Common work visa Types

Most migrant workers apply for Accredited Employer Work Visas (or AEWV). To be eligible for this visa, you must have an offer of employment from an accredited employer who has also successfully obtained a Job Check approval. This is a three step process which can be tricky to understand.

The job must pay at least the median wage, except for some occupations.

Most of the time, the job must also have been advertised and the employer must show they were not able to hire New Zealand citizens or residents.

If you obtain this visa, you will be required to stay in the same employment unless you apply for a variation of conditions (a Job Change) or a new visa.

This visa may be valid for up to five years, or up to two or three years if your job is exempt from paying the median wage.

This work visa was the most common work visa before the new AEWV was implemented. You cannot apply for this visa any longer. However you may be able to apply for a variation of conditions if you wish to change employment or some conditions on your visa.

If your partner is paid above the median wage, you may be eligible for a work visa for the same duration as theirs.

You must be living together in a stable and genuine relationship to meet some of the requirements.

If your partner is a kiwi or a resident, and they meet character requirements and not been involved as a partner in more than one previous successful resident visa application, they may be eligible to support your application.

You will need to have been living together in a stable partnership for at least 12 months.

Young citizens from certain countries may be eligible for this visa if they wish to come to New Zealand for an extended vacation and be able to work temporarily while they are in the country.