Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Work in New Zealand

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets you work in New Zealand for up to 5 years with a job offer from an accredited employer. Some roles have shorter stays. This visa is a great option if you want to work here and possibly stay longer, as some jobs offer a path to residency.

Key Points

  • Work Duration: Up to 5 years (shorter for some jobs).

  • Eligibility: You need a job offer from an accredited employer, the right skills, a minimum wage of NZD $23.50 per hour, and pass health and character checks (English test for some roles).

  • Family Support: You can bring your partner and children if your job and income meet certain rules.

  • Recent Change (10 March 2025): The minimum wage is now NZD $23.50 per hour (no median wage requirement).

What is the AEWV?

The AEWV is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa. It’s for migrants with a job offer from an accredited employer. It helps fill jobs where there’s a shortage of workers and ensures you’re treated fairly. If your job is on the Green List or meets residency rules, you might be able to apply to live here permanently.

Do You Qualify? Eligibility Requirements

To get an AEWV, you must meet these requirements:

  • Accredited Employer: Your employer must be approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to hire migrants.

  • Job Offer: You need a full-time job offer. Your employer must prove no New Zealanders can do the job (this is called a "job check").

  • Skills and Experience: You need:

    • At least 2 years of relevant work experience, or

    • A qualification (Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualification Framework).

    • For lower-skilled jobs (ANZSCO levels 4-5), you may need to pass an English test.

  • Wage: Starting 10 March 2025, you must earn at least NZD $23.50 per hour. Your pay should also match what locals earn for the same job.

  • Health and Character: You must be healthy (pass a medical exam) and have no serious criminal record.

These rules make sure the visa fits New Zealand’s needs and protects you as a worker.

Bringing Your Family

You can support visas for your partner and children, but it depends on your job and income:

  • Partner:

    • For higher-skilled jobs (ANZSCO levels 1-3), you can support a work visa for your partner if you earn enough (at least 80% of the median wage).

    • For lower-skilled jobs (ANZSCO levels 4-5), this is only possible if your job is on the Green List, Care Workforce, or Transport Sector lists, or if you earn above a set amount.

  • Children:

    • You can support student or visitor visas for your kids if you earn at least NZD $55,844 per year (this amount increased on 10 March 2025).

    • If your kids already have visas or applications started before 10 March 2025, the old income rule (NZD $43,322.76) applies.

This lets you keep your family together if you can support them financially.

How Long Can You Stay?

Your visa length depends on your job:

  • Higher-skilled jobs (ANZSCO levels 1-3): Up to 5 years.

  • Lower-skilled jobs (ANZSCO levels 4-5): Up to 3 years (as of 10 March 2025).

After your maximum stay, you must leave New Zealand for 12 months before applying for another AEWV, unless you’re working toward residency.

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

  1. Get a Job Offer: Find a job with an accredited employer or an employer who is happy to become accredited.

  2. Employer Job Check: Your employer asks INZ to approve the job.

  3. Apply for the Visa: Submit your application with your job offer, proof of skills, and health/character/English language documents.

  4. Wait for a Decision: INZ will review everything and tell you if you’re approved.

Why Get an AEWV?

  • Work in New Zealand for up to 5 years.

  • Bring your family if you meet the rules.

  • Possible chance to stay permanently with the right job.