Immigration New Zealand will introduce new measures next year allowing officials to pause certain Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Job Change applications when serious concerns arise about an employer.
In information released by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on November 20th, the agency stated that the updated process will take effect from November 17th 2025 and will apply only in limited circumstances involving business transfers.
The changes focus on protecting migrant workers while keeping the Job Change process functional for routine business sales, mergers, and restructures.
New ability to pause Job Change applications
Under the new approach, Immigration New Zealand will be able to pause a Job Change application if an employer shows indicators of non-compliance. An application may be paused if the employer’s accreditation has been revoked within the previous 12 months, if the employer is under investigation or prosecution for immigration-related non-compliance, or if credible evidence of poor employment practices or migrant exploitation is identified.
The pause will stay in place until Immigration New Zealand finalises an accreditation decision. If accreditation is declined or revoked during that process, the connected Job Change application will also be declined.
Exceptional circumstances only
INZ noted that these measures are intended for exceptional cases only. Most employers will not be affected, as the majority meet their obligations and follow immigration requirements. Routine Job Change applications tied to business restructures will continue without interruption unless concerns arise that require further assessment.
The agency stated that the new flexibility is designed to allow appropriate investigation when issues emerge and to prevent situations that may place migrant workers at risk.
Applies only to business transfers
The Job Change process affected by these updates applies solely to the transfer of migrant workers when a business is sold, merged, or restructured between connected entities. It does not apply when a migrant worker moves to an entirely different employer.
INZ highlighted that the purpose of this process is to support continuity of employment during ownership or structural changes, rather than to facilitate job changes across unrelated businesses.
Because of this, the pause mechanism will be used only within the specific context of business transfers and only when employer compliance concerns require further examination.
Requirements for employers
The agency advised employers undergoing business changes to apply for accreditation without delay and ensure all employment and compliance matters are resolved before submitting any related Job Change applications. Employers are expected to maintain satisfactory employment practices and meet immigration standards throughout the transition.
The agency also stated that employers who follow existing requirements will not be affected by the new measures. The updates are intended to provide a tool for addressing cases where compliance concerns are significant enough to require temporary intervention.
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