An Important Automotive Employment NZ Immigration Update
By Vanessa Godbaz
Automotive Employment NZ and Jobcorp’s in house Licensed Immigration Adviser
We want to make sure you're across some important upcoming changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — and what they mean for you.
Key Date: From 1 June 2026, English language requirements will expand to include AEWV applicants in ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations. This includes all the technician roles we recruit for:
· Motor Mechanic
· Diesel Mechanic
· Automotive Electrician
· Motorcycle Mechanic
· Panel beater
· Spray painter
· Small engine mechanic
What's Changing?
English language requirements currently apply to AEWV applicants working in skill level 4 and 5 roles. From 1 June 2026, this requirement will extend to skill level 3 occupations as well.
The requirements are not viewed by Jobcorp or Automotive Employment’s Licensed Immigration Adviser as being extensively restrictive. For the AEWV the pass rate is set at an IELTS overall score of 4 or PTE score 29. The residency levels are set at IELTS 6.5 and PTE 58.Setting the level at these levels means most applicants with even basic English literacy should still qualify.This should not massively inconvenience employers or job seekers but there is a cost associated with obtaining the English language assessment which is approximately NZ$600 depending on location and supplier.
Applicants can meet the English language requirement by demonstrating English ability through citizenship, prior work or study in an English-speaking country, or by providing an approved English language test result.
The requirement does not apply to:
• Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications
• Job Change applications (Variation of Conditions)
Transitional Arrangements — Are You Covered?
No one with a current AEWV will be affected while their visa remains valid. INZ has put in place targeted transitional arrangements to ensure fairness:
• If your current AEWV expires on or before 1 December 2026, you will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a an AEWV extension at skill level 3 (if you qualify for an extension).
• If you have already provided evidence of English ability as part of a previous AEWV application, you will also be exempt.
Please note: if your employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026 but you apply for your AEWV after that date, you will still need to meet the new English language requirements.
Action Required for Visa applicants
If you are currently preparing for an AEWV application and you are not in a position to apply before Monday June 1, book your English test now, in order to apply as soon as possible. Do not submit an incomplete application.
If you are unsure whether the new requirements apply to you, or need assistance with where to sit your test, please contact us — we are here to help.
For Our Employer Partners
These changes affect your forward planning when recruiting into skill level 3 roles. From 1 June 2026, any candidate you sponsor for an AEWV at skill level 3 will need to demonstrate English language ability as part of their application — regardless of when your job check token was issued.
We recommend factoring this into your recruitment timelines and candidate assessments. If you have any questions about how this applies to your current or upcoming roles, please get in touch with our team.
As always, we are here to support you through these changes. If you have any questions about your individual situation — whether you are an employer or a visa holder — please reach out to the JOBCORP team.
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