New Zealand’s immigration authorities have streamlined the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process, reducing wait times for foreign workers and prioritizing applications with complete documentation. This initiative is expected to benefit applicants aiming for faster employment approvals in New Zealand.
Foreign workers applying for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may see faster approvals, thanks to Immigration New Zealand’s streamlined visa processing.
This move is part of a recent effort by New Zealand authorities to prioritize efficiency, especially for applications with complete documentation, helping foreign workers begin their New Zealand journey sooner.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa enables foreign nationals to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer offering at least 30 hours of work weekly. Key benefits include:
• Work Flexibility: Holders can work full-time for approved employers.
• Study Opportunities: Visa holders can study for up to three months in any 12-month period or complete employment-related study.
• Visa Pathways for AEWV Holders: Eligible AEWV holders can explore various pathways to permanent residency, including:
o Straight to Residence Visa
o Work to Residence Visa
o Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
o Transport Work to Residence Visa
Most AEWV holders can stay in New Zealand for up to five years, making this visa a viable option for those seeking long-term work and residency prospects.
Priority Work Visa Processing
To streamline the visa processing, Immigration New Zealand has introduced measures to reduce delays by grouping applications and assigning them to dedicated teams for simultaneous processing, particularly for large groups from specific industries or regions.
• Group Processing: Large groups of applications from the same sector or location are being processed simultaneously by dedicated teams.
• Prioritizing Complete Applications: Applications with all necessary documentation and evidence are being given priority.
• Strict Deadline for Employer Accreditation: Employers with expiring accreditation must renew within 5 days, or ongoing visa applications may be declined.
Allocation Priorities for Early November 2024
For the week starting November 3, Immigration New Zealand has outlined key priority groups for processing. Dedicated teams will assess these groups, which are subject to weekly reviews, while other applications will continue to follow a date-order processing system. Priority groups include:
1. Employer Accreditation Applications: Priority given to applications where employer’s interim accreditation expires within six weeks.
2. Job Check Applications: Applications for Green List and ANZSCO Skill Level 1 roles, especially those filed in the last 10 days.
Applications for ANZSCO Skill Level 2 roles in hospitality.
Job Checks for employers with accreditations expiring before November 30, 2024.
3. Work Visa Applications with Urgent Expiry Dates: Work visas linked to employers whose accreditation will expire by the end of November.
For cases where accreditation has already expired, employers have five days to renew, or active Job Check and visa applications may be declined.
4. Work Visa Applications for In-Country Visa Holders: Visa holders in New Zealand on interim visas with no work rights moving off open-work-rights visas.
5. Green List Role Work Visas: Applications for Green List positions will continue to receive prioritized processing, especially for extensions.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Processing
To ensure timely processing of your AEWV application, consider the following:
• Complete Your Application: Submit all required documents, including police certificates and language test results.
• Stay Updated: Monitor your application status regularly and respond promptly to any requests from Immigration New Zealand.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you need assistance, consult with an immigration advisor.
Applicants should ensure they meet eligibility requirements and provide all necessary information, including police clearances and English proficiency proof, to avoid delays.
Efforts to Maintain Effective Processing
New Zealand’s immigration department focuses on a structured allocation system to enhance service for AEWV applicants, particularly for critical roles in high-demand sectors.
This strategic approach supports New Zealand’s commitment to welcoming skilled talent in line with workforce needs, enabling a smoother, more efficient process for prospective workers aiming to establish themselves in the country.
Conclusion
With Immigration New Zealand’s commitment to refining the AEWV process, foreign workers can anticipate a more efficient path to employment in New Zealand. By following updated guidelines and ensuring application completeness, AEWV applicants may achieve a quicker route to their New Zealand careers.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/new-zealand-fast-tracks-work-visa-processing-for-skilled-workers/
