Can you extend your current work visa?

Each AEWV holder has a maximum continuous stay, which is the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on an AEWV, before you are required to spend time outside in order to be eligible for another AEWV. This is different from a maximum visa duration, which refers to how long each individual AEWV is valid when granted.

The following AEWV holders can stay up to five years (both maximum continuous stay and maximum duration):

• • Jobs at ANZSCO skill level is 1, 2 or 3;
  • Jobs at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, but recognised as skill level 3;
  • Paid at least NZD $50.34 per hour;
  • Jobs on the Green List;
  • Approved jobs under the Transport Work to Residence Visa, paid at least NZD $33.56 per hour;
  • Eligible care workforce roles, paid at least NZD $28.25 per hour;
  • AEWV applications made between 21 June 2023 and 6 April 2024 with pay of at least NZD $29.66 per hour; or
  • AEWV applications made on or before 6 April 2024 for a role covered by the transport sector agreement at that time.

All other AEWV holders have a maximum continuous stay (and maximum visa duration) of three years.

Once you reach your maximum continuous stay, you must leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before applying for a new AEWV.

For example, a five-year maximum stay could be made up of a three-year AEWV followed by a two-year AEWV. After five years, you must leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before reapplying.

To apply for another AEWV, your employer must provide you with a valid job token.

And if you applied for your first AEWV on or before 9 March 2025 and your role is not among the exceptions, you may be able to reuse your most recent job token, but only if your job offer is from the same accredited employer, and the role, pay and location are all the same as on your current visa.

If you applied on or after 10 March 2025, you must use a new job token from your employer. This also applies if your application for your current visa was made on or before 9 March 2025 but you are paid less than NZD $29.66 per hour and hold any of the following roles:

• • Meat process worker;
  • Seafood process worker;
  • Snowsport instructor;
  • Mountain or glacier guide;
  • Snow groomer;
  • Outdoor adventure instructor;
  • Outdoor adventure guides nec;
  • Whitewater rafting guide;
  • Parachute rigger;
  • Ski technician; and
  • Snow maker.

From 3 November 2025, INZ will start recognising around 90 new higher-skilled roles (skill levels 1–3) under the National Occupation List, which replaced ANZSCO in November 2024. A temporary pathway under the Specific Purpose Work Visa will also allow some AEWV holders in roles reclassified as higher-skilled to extend their stay from three to five years, if their visa expires on or before 30 November 2025 and they have a job offer in one of the newly recognised roles. Applications for this pathway open 8 September and close 2 November 2025.

If you are not eligible for a 5-year AEWV or are nearing the expiry of your current visa, it is important to proactively assess your situation and consider your next steps early. While extending your temporary work visa may feel like the immediate priority, being intentional about your long-term pathway to residence (if this is also your goal) is just as important. Aligning your actions now with your future plans will put you in the best position to take advantage of upcoming opportunities.

Not everyone can simply apply for another AEWV, as there are requirements that must be met.  If you hold an AEWV, it is important to check your visa expiry date well in advance and plan ahead. It is also recommended to seek advice early, rather than leaving it too late, to avoid last-minute issues and potential consequences.

Every situation is different, so getting the right guidance or advice from your trusted immigration professionals before your visa expires can make all the difference.

Please note that the above is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You may also visit Immigration New Zealand’s page for general guidance on applying for another AEWV and how long you can stay on an AEWV. 

If you need specific advice or wish to discuss your circumstances, feel free to talk to one of our immigration lawyers and specialists at info@adventark.co.nz or 09 969 1493.