More interim visa holders allowed to work

From April 8, 2025, applicants will be granted temporary work rights when applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) while holding any type of work visa or a student visa that permits work during term time. This will allow applicants to work in New Zealand if their visa expires while their application is being processed.

In most cases, Interim Visas are automatically granted to eligible applicants. The visa letter includes detailed conditions which confirm whether you are allowed to work. This letter can be shown to an employer as proof of employment rights.

This change includes the following:

• The ability for the applicant to start the job listed in their AEWV application (linked to their Accredited Employer’s Job Check), allowing a quicker transition into the role.
• Time spent on an interim visa with work rights will count toward the work experience required for work-to-residence pathways.
• For applicants applying for a second or subsequent AEWV, the time spent on an interim visa with work rights will count toward the maximum stay limit in New Zealand on their AEWV. However, this maximum stay period does not include any time spent on an interim visa granted before the applicant’s first AEWV.

Questions? Contact us!