New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Requirements and Application Guide

New Zealand is an attractive destination for people who want to build an international career and gain professional experience in a new country. For many overseas workers, one of the main pathways to temporary employment is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

The AEWV allows eligible workers to take up a full-time job with a New Zealand employer that has been accredited to hire migrant workers. The visa is connected to the specific employment offered to the applicant, so understanding the employer, job, skill, and visa requirements is important before starting an application.

The rules surrounding New Zealand work visas can change over time. This guide explains the main AEWV requirements and application process based on information currently published by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Applicants should always check the latest official requirements before submitting an application.

What Is the New Zealand AEWV?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a New Zealand temporary work visa for people who have a suitable job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

The employer must have the appropriate accreditation and an approved job check for the position before asking an overseas worker to apply for the visa.

According to Immigration New Zealand, an AEWV can allow a person to stay in New Zealand for up to five years, depending on factors such as the job, skill level, pay, and when the application was made. The visa can also provide a possible pathway toward residence for some workers, although holding an AEWV does not automatically mean that a person will qualify for residence.

The official AEWV page is available here:

Immigration New Zealand – Accredited Employer Work Visa

Who Is the AEWV Designed For?

The AEWV is primarily designed for people who have a genuine full-time employment offer from an accredited employer.

This means an applicant generally needs to find an appropriate job before applying for the visa.

The job should meet the relevant requirements, and the employer needs to complete the required employer-side steps.

This makes the AEWV different from a visa where an applicant can simply submit an application without having a specific employer and position.

The basic process involves three important stages:

1. The employer becomes accredited.
2. The employer gets a job check approved for the position.
3. The suitable migrant worker is invited to apply for the AEWV.

Immigration New Zealand explains that once an employer has accreditation and an approved job check, the employer can support a migrant worker’s AEWV application.

AEWV Job Offer Requirements

One of the most important parts of the application is the job offer.

The position must generally be full-time and provide at least 30 hours of work per week. The employer must be accredited for the AEWV and have an approved job check for the position.

The job offer should also be genuine and current when the applicant submits the visa application.

The employment agreement and job description are important documents because they explain details such as:

• Employer information
• Job title
• Work location
• Main duties
• Hours of work
• Duration of employment
• Required qualifications or experience
• Pay and employment conditions

Applicants should read the employment agreement carefully rather than relying only on information provided through a recruiter or social media advertisement.

What Is an Accredited Employer?

An accredited employer is a New Zealand business that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers under the AEWV system.

Not every New Zealand company is automatically an accredited employer.

Businesses must meet specific requirements before they can hire migrants through this pathway.

Immigration New Zealand provides an Accredited Employer List where applicants can check whether an employer is currently accredited. The list can be searched using information such as the employer’s company or trading name or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). The list is updated regularly.

Check the New Zealand Accredited Employer List

Checking an employer is an important step before paying anyone or sending sensitive documents.

AEWV Skill Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum skill requirements for the AEWV unless an exemption applies.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states that applicants generally need either:

• At least two years of relevant work experience, or
• A relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

The relevant experience or qualification should normally relate to the field or industry of the offered job. A bachelor’s degree or higher can be treated as relevant for any job under the stated AEWV skill requirement.

It is important to understand that simply writing your experience on a CV is not enough to prove work experience.

Immigration New Zealand may expect supporting evidence such as:

• Employment certificates
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Employer reference letters supported by other evidence
• Other independently verifiable employment documents

INZ specifically states that a CV or resume by itself is not sufficient evidence of work experience.

This is an important point for applicants who have worked in several countries or in informal employment arrangements.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants who rely on qualifications to meet the AEWV skill requirement should provide evidence of their qualification.

If the qualification is below a bachelor’s degree and was obtained outside New Zealand, an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) may be required to determine whether it is comparable with a New Zealand Level 4 qualification or higher.

Not every applicant will need an IQA. The requirement can depend on the qualification and the circumstances of the application.

Immigration New Zealand provides information about qualification recognition and International Qualification Assessments through its official website.

Immigration New Zealand – Green List, Qualifications and Skills

English Language Requirements

English requirements depend on the skill level of the job.

As of 1 June 2026, English language requirements also apply to AEWV applications for jobs classified at ANZSCO or NOL skill level 3. Skill level 4 and 5 roles also have English requirements. Skill level 1 and 2 jobs generally do not require applicants to demonstrate English ability under this AEWV requirement.

Applicants may be able to demonstrate English ability through their citizenship, previous study, qualifications, or an approved English-language test, depending on their circumstances.

The exact evidence and test requirements can vary, so applicants should check the current official INZ guidance rather than relying on information from old visa articles or social media posts.

Immigration New Zealand – English Language Requirements for AEWV

Does the AEWV Have a Minimum Salary Requirement?

The AEWV system has changed significantly in recent years.

Immigration New Zealand removed the general median wage requirement for AEWV applications from 10 March 2025. However, employers must still generally pay migrant workers at least the applicable New Zealand market rate for the job, and other wage requirements may apply depending on the occupation or immigration pathway.

This is important because older articles may still mention a previous general median-wage threshold as if it applies to every AEWV application.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on outdated information.

The salary offered should be checked against the current requirements for the specific position and any relevant residence pathway.

Does the Job Need to Be Advertised?

The employer-side AEWV process includes accreditation and a job check.

Depending on the position, the employer may need to advertise the vacancy and demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit suitable New Zealand citizens or residents before proceeding with a migrant worker.

There are exemptions in certain situations. For example, Immigration New Zealand states that advertising is not required in some cases, including certain Green List roles that meet the Green List requirements or jobs paying at least NZD $70 per hour.

The exact requirements depend on the position and its circumstances.

For job seekers, the important point is that an employer should not simply create a fake vacancy for the purpose of obtaining a visa. The AEWV system contains employer-side checks designed to ensure that the job is genuine.

The AEWV Application Process

The application process normally starts before the migrant worker submits the visa application.

Step 1: Find a Suitable Job

The first step for an overseas applicant is to find a genuine job that matches their experience, qualifications, and career background.

Search through:

• Official employer career pages
• Established job platforms
• Professional networks
• Recruitment companies with verifiable credentials
• New Zealand employment resources

Do not assume that every advertisement mentioning “AEWV sponsorship” is genuine.

Research the company independently before sending personal documents or paying money.

Step 2: Verify the Employer

Once you find a potential job, check whether the employer is accredited.

Use Immigration New Zealand’s official accredited employer search tool where possible.

New Zealand Accredited Employer Search

Remember that an employer being accredited does not mean that every job advertised by that employer automatically qualifies for an AEWV. The specific job must also meet the relevant requirements and have the required job check.

Step 3: Employer Completes the Job Check

After accreditation, the employer needs an approved job check for the position before supporting the migrant worker.

The job check process can involve advertising, checking the availability of New Zealand workers, and providing information about the position.

Immigration New Zealand states that job checks are generally valid for six months or until the employer no longer has accreditation, whichever is relevant under the applicable rules.

Step 4: Employer Sends the Application Link

Once the employer has the required approval, the employer can ask the migrant worker to apply.

The applicant receives a unique link or job token connected to the approved position.

The applicant then uses Immigration Online to complete the AEWV application.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents

The exact documents depend on the applicant and job, but supporting evidence can include:

• Passport
• Job offer
• Employment agreement
• Job description
• Evidence of work experience
• Qualification certificates
• Qualification assessment where required
• English evidence where applicable
• Occupational registration where required
• Police certificates where required
• Medical or health information where required
• Other documents requested by INZ

Documents that are not in English may need appropriate translations.

It is better to prepare documents carefully before submitting the application rather than waiting for Immigration New Zealand to request missing information.

Step 6: Submit the Application

The applicant submits the AEWV application online and pays the applicable visa fee.

Immigration New Zealand currently lists the AEWV cost as starting from NZD $1,540, although fees can change. The current official page also states that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. Processing times are not guarantees, and individual cases can take longer depending on circumstances and whether additional information is required.

Apply for the AEWV through Immigration New Zealand

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must generally meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements.

Immigration New Zealand may request medical information, a chest X-ray, or police certificates depending on factors such as the applicant’s circumstances, length of stay, and travel history.

For example, applicants staying in New Zealand for more than six months may need a chest X-ray in certain circumstances related to tuberculosis risk.

Because health and character requirements can vary, applicants should follow the specific document instructions provided during their application.

Occupational Registration

Some jobs in New Zealand are regulated.

This means a person may need professional registration before they can legally work in the occupation.

Examples can include certain healthcare, technical, and professional roles.

Having experience in another country does not automatically mean that a person can begin working in a regulated occupation in New Zealand.

If registration is required, applicants should investigate the relevant New Zealand registration authority before accepting a job offer.

Immigration New Zealand also provides information about occupational registration and regulated occupations.

How Long Can You Stay on an AEWV?

The AEWV can allow a stay of up to five years in applicable circumstances, but the actual length depends on factors such as the job, skill level, pay, and the rules applying when the visa is granted.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that every AEWV automatically provides five years of stay.

Some lower-skilled roles can have different maximum stay settings, and immigration rules can change over time.

The safest approach is to check the visa conditions and the official INZ information that applies to the particular occupation.

Can AEWV Holders Bring Their Family?

The partner and dependent children cannot simply be included in the main AEWV application.

However, an AEWV holder may be able to support separate visas for their partner and dependent children, depending on factors such as the worker’s job and income.

Potential family visa options can include:

• Partner visitor visa
• Partner work visa
• Dependent child visitor visa
• Dependent child student visa

The eligibility rules depend on the worker’s circumstances, so families should check the current requirements before making travel arrangements.

Immigration New Zealand – Bringing Family on an AEWV

Can You Change Employers on an AEWV?

An AEWV is connected to the employment conditions attached to the visa.

If an AEWV holder wants to change their employer, occupation, or approved work location, they may need to apply for a Job Change or another appropriate change to their visa conditions.

For a Job Change, the new employer generally needs to be accredited and have a valid job check for the new employment.

This means an AEWV holder should not simply leave the approved job and start working for another company without checking their visa conditions.

Working outside the conditions of a visa can create immigration problems.

Be Careful With AEWV Job Scams

Job scams are an important issue for overseas applicants.

Immigration New Zealand specifically warns that job-offer scams are common in India and South Asia.

Applicants should be particularly cautious if someone claims that they can arrange a guaranteed New Zealand job or visa in exchange for a large payment.

New Zealand employers or their agents cannot charge migrant workers for a job or make them pay the employer’s recruitment costs. Immigration New Zealand also states that an AEWV application can be declined if the applicant or their agent has offered or promised money to an employer or the employer’s agent in exchange for a job offer.

Warning signs can include:

• Guaranteed visa promises
• Guaranteed employment claims
• Requests for unexplained payments
• Fake employment agreements
• Pressure to transfer money quickly
• Unverified recruiters
• Requests to communicate only through personal messaging accounts
• Job offers that do not match the employer’s official website

Always verify the employer independently.

Common AEWV Application Mistakes

A strong application is not only about having a job offer. Applicants should also make sure their evidence supports the information they provide.

Common mistakes include:

Using Only a CV to Prove Experience

A CV describes your experience but does not necessarily prove it.

Prepare independent evidence such as employment certificates, payslips, tax records, or other acceptable documents.

Applying With an Unverified Employer

Always check whether the employer is accredited and whether the job appears genuine.

Using Outdated Visa Information

AEWV rules have changed several times. Articles written several years ago may contain old wage thresholds or experience requirements.

Always check the current INZ website before applying.

Providing Inconsistent Information

Your CV, employment certificates, application form, and other documents should tell the same basic story.

If dates or job titles are inconsistent, INZ may ask for clarification or additional evidence.

Ignoring Occupational Registration

If your occupation requires registration, research the registration process before planning your move.

How to Prepare for an AEWV Application

If you are planning to apply for an AEWV, preparation can make the process easier.

Start by creating a document folder containing:

• Current passport
• Updated CV
• Employment certificates
• Payslips or other work evidence
• Educational certificates
• Qualification assessments if applicable
• Professional licenses or registration
• English test results if required
• Police certificates if required
• Medical documents if required

Also keep copies of your job offer and employment agreement.

Before applying, compare your documents with the requirements of the exact job and visa category.

Final Thoughts

The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa can be an important option for international workers who have a genuine full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

However, the process is more than simply finding a job advertisement and submitting a visa form.

Applicants need to consider the employer’s accreditation, the job check, minimum skill requirements, qualifications or work experience, English requirements where applicable, occupational registration, health and character requirements, and the specific conditions attached to the visa.

The strongest approach is to research carefully and use official sources whenever possible.

Do not rely on claims that a recruiter, agent, social media account, or website can guarantee your visa approval. No job offer guarantees immigration approval, and paying someone does not remove the official eligibility requirements.

If you are considering an AEWV, start by identifying genuine employment opportunities, checking the employer through Immigration New Zealand, collecting verifiable evidence of your experience and qualifications, and reviewing the latest visa requirements before submitting an application.

For the most accurate and current information, always use the official Immigration New Zealand website because immigration requirements, fees, processing times, and eligibility rules can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa for eligible workers who have a qualifying job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited under the AEWV system.

Do I need a job offer for an AEWV?

Yes. The AEWV generally requires a full-time job offer from an accredited employer, with the employer having the required job check approval for the position.

How many hours must I work on an AEWV?

The job must generally provide at least 30 hours of work per week. The exact conditions are stated in the employment agreement and visa conditions.

Do I need two years of work experience?

The current minimum AEWV skill requirement generally allows an applicant to qualify through at least two years of relevant work experience or a relevant Level 4 or higher NZQCF qualification, unless an exemption applies. The employer’s own requirements for the job must also be met.

Is IELTS required for the AEWV?

Not necessarily for every applicant. English requirements depend on the skill level and circumstances of the job. Under current rules, English requirements apply to certain skill level 3, 4 and 5 AEWV roles. Applicants should check the latest INZ requirements for their specific job.

Can I bring my family on an AEWV?

You cannot include your partner and dependent children in your AEWV application itself. However, depending on your job and income, you may be able to support separate visas for your partner and children.

Can I change employers while holding an AEWV?

You may be able to change your employer, job, or location through a Job Change or another appropriate visa process. The new employer generally needs to meet AEWV accreditation and job-check requirements. You should not start a new job until you have the appropriate permission.

How much does the AEWV cost?

Immigration New Zealand currently lists the AEWV fee as starting from NZD $1,540. Fees can change, so applicants should check the official INZ website before applying.

How long does an AEWV application take?

Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of AEWV applications are processed within seven weeks. This is a processing-time estimate, not a guarantee, and individual applications can take longer.

Can an AEWV lead to permanent residence?

An AEWV can lead to a resident visa for eligible workers, but it does not automatically provide permanent residence. The applicant must separately meet the requirements of the relevant residence pathway.

How can I check whether a New Zealand employer is accredited?

Immigration New Zealand provides an official accredited employer search tool. You can search using the employer’s company or trading name or NZBN.

Can someone guarantee my AEWV approval?

No legitimate person can guarantee immigration approval. The final decision is made by Immigration New Zealand based on the applicant’s circumstances and applicable immigration rules. Be especially cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed visa or job in exchange for money.