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Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

New Zealand's primary work visa for skilled migrants with an offer from an accredited employer. Most-used work pathway, with substantial 2025 reforms affecting wage testing, visa duration, and evidence requirements.

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policy updates By ProVisas Editorial Team

Important Update: Partner and Dependent Visas for AEWV Holders (ANZSCO Levels 4 & 5)

From 26 June 2024, AEWV holders at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without residency pathways can no longer sponsor partner and dependent child visas. Exemptions apply for Green List holders, sector agreements, and workers earning 1.5× median wage.

Effective 26 June 2024, Accredited Employer Work Visa holders at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without residency pathways can no longer sponsor partner and dependent child visas (including work, visitor, and student categories).

What changed

If you hold an AEWV at ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 and do not have a pathway to residence, you can no longer sponsor your partner or dependent children for visas in New Zealand. The modification reflects earlier AEWV reforms and mirrors the previous Essential Skills Work Visa framework.

Key points

  • Partners and dependents remain eligible to apply independently for visas if they satisfy individual requirements
  • The change only affects sponsorship — not independent visa applications
  • Current visa holders are not affected by this change retroactively

Who is not affected

The policy does not apply to:

  • Current visa holders whose visas were granted before 26 June 2024
  • AEWV holders (levels 4–5) with residency access through Green List positions
  • Those covered by sector agreements
  • Workers earning 1.5× the median wage
  • Applications submitted before the change date

What you should do

If you’re an AEWV holder at ANZSCO levels 4 or 5 and want to bring your family to NZ, understanding your options is critical. The exemption pathways (Green List, sector agreement, 1.5× median wage) are the main routes to family sponsorship for affected workers. Independent visa application by the partner/dependent is the alternative when no exemption applies.

Last reviewed . Information may have changed since this article was reviewed. For your specific case, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.