jobs or your circumstances have changed since your first visa was granted.
At Navigate Immigration Services, I can review your circumstances, explain how the maximum continuous stay rules apply to you and discuss what your future visa or residence options may be.
Planning ahead can make a big difference when New Zealand is somewhere you hope to call home long term.
📧 jo@navigateimmigration.co.nz 📞+64 27 477 2088
👩💻 www.navigateimmigration.co.nz
