Published: 4 December 2024 | Reading Time: 4 minutes
When applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), meeting the skill requirements is essential. There are two key sets of requirements to consider:
the minimum skill threshold set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ),
and the skill requirements determined by the employer, which are outlined in the job advertisement and job check.
In some cases, applicants can meet these requirements through their qualification. However, when the applicant's qualification is below NZQF Level 4 or irrelevant to the job, or if the applicant lacks formal qualifications altogether, the only way to meet the skill requirements is by providing evidence of relevant work experience. Thorough and well-documented work experience is essential to demonstrate that you meet the necessary skills for the role.
Note: In some limited situations, applicants may not need to provide evidence of their skills if they meet other criteria that satisfy INZ's requirements.
Here is why this matters and how you can ensure your documentation is both robust to maximise your chances of approval:
Why Proper Documentation Matters
Verifying Skills and Experience
INZ independently assesses your qualifications and work experience to ensure you meet the skill requirements set by your employer in the Job Check but also the minimum skill threshold which is separate. Providing third-party evidence is vital to substantiate your claims.
Avoiding Discrepancies
Inconsistencies or falsified information in your CV, reference letters, or supporting documents can harm your credibility, leading to application decline and complications with future visa applications in New Zealand but also in other countries.
Meeting INZ’s High Standards
INZ requires comprehensive documentation that clearly demonstrates your skills and experience for the role you have been offered. Missing or inadequate evidence can result in delays or even decline of your application. It is your responsibility to demonstrate that you possess the skills required for the job being offered.
What Immigration New Zealand Expects
When providing evidence of your work experience, ensure your documentation includes the following:
Job Details: Your title, key responsibilities, and specific tasks performed.
Employment Dates: Start and end dates for each role.
Work Hours: The average number of hours worked per week.
Location: Where the work was performed.
Employer Verification: Contact details of your employer(s) and/or manager for verification.
Relevance: How your experience aligns with the job you have been offered in New Zealand.
Important: These documents must be on official company letterhead and signed by an authorised person.
Note: A CV alone is not considered sufficient evidence of work experience.
Best Practices for Documenting Work Experience
To support your AEWV application, collect as much verifiable documentation as possible.
Employer Documents
Reference Letters:
Letters from previous employers detailing your role, duties, and duration of employment.
Ensure letters include your role, responsibilities, duration (with exact dates), and employer contact details.
Job Contracts or Agreements:
Signed contracts outlining your role, responsibilities, and employment terms.
Performance Reviews/Appraisals:
Past performance evaluations showcasing your skills, contributions, and professional growth.
Payslips and Tax Filings:
Provide a selection of payslips with corresponding tax documents or bank statements to verify your employment and income.
If You Worked Overseas, Work Permits or Visas:
Previous permits or visas demonstrating lawful employment in these roles.
Additional Supporting Evidence
Work Schedules/Rosters: Copies of rosters or schedules to corroborate your time on the job.
Photos/Videos of Work: Visual evidence of you performing job-related tasks, especially for specialised or hands-on roles (e.g., design, architecture, construction, culinary arts).
Project Documentation: Reports, plans, or records of projects or tasks you worked on, demonstrating your responsibilities.
Client or Customer Feedback: Testimonials or feedback from clients highlighting your performance and skills in customer-facing roles.
Promotions or Recognitions: Internal newsletters, promotion notices, or similar materials recognising your contributions.
Training Certificates: Certificates from relevant training programs, professional development, or on-the-job training.
Employment ID or Badges: Employee identification cards or other official documentation proving your association with previous employers.
Country-Specific Documentation
For workers from the Philippines, include relevant documentation from the nearest Consulate or POLO (Philippine Overseas Labour Office).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lying or Exaggerating Your Claims
Misrepresentation of your work experience or skills can have severe consequences. INZ conducts thorough checks, including contacting employers, verifying tax records, reviewing bank statements provided as part of your application
If inconsistencies are found—such as inflated job titles, fabricated responsibilities, or falsified employer's reference letter or bank statement—your visa application may be declined.
Worse, being caught in a lie will affect your credibility for future visa applications and harm your reputation with potential employers.
Overlooking Key Details
Every document you submit must be accurate, complete, and aligned with your CV and application. Double-check:
Dates: Ensure all employment dates match across reference letters, payslips, and tax records.
Responsibilities: Clearly describe your duties and ensure they are consistent with the skills required for the job.
Employer Contact Information: Include up-to-date contact details for your referees, as INZ may reach out to verify your claims.
Missing or inconsistent details can raise doubts about your credibility and result in processing delays or visa denial.
Relying Solely on Employer’s Reference Letters
While reference letters are important, they alone may not satisfy INZ’s requirements. INZ requires robust, third-party evidence to substantiate your skills and experience.
Strengthen your application by including as many relevant evidence as possible. Failing to provide diverse evidence may result in your application being deemed insufficient, even if your employer's letter is favorable.
By avoiding these costly mistakes and providing detailed, verifiable evidence, you can greatly improve your chances of a successful application and a smooth pathway to your future in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
Providing detailed, third-party evidence of your work experience strengthens your AEWV application and protects your future visa prospects. Working closely with a Licensed Immigration Adviser can help ensure that your documents are thorough, consistent, and fully compliant with INZ’s expectations.
By investing time and effort into preparing the right evidence, you will simplify the application process and significantly improve your chances of success.
If you need assistance with preparing a strong and credible application, feel free to contact me at audrey@abeona.co.nz —I’ll gladly help guide you through the process.
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