New Zealand Faces System Issues Impacting Accredited Employer Work Visas

Introduction

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed that a system issue is affecting Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders whose employers have been sold or restructured. The issue stops automatic updates of job tokens, which are essential to keep visa records accurate.

Background

Under New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa system, every migrant employee must have a valid job token linking them to an approved employer. When a company changes ownership or structure, this token must be updated to reflect the new legal entity. However, INZ’s current system cannot automatically process these updates, creating delays and uncertainty for both employers and workers.

Temporary Manual Process

To fix the issue, INZ has started a temporary manual process. Employers whose businesses have been sold or restructured must now:

• Submit a new job check application to connect AEWV employees to the new company.
• Wait for INZ to confirm that the records have been manually corrected.

During this temporary phase, INZ will waive the job check application fee and directly contact affected employers with clear instructions.

System Access Downtime

The system limitation also caused temporary restrictions for some INZ applications and online forms between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm NZDT on 14 October 2025. INZ said the downtime was necessary to stabilize the system while the manual workaround was introduced.

Long-Term Solution

INZ has confirmed that a permanent technology update is in development and is expected to go live in 2026. The new update will automate job token changes and reduce the need for manual involvement when business ownership changes.

Public and Employer Guidance

Employers are being asked to follow official INZ communication to avoid delays and maintain compliance. AEWV holders should check that their visa conditions match their current employer details and notify INZ if there are discrepancies.

An INZ spokesperson said, “We are aware of the inconvenience caused and are working hard to make the system more flexible for both employers and visa holders.”

Expert View

Migration advisers say this issue highlights how technology gaps can affect visa compliance. Industry experts recommend that INZ invest further in automation and clear digital pathways for business transitions. “A transparent, efficient process is critical for maintaining employer confidence,” one adviser said.

Conclusion

While the manual process may cause short-term delays, INZ’s decision to waive fees and contact affected employers directly has been welcomed by many in the migration sector. The government’s planned system upgrade is expected to provide a smoother and more reliable visa management experience for everyone involved.

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Keywords: Immigration New Zealand, Accredited Employer Work Visa, AEWV, visa update system, job check, INZ manual process, New Zealand immigration news

Meta Description: Immigration New Zealand has introduced a temporary manual process to handle Accredited Employer Work Visa updates following business sales or restructures, after system limitations disrupted automatic job token updates.

References:

1. Immigration New Zealand – Official Updates on Accredited Employer Work Visas (immigration.govt.nz)
2. Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment – Visa Services Notices (mbie.govt.nz)
3. Webfit News research and editorial verification, October 2025