Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Work in New Zealand with Employer Support
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary work visa pathway for skilled foreign workers who have a valid job offer from a government-accredited employer.
This visa is part of New Zealand's effort to attract international talent to fill skill shortages and support economic growth.
Why Migrate and Apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
✔️ Work Legally in New Zealand – With the backing of a licensed employer, you get a secure entry into New Zealand’s job market.
✔️ Streamlined Processing – AEWV is a simplified, faster route for skilled migration.
✔️ Path to Permanent Residency (PR) – AEWV offers a clear transition to PR through the Green List or Work to Residence pathways.
✔️ Family Inclusion – Your spouse and dependent children can accompany you on dependent visas.
✔️ No Labour Market Test for Green List Roles – If your role is on the Green List, the employer doesn’t need to prove local recruitment failures.
Who Can Apply for AEWV?
✔️ Non-residents with a Job Offer – Applicants must have a full-time job offer from a New Zealand-accredited employer.
✔️ Applicants with Required Skills and Experience – Based on the job offer, you must meet relevant skill, experience, or qualification standards.
✔️ Occupations on the Green List or Sector Agreements – These are prioritized for visa processing and easier PR transitions.
✔️ Sufficient English Language Skills – Some roles may require you to demonstrate English language proficiency.
✔️ Meet Health and Character Requirements – Must undergo medical and police clearance checks.
Benefits and Advantages of the AEWV
✔️ Work for Reputable Employers – Only accredited employers can offer sponsorship, ensuring job security and fair practices.
✔️ Path to Residency – Green List roles and long-term work can lead to PR in as little as 2 years.
✔️ Bring Your Family – Spouse can work and children can study under dependent visas.
✔️ No Labour Market Test (for some roles) – Green List roles and sector-agreed occupations are exempt from proving no New Zealander was available.
✔️ Job Mobility – If your job ends, you can apply for another AEWV with a new employer.
Eligibility & Requirements for AEWV
✔️ Job Offer from Accredited Employer ,– Employer must be on the NZ Immigration Accredited List.
✔️ Occupation and Pay Must Meet Requirements ,– Must match Green List, Sector Agreement, or general skill shortage thresholds.
✔️ Minimum Salary Threshold, – You must be paid at least the median wage (NZD $29.66/hour or $61,692/year), unless exempt.
✔️ Relevant Experience or Qualifications, – Your background must match the role being offered.
✔️ Proof of English Language Proficiency, – For residency transition or specific sectors.
✔️ Health and Character Clearance ,– Medical exam and police check required.
Basic Documents Checklist for AEWV Application
✔️ Valid Passport (minimum 6-month validity)
✔️ Job Offer Letter and Employment Agreement from an accredited employer
✔️ Proof of Qualifications and/or Relevant Experience
✔️ Curriculum Vitae (CV)
✔️ Proof of Salary and Role Description (must meet immigration requirements)
✔️ Medical Certificate and Chest X-Ray (if applicable)
✔️ Police Clearance Certificate from home country and any country lived in for 5+ years
✔️ English Language Test Results (if required)
✔️ Completed AEWV Application Form and Fee Payment Confirmation
Visa Fee & Processing Time
✔️ Processing time depends on completeness of application and whether the role is in-demand.
✔️ Medical and police checks may affect timeline.
✔️ Fees are non-refundable and payable online during application.
| Visa Type | Fee (NZD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| AEWV (Standard) | $750 | 20–60 days |
| AEWV (Green List Roles) | $495 | 10–30 days |
Occupations in Demand under AEWV
✔️ Healthcare & Aged Care – Registered nurses, aged care workers, radiographers, midwives
✔️ Construction & Infrastructure – Civil engineers, electricians, plumbers, project managers
✔️ Information Technology – Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data engineers
✔️ Education – Early childhood teachers, secondary school STEM teachers
✔️ Agriculture & Horticulture – Dairy farm assistants, packhouse workers, harvest managers
✔️ Hospitality – Chefs, sous chefs, café and restaurant managers
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for AEWV
✔️ Step 1: Get a Job Offer – From a New Zealand accredited employer.
✔️ Step 2: Check Role Eligibility – Ensure the job meets skill, salary, and occupation requirements.
✔️ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents – Job offer letter, proof of experience, qualifications, police/medical checks.
✔️ Step 4: Submit Application Online – Through Immigration New Zealand’s online portal.
✔️ Step 5: Wait for Outcome – Processing may take 3–8 weeks depending on role type.
✔️ Step 6: Travel to New Zealand – Begin work and complete residence permit procedures if eligible.
Cost of Living in New Zealand for AEWV Holders
✔️ Living expenses are higher in Auckland and Wellington, moderate in Christchurch, Hamilton.
✔️ Some accredited employers provide relocation assistance and housing support.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom city apartment) | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Groceries | $400 – $800 |
| Transportation | $120 – $250 |
| Utilities & Internet | $150 – $250 |
| Healthcare Insurance | $80 – $200 |
| Personal & Misc. | $200 – $400 |
PR Transition Options for AEWV Holders
✔️ Straight to Residence Visa – For Tier 1 Green List roles (e.g., nurses, engineers) offering direct PR eligibility.
✔️ Work to Residence Visa – For Tier 2 Green List roles after 24 months of employment.
✔️ Skilled Migrant Category – AEWV holders can apply for PR through the points-based SMC system.
✔️ PR for Families – Spouses and dependents can also transition to PR status alongside the main applicant.
✔️ Citizenship Pathway – After 5 years of residence and good character, apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Employer Sponsorship Programs under AEWV
✔️ Accredited Employers Only – Only businesses on the NZ Immigration Accredited Employer list can sponsor AEWV holders.
✔️ Green List Fast-Track Roles – Employers hiring for these roles benefit from streamlined visa processes.
✔️ Sector Agreements – Some sectors (e.g., care, construction, tourism) have special agreements allowing lower thresholds.
✔️ Regional Employer Incentives – Employers in remote or underserved regions may offer additional relocation benefits.
✔️ Support for PR Sponsorship – Many long-term employers support employee transitions to residence and family visas.
| Region | Key Industries & Job Focus |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Healthcare, tech, education, finance |
| Wellington | Government, ICT, creative sector |
| Canterbury (Christchurch) | Engineering, trades, logistics |
| Hawke’s Bay | Agriculture, viticulture, seasonal work |
| Otago (Dunedin) | Education, tourism, healthcare |
| Bay of Plenty | Horticulture, forestry, food processing |
Regional Programs for AEWV Holders in New Zealand
✔️ Regional employers may offer relocation assistance and housing.
✔️ Lower cost of living and higher visa approval rates in non-urban regions.
✔️ Regional roles may qualify for priority visa processing and PR pathways.
Salary Insights for AEWV Workers
✔️ AEWV holders must meet the median wage threshold of NZD $29.66/hour (as of 2024).
✔️ Salaries vary based on region, employer size, and sector.
| Occupation | Average Salary (NZD/year) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Civil Engineer | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Software Developer | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Chef | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Electrician | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Early Childhood Teacher | $48,000 – $70,000 |
Fast Track Application Tips for AEWV
✔️ Apply for Green List Roles – These are prioritized and often exempt from labor market testing.
✔️ Use Accredited Employers – Only employers listed with NZ Immigration can sponsor AEWV applications.
✔️ Submit Complete Documentation – Avoid delays by ensuring all forms and proofs are uploaded correctly.
✔️ Book Medical & Police Checks Early – Pre-completing these can shave weeks off your processing time.
✔️ Work with an Immigration Consultant – Professional help reduces rejection risks and accelerates outcomes.
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