Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Work for Approved NZ Employers
Have a job offer from a New Zealand employer? The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa for skilled migrants. Your employer must be accredited and get their job offer approved before you can apply. We’ll help you understand the requirements, prepare your application, and navigate the three-step process.
01. Introduction
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa for skilled migrants. It requires a three-step process: employer accreditation, job check approval, and the worker’s visa application. This system ensures employers meet fair employment standards while allowing them to fill genuine skill shortages.
For workers, the AEWV offers stays of up to five years (or three years for lower-skilled roles) and can provide pathways to residence, particularly for Green List occupations. Your partner may be eligible for work rights, and your children can attend New Zealand schools.
Step 1 – Employer Accreditation: Employers must become accredited by Immigration New Zealand before sponsoring workers. Accreditation lasts 12 months initially, then 24 months for renewals. Employers must demonstrate they’re financially viable, compliant with employment law, and committed to hiring New Zealanders first.
Step 2 – Job Check: For each role, employers submit a job check application proving the position is genuine and meets wage and skill requirements. Once approved, Immigration New Zealand issues a token that allows the worker to apply.
Step 3 – Worker Visa Application: The migrant worker applies for their AEWV using the token from the approved job check. They must prove they have the required skills, qualifications, experience, and meet health and character requirements.
Licensed advisers can guide both employers and workers through all three stages efficiently.
03. Current requirements (2026)
For workers:
- Valid job offer from an accredited employer with approved job check
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience (or NZQF Level 4+ qualification)
- Earn at least NZD $23.50 per hour and match the market rate for the role
- Meet health and character requirements
- English language requirements for ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles (unless exempt)
For employers:
- Be accredited by Immigration New Zealand
- Demonstrate genuine need for the role
- Pay at least minimum wage and market rates
- Show commitment to hiring New Zealanders first (for most roles)
- Maintain systems to monitor visa compliance
Important: The median wage requirement was removed in March 2025, making the AEWV more accessible for roles below the previous median wage threshold.
04. Visa duration and family rights
How long you can stay:
- Up to 5 years for ANZSCO Level 1-3 skilled roles
- Up to 3 years for ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles (changed March 2025)
- After maximum stay, you must leave NZ for 12 months before another AEWV
Family sponsorship: Your partner can apply for a Work Visa if you earn at least NZD $55,844 per year (threshold increased March 2025). You can apply for Dependent Child Student Visas for your children to attend school as domestic students if you meet this income threshold.
05. Pathways to residence
The AEWV can lead to residence through several pathways:
- Green List occupations: Direct pathways to residence exist for certain high-demand occupations, either straight to residence or after two years of work in New Zealand.
- Skilled Migrant Category: If you accumulate enough points through skilled work experience in New Zealand, you may qualify for residence.
Book a consultation to understand which residence pathways your occupation and situation may qualify for.
05. Processing times and costs
Processing times:
- Employer accreditation: Approximately 10 working days
- Job check: 2-21 working days depending on occupation and completeness
- AEWV application: Most applications processed within seven weeks, though complex cases take longer
Application fees vary by visa length and circumstances. Check Immigration New Zealand’s website for current fees.
Our approach: The AEWV’s three-step process involves multiple parties and strict timelines. Our licensed advisers help employers become accredited, prepare strong job checks, and ensure worker applications are complete and accurate.
No surprises: We’re transparent about the full process, realistic timeframes, and total costs from the start.
Book a free consultation to discuss your AEWV needs, whether you’re an employer looking to hire or a worker seeking opportunities in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
How can I check if an employer is accredited in New Zealand?
If you're unsure about an employer's accreditation status or legitimacy, our advisers can help verify it and flag any concerns before you commit to the role.
What are the requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Our licensed advisers assess your qualifications and experience against AEWV requirements to identify any potential issues before you apply, reducing the risk of delays or refusal.
How long is the processing time for an AEWV?
Submitting a complete application with all required documents upfront helps avoid delays. Our advisers review applications thoroughly before submission to identify any missing information or potential issues early.
How do I apply for an AEWV in New Zealand?
The process involves coordinating with your employer and meeting strict deadlines. Provisas’ licensed advisers can guide you through what documents you need, ensure your application is complete, and help avoid common mistakes that cause delays.
