AEWV Job Change Process Guide

Thinking about changing jobs in New Zealand?

If you have an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you may be able to change your employer, job or work location without applying for a new visa. This guide explains who can apply for a Job Change, the latest 2026 rule changes, and what you'll need to do before starting your new role.

Whether you're planning your next job, preparing for IELTS or exploring your long-term migration options, IDP can help you understand your next steps with confidence.

Yes, but you may need Immigration New Zealand's approval before making the change. If you're changing your employer, work location or moving into a role with different core responsibilities, you'll usually need to apply for a Job Change or, in some situations, a new AEWV. The right process depends on what's changing.

Good to know: A Job Change updates the conditions of your current AEWV. It doesn't extend your visa expiry date. If your AEWV is due to expire soon, you may also need to apply for another AEWV to continue working in New Zealand.

Not sure which process applies to you?

Changing employers, roles or work locations doesn't always follow the same rules. IDP's licensed immigration advisers can help you understand whether you need a Job Change, a new AEWV or no application at all before you make any changes.

Check my situation

Yes. Changing jobs can affect your visa conditions, how long you can stay in New Zealand and your future migration plans. Before accepting a new role, consider how it could affect your AEWV.

• Visa expiry: A Job Change doesn't extend your AEWV. If your visa is due to expire, you'll still need to apply for another AEWV if you're eligible.

• Maximum continuous stay: Your new role may have a different maximum continuous stay, which could affect how long you can remain in New Zealand.

• Skills and qualifications: You'll need to meet the qualification, work experience or occupational registration requirements for your new role.

• Pathway to residence: Your new job may affect your eligibility for future residence pathways, depending on its skill level, occupation and other requirements.

Thinking about changing jobs? IDP's licensed immigration advisers can help you understand how your new role could affect your AEWV, maximum continuous stay and long-term migration plans.

It depends on what's changing. Some employment changes can be approved through a Job Change, while others require you to apply for a new AEWV. Before accepting a new role or starting work with a new employer, make sure you're following the correct process.

If you want to work for a new employer while holding an AEWV, you'll usually need to apply for a Job Change before starting your new job. Before you can apply, your new employer must meet Immigration New Zealand's AEWV requirements and provide you with the information you need to support your application.

Timeline

• Find a new employer

• Your new employer must have valid AEWV accreditation

• Your new employer obtains an approved Job Check (if required)

• Receive your job token from your new employer

• Submit your Job Change application

• Immigration New Zealand assesses your application

• Receive approval

• Start working for your new employer

Good to know: Your employer's Job Check and job token must be for the same visa type as your current visa. For example, if you hold an AEWV but your new employer's Job Check is for a Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) or Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV), you can't apply for a Job Change. You'll need to apply for a new visa instead.

Not every change to your employment requires the same process. Whether you need a Job Change depends on what is changing and whether your new role has different core responsibilities.

Different responsibilities

If you're moving into a role with different core duties or responsibilities, you'll usually need to apply for a Job Change before starting your new role.

Promotion with the same duties

A promotion doesn't always require a Job Change. If your core duties, employer and work location stay the same, you may not need to apply.

New work location

If you're moving to a different work location, you'll usually need a Job Change before the change takes effect.

Internal transfer

An internal transfer may or may not require a Job Change. It depends on whether your core responsibilities or work location are changing.

Not sure if your employment change needs approval? IDP's licensed immigration advisers can assess your situation and help you determine the correct application before you change jobs.

Check my situation

Some employment changes follow different rules. If your circumstances fall into one of these situations, it's important to understand what you need to do before making any changes.

Business sale or restructure

If your employer's business is sold or restructured, a streamlined Job Change process may apply. In some cases, you won't need a new Job Check, but you'll need to provide evidence of the business sale or restructure with your application.

Employer loses accreditation

If your employer loses their AEWV accreditation, you can usually continue working until your current visa expires. If you want to move to another employer, you'll need to meet the requirements for a Job Change or a new AEWV.

Employment ends

If your employment ends before your AEWV expires, your employer must notify Immigration New Zealand. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to find a new accredited employer and apply for a Job Change or another AEWV to continue working lawfully in New Zealand.

Changing jobs while on an AEWV isn't always straightforward. Depending on your situation, you may need a Job Change, a new AEWV or no application at all. IDP's licensed immigration advisers can help you understand the right pathway before you make any changes.

We can help you:

• Confirm whether you need a Job Change or a new AEWV

• Review your job offer, employment agreement and supporting documents.

• Prepare your application and help you avoid common mistakes.

• Explain how changing jobs could affect your visa conditions, maximum continuous stay and pathway to residence.

• Plan your next visa if you're thinking about staying in New Zealand long term.

Whether you're changing employers, accepting a promotion or planning your next career move, we'll help you understand your options and prepare with confidence.

Can I change employers on an AEWV?

Yes. You can usually apply for a Job Change to change your employer without applying for a new AEWV, provided your new employer is accredited.

Can I start my new job before my Job Change is approved?

No. You must wait until Immigration New Zealand approves your Job Change application and issues your updated eVisa before starting your new job.

Do I need IELTS for a Job Change?

No. The English language requirement doesn't apply to Job Change applications, even if you're moving into an eligible Skill Level 3 role.

How long does a Job Change take?

Processing times vary, but many Job Change applications are decided within 1 to 3 weeks if your application is complete.

Can I change my work location?

Yes. If you're moving to a different city or region, you'll usually need to apply for a Job Change before you start working at the new location.

Will my visa expiry date change?

No. A Job Change updates your employment conditions but doesn't extend your visa or reset your maximum continuous stay.

What happens if my employer isn't accredited?

You can't apply for a Job Change unless your new employer is accredited. They'll also need an approved Job Check before they can send you a job token.

What happens if I lose my job?

You may be able to apply for a Job Change, another visa or a visitor visa, depending on your circumstances. It's best to explore your options before your current visa expires.