New Zealand Accredit Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
New Zealand Accredited Employment Work Visa (AEWV) Program Overview
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa that allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in New Zealand for an accredited employer. It enables New Zealand businesses to hire overseas professionals to fill genuine skill shortages when suitable local workers are not available.
The AEWV supports New Zealand’s labor market by ensuring employers can access qualified and experienced workers while maintaining strong employment standards. It provides visa holders with legal work rights in New Zealand and, in certain cases, a pathway to residence.
WHY Choose New Zealand AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa offers a reliable and employer supported route to work in New Zealand, providing skilled professionals with the opportunity to gain international work experience in a stable and high quality living environment. It allows applicants to work for accredited employers under fair employment conditions.
Depending on the occupation, salary level and length of employment, the AEWV may offer a pathway to permanent residence under New Zealand’s skilled or residence visa categories. It is an ideal option for professionals seeking overseas employment with strong career prospects and work life balance.
Program Benefits
- Temporary residence in New Zealand with full work rights for an accredited employer.
- Ability to work in a skilled role under New Zealand employment standards.
- Inclusion of spouse/partner and dependent children (subject to conditions).
- Access to New Zealand’s public healthcare system (where eligible).
- Opportunity to gain New Zealand work experience.
- Potential pathway to permanent residence for eligible occupations.
- Employer supported visa with no points test at work visa stage.
- High standard of living and work life balance.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Applicant Requirements
- Must have a valid job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- Must work in an occupation that meets New Zealand immigration requirements.
- Must have the required skills, qualifications and relevant work experience.
- Must meet English language requirements, if applicable.
- Must meet the required pay threshold for the role.
- Must satisfy health and character requirements.
- Must demonstrate genuine intention to work in the offered position.
Employer Requirements
- The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
- The job offered must be genuine, full time and meet visa requirements.
- The employer must complete a Job Check and receive approval before hiring a migrant worker.
- The employer must meet market rate salary requirements and comply with New Zealand employment laws.
- The business must demonstrate its ability to employ and support the migrant worker.
APPLICATION FEES
The total cost of the Accredited Employer Work Visa includes New Zealand government visa application charges for the main applicant and eligible dependents. Additional costs may apply for medical examinations, police clearance certificates, English language testing, skills verification and biometrics where required.
Professional advisory and legal service fees covering employer accreditation guidance, job check preparation, compliance documentation and visa application submission are payable upfront and are non refundable. Costs related to translations, notarization, credential verification or third party assessments are payable separately by the applicant or employer.
STEPS AND TIMELINE
- Assess employer accreditation status and applicant eligibility under the AEWV framework.
- Confirm that the job offer meets market salary and immigration requirements.
- Employer completes and obtains approval for the Job Check.
- Prepare and gather applicant documentation, including qualifications and work experience evidence.
- Lodge the Accredited Employer Work Visa application with Immigration New Zealand.
- Complete medical examinations, police checks and English language requirements as applicable.
- Undergo visa assessment by Immigration New Zealand.
- Receive AEWV approval.
- Relocate to New Zealand (if offshore) or commence/continue employment (if onshore).
- Work for the accredited employer in the approved role and location.
- Explore permanent residency options if eligible during or after employment.
