New Zealand • Immigration Consulting
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary work visa for migrants who have a job offer from an accredited employer. It replaced several previous work visa categories and streamlined the employer-sponsored work visa process into a clear three-step system. Greenlist requirements differ to non shortage occupations.
The AEWV process involves three distinct steps: employer accreditation, job check, and the work visa application itself. This ensures that employers meet workplace standards, the job cannot be filled by New Zealanders, and the migrant worker meets all visa requirements.
New World Immigration's licensed immigration advisers guide both employers and workers through every stage of the AEWV process, from initial accreditation and job check through to visa approval and potential pathways to residence.
The AEWV is designed for skilled and semi-skilled workers who have a genuine job offer from a New Zealand employer that holds current accreditation.
Your employer applies for and obtains accreditation with Immigration New Zealand, demonstrating they meet workplace standards and compliance requirements.
The employer submits a job check application proving the role is genuine, meets pay thresholds, and that no suitable New Zealand workers are available for the position.
Once the employer is accredited and the job check is approved, you submit your individual work visa application with supporting documents.
We compile all required documents including employment agreement, qualifications, police clearances, medical certificates and English language evidence.
You complete medical examinations and obtain police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more.
Immigration New Zealand processes your application and may request additional information or conduct verification checks.
Once approved, your work visa is granted for up to 3 years depending on the role and circumstances.
Depending on your role and pay rate, the AEWV may lead to a Work to Residence or Straight to Residence pathway.
AEWV costs are shared between the employer and the worker. The employer pays for accreditation and the job check, while the worker pays the visa application fee.
Employer accreditation fees vary based on business size and type. All government fees are subject to change.
AEWV processing involves three sequential steps. Total timeframes depend on employer accreditation status and the complexity of your application.
A genuine job offer from an accredited employer is mandatory for the AEWV. The employer must hold current accreditation and the specific role must have passed a job check.
The employment agreement must be for full-time work (at least 30 hours per week) and meet the applicable minimum pay threshold.
New World Immigration works with New Zealand employers to assist with the accreditation and job check process, ensuring compliance and a smooth pathway for the migrant worker.
Employer accreditation is a process where Immigration New Zealand verifies that the employer meets minimum employment standards, has good workplace practices, and is committed to hiring New Zealanders where possible. It must be obtained before a job check or work visa can be submitted.
The AEWV is generally granted for up to 3 years, depending on the ANZSCO skill level of the role and other circumstances. Lower-skilled roles may receive shorter durations.
Changing employers requires a new job check for the new role and either a variation of conditions on your current visa or a new visa application. The new employer must also hold valid accreditation.
Yes. Your partner can apply for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, and your dependent children can apply for dependent child visas. These are separate applications.
Yes. Depending on your occupation and pay rate, the AEWV can be a pathway to residence through the Work to Residence visa or the Skilled Migrant Category.
The median wage is currently NZD 31.61 per hour and is updated periodically. Most AEWV roles require pay at or above this level, though some sector-specific exceptions apply.
If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, the next step is to confirm your eligibility for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Our licensed immigration advisers will assess your situation and guide both you and your employer through the three-step AEWV process.