New Zealand allows foreign workers to stay in the country under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for a fixed period, known as the “maximum continuous stay.” This duration depends on the type of job, skill level, and visa category, with different rules for regular and seasonal workers.
The total time a person can stay on one or more AEWVs is pre-defined. In most cases, first-time applicants receive a visa that matches this total stay period. However, the visa duration may be shorter if the job contract is for a limited term.
If a worker already holds an AEWV that is shorter than the allowed maximum stay, they may apply for another AEWV to complete the remaining duration.
Maximum Stay Based on Job and Skill Level
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
For many workers, the maximum stay on a regular AEWV is up to five years. This applies to higher-skilled roles, including jobs classified under skill levels 1, 2, or 3, or roles that meet specific wage thresholds or fall under priority occupation lists such as the Green List.
Certain sector-specific roles also qualify for a five-year stay. These include transport and care workforce jobs that meet defined wage requirements.
However, workers in lower-skilled roles, classified under skill levels 4 or 5 and not covered by special conditions, are generally allowed to stay for up to three years.
The time spent in New Zealand on AEWVs is counted from either the date the first visa is granted (if the person is already in the country) or from the date of arrival on that visa. This total includes time spent on related visas such as interim visas or specific purpose work visas in certain cases.
After reaching the maximum stay, workers must leave New Zealand. For regular AEWV holders, this means staying outside the country for at least 12 consecutive months before applying again.
Different Rules for Seasonal Workers
Seasonal visa holders have separate rules. Workers under the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa can stay for up to three years, but they must leave New Zealand for at least three months each year.
Those on a Peak Seasonal Visa can stay for up to seven months, after which they must spend at least four months outside the country before reapplying.
These rules are designed to manage short-term labour demand while ensuring periodic breaks outside New Zealand.
Workers may also extend their stay in some cases. For example, if a person on a lower-skilled visa moves into a higher-skilled role that qualifies for a longer stay, they may be allowed to remain in the country for up to five years.
Overall, the AEWV system sets clear limits on how long migrant workers can remain in New Zealand, with rules linked to job type, pay level, and labour market needs.
The total time a person can stay on one or more AEWVs is pre-defined. In most cases, first-time applicants receive a visa that matches this total stay period. However, the visa duration may be shorter if the job contract is for a limited term.
If a worker already holds an AEWV that is shorter than the allowed maximum stay, they may apply for another AEWV to complete the remaining duration.
Maximum Stay Based on Job and Skill Level
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
For many workers, the maximum stay on a regular AEWV is up to five years. This applies to higher-skilled roles, including jobs classified under skill levels 1, 2, or 3, or roles that meet specific wage thresholds or fall under priority occupation lists such as the Green List.
Certain sector-specific roles also qualify for a five-year stay. These include transport and care workforce jobs that meet defined wage requirements.
However, workers in lower-skilled roles, classified under skill levels 4 or 5 and not covered by special conditions, are generally allowed to stay for up to three years.
The time spent in New Zealand on AEWVs is counted from either the date the first visa is granted (if the person is already in the country) or from the date of arrival on that visa. This total includes time spent on related visas such as interim visas or specific purpose work visas in certain cases.
After reaching the maximum stay, workers must leave New Zealand. For regular AEWV holders, this means staying outside the country for at least 12 consecutive months before applying again.
Different Rules for Seasonal Workers
Seasonal visa holders have separate rules. Workers under the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa can stay for up to three years, but they must leave New Zealand for at least three months each year.
Those on a Peak Seasonal Visa can stay for up to seven months, after which they must spend at least four months outside the country before reapplying.
These rules are designed to manage short-term labour demand while ensuring periodic breaks outside New Zealand.
Workers may also extend their stay in some cases. For example, if a person on a lower-skilled visa moves into a higher-skilled role that qualifies for a longer stay, they may be allowed to remain in the country for up to five years.
Overall, the AEWV system sets clear limits on how long migrant workers can remain in New Zealand, with rules linked to job type, pay level, and labour market needs.
