More changes are coming for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). 

From 27 November this year, a maximum continuous stay is being introduced for everyone holding an AEWV.  

Increases will be made to the length of the AEWV for workers earning at least the median wage, from 3 years to 5 years. 

Those in the care workforce sector who are paid at least the level 3 pay rate will also receive a visa extension from 2 years to 3 years.

Workers paid at the level 3 pay rate will now have enough time to complete the level 4 qualification and move to the higher pay rate and pathway to residence. If they move to the level 4 pay rate, they will be able to apply for a further AEWV in order to get a maximum continuous stay of 5 years.

Workers who are paid at the level 4 pay rate, will also have time to apply for residence after they complete the required 2 years of work experience at the level 4 pay rate.

Be aware though, the maximum visa length is not always the same length of time as the maximum continuous stay. What this means is, if the maximum continuous stay is longer for a particular role, further AEWVs can be approved for up to that length.

Here’s an example.

• A bus driver in the transport sector who gets paid below median wage.
• Your maximum visa length is 3 years.
• Your maximum continuous stay is 5 years.
• You can get a 3-year AEWV (the maximum visa length).
• At the end of 3 years you can apply for a second AEWV, but the visa length can only be up to 2 years. This is because your total maximum continuous stay is 5 years.