AEWV Job Token
We find there is a lot of confusion about the job token for AEWV applications.
The AEWV system is quite complex, with parts that only apply to employers and parts that apply to employees. The employer does the job check, advertising for the role and so on. At the end of this process one or more job tokens are allocated to the employer to hire migrants for the job advertised. The number of tokens is the number of potential employees the employer can hire. Once this is done the visa application part can be started, this is the adviser or employee's role.
It is very important to note that employee's must not pay or otherwise contribute to the employer's part (the job check) and while some employers may pay for the work visa, this is unusual and they have no responsibility to do so. Employers also should have no input in the visa application process other than providing documents such as a job offer and employment agremeent.
What is the job token?
The job token that migrant employees talk about it is where one of the available job positions is allocated or aligned to the email address of the adviser or applicant.
The token provides permisison to apply for a visa, and allows the application form to be filled out, but the token is only a token. The application still needs to be done properly with all the required information and supporting documentation as usual. Some people misunderstand that having the token means having a right to a work visa and think that securing a token is the same as securing a visa. This is far from the truth, as having a token only gives you the right to make an application for a visa, and this application can still easily be declined if it is not prepared properly.
The token itself is only an email link, which when clicked takes you to the INZ Online system called ADEPT. Once you log in, you can start the application process. The only real difference between using the job token and applying for the older essential skills work visa is that you cannot open the application form without the link. The token does not actually help you with the application details and you still need to know what to include and not to include in the application, and generally how to make a strong application.
In the previous system the job check stage was done as part of the application overall, and it was possible to access the application form at any time. The new AEWV system controls the access to the form but the overall process is very much the same.
The job token is:
- A web link sent by email
- evidence that the employer has completed their tasks satisfactorily
- a means of accessing and opening the correct application form in INZ's online system
The job token is not:
- The work visa
- a guarantee the application will be approved
- The application form itself
- something that can be bought, sold or transferred
- a guide to making a strong work visa application
- a way to exploit loopholes
The last thing that is very important is that because we cannot make the work visa application without a job token, when you are offered a job, you need to be sure that a token is available in time. While we often help employers with their job checks and getting the right job token for prospective employees, this can be time consuming, and when migrant workers are in NZ on another visa, all this needs to be carefully managed.