Can You Extend Your AEWV to 5 Years? Your Complete Guide

Yes, but not always. If your current AEWV is due to expire, you may be able to apply for another AEWV if you haven't reached your maximum continuous stay and you continue to meet the visa requirements.

If you've already reached your maximum continuous stay, you'll need to leave New Zealand for 12 consecutive months before you can apply for another AEWV.

Good to know:

Many people search for an "AEWV extension." In practice, Immigration New Zealand usually requires you to apply for another AEWV rather than extend your existing visa. If you're eligible, your new visa can allow you to stay for the remainder of your maximum continuous stay. 

Most people working in ANZSCO or National Occupation List (NOL) Skill Level 1–3 jobs can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV for up to five years. You may also qualify for a five-year maximum continuous stay if you work in an eligible Green List role, Care Workforce or Transport Work to Residence role, or another eligible high-wage occupation.

If none of these applies, most ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 4–5 roles have a maximum continuous stay of up to three years.

Good to know: Your maximum continuous stay is based on your current job and eligibility. If you move into a role that qualifies for a longer stay, you may be able to remain in New Zealand for longer

Your maximum continuous stay is the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on one or more Accredited Employer Work Visas.

For most people, this is either three years or five years. It isn't based on a single visa. Instead, Immigration New Zealand counts the total time you spend in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs.

Your maximum continuous stay starts:

• From the date your first AEWV begins if you're already in New Zealand.

• From the date you first arrive in New Zealand on your AEWV if it was granted while you were overseas.

Time spent on an Interim Visa or, in some cases, a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) may also count towards your maximum stay.

However, time spent on other visas, such as a student visa, visitor visa, Post Study Work Visa or Working Holiday Visa, doesn't count towards your maximum continuous stay.

If you reach your maximum continuous stay, you'll need to leave New Zealand for 12 consecutive months before you can apply for another regular AEWV. 

If you're planning to stay in New Zealand long term, it's a good idea to explore your next visa or residence options before you reach this limit.

Not sure how much longer you can stay? Our licensed immigration advisers can help you understand your maximum continuous stay and plan your next visa before your current stay ends.

Before you apply for another AEWV, make sure you still meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

You may be eligible if you:

• Haven't reached your maximum continuous stay.

• Have a valid job offer from an accredited employer.

• Have a valid Job Check or reusable job token, where applicable.

• Continue to meet the health and character requirements.

• Meet AEWV's English language requirement for your occupation.

• Meet the wage and occupation requirements for your role.

Meeting these requirements doesn't automatically guarantee your visa will be approved. Immigration New Zealand will assess your application based on your individual circumstances.

What is a Job Check?

A Job Check is an approval your employer needs before you can apply for an AEWV. Once it's approved, your employer receives a job token to send to you so you can start your visa application (Immigration New Zealand).

If you're eligible, here are the steps to a new AEWV application process.

Step 1: Check how much time you have left

Before you apply, check how much of your maximum continuous stay you have left or you can check your visa approval letter for your current visa details.

Step 2: Confirm your employer's accreditation

Your employer must have valid accreditation before they can support your application. If their accreditation has expired, they'll need to renew it before they can send you a job token.

Step 3: Get a job token from your employer

Your employer must send you a job token before you can apply for another AEWV.

In most cases, applicants will need a new job token, although some people who applied for their current AEWV before 10 March 2025 may be able to reuse their existing one if they meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

Good to know:

If you're not sure whether you can reuse your job token, check with your employer or Immigration New Zealand before you apply.

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Gather all the AEWV application documents you'll need before you apply.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include your passport, employment agreement, qualifications, English language test results, medical examination and police certificates. Check our AEWV document checklist guide.

Step 5: Submit your application online

Once you have your job token and supporting documents, you can submit your AEWV application online through Immigration New Zealand.

You'll pay the AEWV application fee when you lodge your application, and you may be granted an Interim Visa if your current AEWV expires while you're waiting for a decision.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Immigration New Zealand will assess your application and contact you if they need more information.

Before you apply, check our AEWV processing times guide so you know what to expect and can plan your next steps with confidence.

Before you apply for another AEWV, make sure you have all your documents ready. The exact documents you'll need depend on your circumstances, but most applicants should prepare the following:

Not sure if you're missing anything?

The documents you need depend on your job, visa history and personal circumstances. Our migration experts can help you understand exactly what you'll need before you apply for a new AEWV.

The cost of applying for another AEWV depends on whether you need to update any supporting documents. Most applicants should budget for the visa application fee, and in some cases, the cost of a new English language test, medical examination or police certificate.

If your medical certificate, police certificate or IELTS results are still valid, you may not need to pay for them again. Checking your document expiry dates before you apply can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Looking for a full cost breakdown?

Read our AEWV visa fees and costs guide to learn more about what you'll need to budget for.

Usually, yes. Most people applying for another AEWV will need a new job token from their employer.

However, if you first applied for your current AEWV on or after 10 March 2025, you can't reuse your previous job token and your employer will need to obtain a new Job Check before sending you a new one.

You may be able to reuse your current job token if you first applied for your AEWV on or before 9 March 2025 and continue to meet Immigration New Zealand's reuse requirements.

Good to know: If you need a new job token, your employer must first obtain a new Job Check before sending you a link to start your AEWV application.

Unsure which rules apply to your situation?

If your job, employer or visa situation has changed, IDP can help you understand what you'll need before you submit your next application.

It depends. If you're changing employers, you'll generally need to apply for a new AEWV to work for your new employer.

Your new employer must have valid accreditation, complete a Job Check and provide you with a job token before you can apply.

If you're changing roles or work locations with your current employer, you may need to apply for a Job Change instead of a new AEWV.

Know more: How to apply for a job change on an AEWV.

Planning to change jobs? IDP's licensed immigration advisers can help you understand whether you need a Job Change or a new AEWV.

Once you reach your maximum continuous stay, you can't apply for another regular AEWV straight away. Your next step will depend on your personal circumstances and long-term goals.

Apply for permanent residence

If you're eligible, you may be able to apply for a New Zealand resident visa instead of another AEWV. Some occupations, such as eligible Green List, Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence roles, offer pathways to New Zealand residence.

Leave New Zealand for 12 months

If you've reached your maximum continuous stay and don't qualify for another visa, you'll usually need to leave New Zealand for 12 consecutive months before you can apply for another regular AEWV.

Study to upskill

Some migrants choose to study before applying for their next visa. Gaining a new qualification can help you move into a higher-skilled occupation, improve your career opportunities and support your pathway to permanent residence.

If you're thinking about your next step, IDP can help you compare courses that match your career goals and long-term migration plans. Book a study and migration consultation.

Explore another visa

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for another type of visa. This could include a partner visa, student visa or another work visa.

The right option depends on your goals, your qualifications and your eligibility.

If you're unsure which pathway is right for you, speaking with an IDP counsellor can help you understand your options and plan your next move.

If you're applying for another AEWV, your partner and dependent children may also be able to stay in New Zealand with you. However, they'll usually need to apply for their own visa and meet the relevant requirements.

The length of their visa often depends on your visa and your circumstances. Before they apply, check which visa is right for them and what documents they'll need.

Know more about bringing your family on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

The New Zealand Government has announced a proposal to introduce a 12-month AEWV extension for some migrants from 2027. The aim is to give eligible workers more time to qualify for permanent residence.

These changes are subject to implementation, and further details are expected. We'll update this guide as new information becomes available.

Whether you're applying for another AEWV, preparing for IELTS or thinking about residence, IDP can help you explore your options before your current visa expires.

We can help you:

• Understand your visa requirements.

• Prepare for IELTS if you need to meet the English language requirement.

• Find study options that match your career goals.

• Explore pathways to permanent residence.

• Plan your long-term future in New Zealand.

You don't have to plan your next step alone. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and build a plan that supports your study, work and migration goals.

Can I extend my AEWV?

You can't extend your current AEWV. Instead, you may be able to apply for another AEWV if you haven't reached your maximum continuous stay and you continue to meet the visa requirements.

Can I apply for another AEWV before it expires?

Yes. You should apply before your current AEWV expires if you're eligible. Applying early can help you avoid delays and maintain your lawful status in New Zealand.

What happens if my visa expires while I'm waiting?

If you apply for another AEWV before your current visa expires, you may be granted an Interim Visa while Immigration New Zealand processes your application. This helps you remain lawfully in New Zealand while a decision is being made.

Know more about what happens while you're waiting for AEWV approval.

How long can I stay on an AEWV?

Most people can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV for up to three or five years, depending on their job, skill level and eligibility. Your maximum stay is known as your maximum continuous stay.

What is maximum continuous stay?

Maximum continuous stay is the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs. Once you reach this limit, you'll usually need to leave New Zealand for 12 months before applying for another regular AEWV.

Do I need a new Job Check?

Usually not if you're eligible to reuse your job token and you're staying in the same role with the same employer. If you change employers or jobs, your employer will usually need to complete a new Job Check.

Can I reuse my job token?

Some applicants can reuse their job token if they meet Immigration New Zealand's eligibility requirements. If you applied for your current AEWV on or after 10 March 2025, you'll generally need a new job token.

Do I need IELTS again?

Only if you need to meet the English language requirement and your previous evidence is no longer valid or doesn't qualify for an exemption. Check the current AEWV English language requirements before you apply.

Can I study while holding an AEWV?

You may be able to study while holding an AEWV, but the type and length of study allowed depends on your visa conditions.

Can studying help me qualify for permanent residence?

Yes, in some cases. Gaining new qualifications can help you move into higher-skilled occupations or meet the requirements for residence pathways in New Zealand.