Where to start

Read the visa conditions, identify what is changing, then check the relevant INZ process before acting. Submitting a request is not the same as being authorised to start changed employment.

Key points

Check current conditions

The first question is what the visa currently allows. The employer, role, location and any stated conditions set the starting point.

Identify what is changing

A new employer, new location, new occupation, pay change or similar role can lead to different official processes.

Read current INZ process

AEWV Job Change and variation processes are not interchangeable for every visa holder, so the current INZ page should guide the next step.

Keep lawful status in view

A job change question can become urgent if the visa is close to expiry, employment has ended or the current work may sit outside the visa conditions.

Read the current visa conditions first

Some work visas allow any job, employer and location. INZ says those holders do not need a variation or Job Change for ordinary job moves. An AEWV is different because it commonly names the approved job, employer and location.

AEWV Job Change has its own process

INZ says AEWV, Peak Seasonal Visa and Global Workforce Seasonal Visa holders use the Job Change process. Other work visa holders with specific employment conditions generally use a variation of conditions.

A new employer usually needs an approved pathway

If an AEWV holder wants to work for a new employer, INZ says that employer must usually be accredited and have a valid job check for the same type of visa. If the job check is for a different type of visa, the worker must apply for a new visa instead. A streamlined exception can apply when employment moves to another employer because of a business sale or restructure, but the official exception conditions still need to be met.

Small changes still need care

Not every workplace change is the same. A pay rise, a role with the same main duties and location, a new location, or a changed occupation can each point to a different official answer. The safest first step is to compare the actual visa conditions with the current INZ change guidance.

What to check next

  • Do not start work outside the stated visa conditions without checking whether a change is needed.
  • Keep the current visa record, job token, job-check details and new employment documents together.
  • If expiry timing, job loss or lawful status is involved, treat the question as time-sensitive.

A useful next step

Read how the AEWV process fits together

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Sources and dates

Information was checked on 27 September 2026. Open the current official page before relying on a rate, threshold, eligibility setting or process that may have changed.