How long can you stay in New Zealand on an AEWV?
You can usually stay up to 3 to 5 years on an AEWV visa in New Zealand, depending on your job, salary, and skill level. This total time is called your maximum continuous stay.
Your job, salary, and skill level can all change how long you can stay in an Accredited Employer Work visa.
In this guide, you’ll learn how long the AEWV is valid, what affects your stay, and how this connects to your long-term plans in New Zealand.
What affects how long your AEWV is valid?
Your visa length depends on:
Your job’s skill level.
Your salary.
Whether your job is on the Green List or priority pathways.
Typical AEWV duration by job type
Job type | Skill level | How long you can stay |
Higher-skilled roles | ANZSCO Level 1–3 | Up to 5 years |
Lower-skilled roles | ANZSCO Level 4–5 | Up to 3 years |
Note: Some lower-skilled roles can still get up to 5 years if they meet certain conditions.
When can you stay up to 5 years?
You can usually stay up to 5 years if:
Your job is skill level 1–3 on the National Occupation List (NOL) and ANZSCO.
Your job is on the Green List.
Your job is in the list of NOL occupations for AEWV or Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) applications.
You are paid a higher salary (NZD $52.50 an hour).
Your role is part of certain approved pathways (like care workforce or transport roles), and you meet the required pay rate.
Your stay is usually limited to 3 years if:
Your job is skill level 4 or 5, and
It does not meet any special conditions (like higher pay or priority roles)
Is your visa length always the full duration?
Not always. Your visa may be shorter if:
Your job contract is short-term.
Your employment agreement has a fixed end date.
You may still be able to apply for another AEWV later.
Can you apply for another AEWV?
Yes, in many cases you can. This depends on the difference between your visa length and your maximum stay.
Your visa length is based on your job contract. Your maximum stay is based on your job, including its skill level, salary, and pathway.
Sometimes, your visa is shorter than your maximum stay.
For example, your job may allow you to stay for up to 5 years, but your contract is only for 2 years. In this case, your visa will only be granted for 2 years. Once it ends, you can apply for another AEWV, as long as you still have time left within your 5-year limit and you meet the requirements.
What happens when you reach your maximum stay?
Once you reach your limit:
You must leave New Zealand.
You must stay outside for 12 months before applying again.
Does time on other visas count toward your AEWV stay limit?
Not always. Only certain visas count toward your AEWV maximum stay. Your maximum stay only tracks the time you spend on specific work visas. It does not include all the time you stay in New Zealand.
What time counts toward your AEWV stay
These usually count:
Time spent on an AEWV.
Time on some interim visas (while waiting for another AEWV).
Time on certain specific work visas (in limited cases) .
What time does NOT count
These do not count toward your AEWV stay limit:
Student visa
Visitor visa
Working holiday visa
What about seasonal AEWVs?
Some AEWVs are for seasonal work. This means jobs that are only needed at certain times of the year, such as farming, harvesting, or peak business periods.
These visas are different from regular AEWVs. They have shorter stay periods and require you to leave New Zealand at set times.
What are the types of seasonal AEWVs?
There are two main types:
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
Each has its own rules on how long you can stay.
How long can you stay on a seasonal AEWV?
Visa type | Stay limit | Required time outside NZ |
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa | Up to 3 years | Must leave 3 months each year |
Peak Seasonal Visa | Up to 7 months | Must leave 4 months after |
What this means for you
Your job affects more than your visa approval.
It affects:
How long you can stay.
Whether you can extend your visa.
Your pathway to residence.
Choosing the right job early can give you more options later.
Plan your stay with the right job from the start
You’re already taking a big step by planning to work in New Zealand.
But how long you can stay depends on more than just getting a job. Your role, salary, and visa pathway all matter.
Choosing the right job early can give you more time, better options, and a clearer path to residence.
Our migration experts at IDP can help you connect your study, job, and visa plans so everything works together.