Article Summary

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented a temporary manual process for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders whose employers are sold or restructured, due to a system limitation preventing automatic job token updates. Employers must now submit new job check applications, with fees waived, to link workers to new entities. INZ is developing a long-term automated solution expected next year.

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This issue directly impacts skilled professionals holding AEWVs and their employers in New Zealand, creating uncertainty and administrative hurdles during critical business transitions like sales or restructures. It underscores how technical glitches can disrupt immigration processes and individual careers.

While specific system errors differ, the broader challenge of maintaining visa status during employer changes is a common concern across skilled immigration systems. For instance, in the U.S., H-1B visa holders often require new or amended petitions when their employer undergoes significant structural changes, highlighting a similar vulnerability due to different causes.

For AEWV holders, the immediate impact is potential anxiety and the need to ensure their employer correctly navigates the new manual process to avoid visa status issues. Employers face increased administrative burden and potential delays in talent mobility, despite the fee waiver.