NZ clarifies AEWV work location rules: 30-day offsite limit before new job check required
New Zealand has clarified work location rules for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, allowing them to temporarily work outside their approved job site for up to 30 working days within any 12-month period without requiring employers to submit a new job check. This applies to business travel, short-term assignments or occasional work at different sites, provided the worker remains primarily based at the originally approved location.
The clarification is particularly relevant for Nigerians employed in sectors involving regular movement between locations—such as construction, company branches or regional offices—where understanding these limits helps avoid immigration compliance issues. Employers must specify all work locations upfront when applying for job checks for multi-site roles, rather than treating them as temporary assignments later.
If work outside the approved location exceeds 30 working days, employers must complete a new job check covering the new site, and the foreign worker must obtain an approved Job Change before beginning work there. Workers cannot start at the new location while waiting for Job Change approval. This policy update comes amid broader changes to New Zealand’s immigration framework, including revised open visa conditions from February 2026 and expanded post-study work pathways introduced in March.
For Nigerians considering or currently working in New Zealand under AEWV, know your 30-day offsite limit: use it for legitimate short-term needs but ensure your employer files proper paperwork for longer assignments. Always confirm location details are included in your job check application upfront.