The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets you work in New Zealand for up to 5 years for a company that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). To get this visa, you must have a full-time job offer from an accredited employer.
With this visa, you may also study in New Zealand for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. To qualify, your job must pay at least NZD 29.66 per hour. Your employer will also help you settle in, and must cover all recruitment and associated costs both in and outside New Zealand.
What is an AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa for people who have a full-time job offer from a recognized (accredited) employer in New Zealand.
Its purpose is to make sure New Zealand citizens and residents are considered first for job opportunities, while still allowing approved companies to hire skilled overseas workers to fill shortages.
AEWV Statistics
- Over 113,497 AEWV applications approved by INZ
- 33,596 employers have been accredited
Benefits of AEWV
- Faster work process: Easier and quicker visa process when working with an accredited employer.
- Fills skill shortages: Helps NZ companies hire foreign workers where there are not enough local workers.
- Path to residency: You may later apply for residency through other visa categories.
- Fair work rights: You get the same workplace rights as New Zealand citizens (fair wages, safety, etc.).
- Bring your family: In many cases, your partner and children can join you.
- Boost to economy: Skilled migrants help New Zealand’s economy grow.
- Regional opportunities: Helps bring skilled workers to rural and regional areas.
- Stable jobs: Accredited employers must be financially sound and legally compliant.
- Career development: Work on big projects, improve skills, and gain international experience.
- Cultural inclusion: Promotes diversity and a welcoming workplace.
- Pathway to residency: AEWV is often the first step toward Skilled Migrant Residency.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be offered a job by an accredited employer
- Be in good health
- Have good character
- Meet any country-specific requirements
- Prove you have the skills or experience for the job
- Show you can speak English (if required for the job)
Who Are Accredited Employers?
These are companies approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreign workers on AEWVs. You must have a job offer from one of these employers to apply.
Other Visas That Need an Accredited Employer
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- General Work to Residence Visa
How AEWV Works – Step by Step
- Get a job offer from an accredited employer
- Ask if your employer has passed a Job Check (valid for 6 months)
- Match job requirements as listed in the Job Check
- Apply online once INZ sends you the link
- No need to submit physical documents, unless INZ requests them
- If you meet income and role criteria, you may later apply for:
- Green List Work to Residence Visa
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa
Documents You’ll Need
- Passport
- Passport-size photo
- Police certificate
- Job offer (at least 30 hours/week)
- Proof of qualifications or experience
- Job registration (if required)
- Employment contract and job description
- Signed job offer letter
Job Requirements
- Prove your skills, qualifications, and motivation
- Submit verified copies of qualifications
- If applicable, submit NZQA recognition for your qualification
- Show past work experience:
- What work you did
- When and how long you worked
- Employer contact details
- How your experience fits the job
NZ-Style CV Tips
New Zealand employers prefer short, clear CVs. Avoid long personal stories—focus on skills, work history, and achievements in a simple format.
Visa Fee
- The AEWV application costs NZD 750
Length of Stay
- Valid for up to 5 years
Processing Time
- 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks
How to Apply
- Find a job with an accredited employer
- Employer sends your job documents
- INZ will send an email with a link to the application form
- Pay the visa fee online
- Submit your application
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the AEWV processing time?
A: Most AEWV applications are processed within 7 weeks.
Q: What is an Accredited Employer?
A: A company approved by Immigration NZ to hire overseas workers.
Q: Is there an age limit for AEWV?
A: No strict limit, but INZ may ask questions if you’re near retirement age and applying for full-time work.
Take care to avoid fraudsters!
🚫 You should never pay someone for a job application, an interview test, or an interview. A genuine employer will never request payment.