You've just found out that your employer's accreditation has been suspended or revoked by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It's a worrying moment, especially if your visa, your family's visas and your plans for residence depend on that job.
You're not alone. As at 30 September 2026, INZ had revoked 1,728 employers' accreditation and suspended 1,087. Thousands of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders are in the same position.
The good news: your visa is not automatically cancelled. Here's what it means for you and what you can do next.
Suspended or revoked: what's the difference?
- Suspended means your employer's accreditation is on hold while INZ investigates. A suspension lasts up to 3 months at a time, or until INZ's investigation ends. If there's a prosecution, it lasts until the prosecution ends.
- Revoked means INZ has cancelled your employer's accreditation. Your employer can't support new AEWV applications or Job Checks until it is accredited again.
What happens to my visa?
INZ has said:
- If you're already in New Zealand, you can keep working for your employer until your current visa expires. But you can't extend your visa or get a new one with that employer until it's accredited again.
- If you're still offshore with an approved visa, your visa may be cancelled.
- If you have an application in progress linked to a suspended employer, it may be put on hold until the suspension ends.
Your options
- Change to another accredited employer. You can move to a new accredited employer through an AEWV job change. Check that the new employer is accredited first. See how to check if an NZ employer is accredited.
- Apply for a different visa. Depending on your situation, another work visa, a partner-based visa or a visitor visa may suit while you sort things out.
- Check your residence plans. If you're working towards the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List residence, a gap or a job change can affect your timeline. Get advice before you make a move.
- If you've been exploited, for example unpaid wages, or being asked to pay for your job, you may be eligible for a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa. See our guide to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa.
What to do this week
- Check your visa expiry date and your conditions. Your visa label or eVisa shows the employer, job and location you're allowed to work for.
- Keep copies of your employment agreement, payslips and bank statements showing your pay.
- Don't stop working or leave your job without understanding what it means for your visa.
- Don't pay anyone for a new job offer. It's illegal for an employer or agent to charge you for a job. See can an agent charge me for a NZ job?
- Get advice from a licensed immigration adviser before you change jobs or apply for a new visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is my visa cancelled if my employer's accreditation is revoked? Not automatically. INZ has said workers in New Zealand can keep working for the employer until their visa expires. You can't extend it with that employer.
Can I change employers? Yes, you can apply for a job change to another accredited employer, as long as you meet the requirements.
Will this affect my residence application? It can, especially if you need continuous skilled work experience. Get advice early.
What if my employer was underpaying me? Keep your evidence and talk to us. You may have options, including the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa.
We can help
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers help workers through job changes, new visa applications and residence planning when their employer's accreditation is in trouble. Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp at +64 21 227 4246.
This article is general information, not personalised immigration advice. Every case depends on its facts.
Official sources:
- INZ: Accredited Employer Work Visa key information and statistics
- INZ operational manual, WA2.55 Suspending and revoking employer accreditation