Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Work in New Zealand with a job offer from an accredited employer
Quick Facts
- ✓ Visa duration: Up to 3 years (extendable)
- ✓ Requirement: Job offer from accredited employer
- ✓ Work restrictions: Tied to employer and agreed role
- ✓ Pathway: Can lead to permanent residence
- ✓ Processing time: 2-6 weeks typical
- ✓ Application fee: NZD $3,310 (approximately USD $2,050)
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa designed for skilled workers who have secured a job offer from a New Zealand employer that has been accredited by Immigration New Zealand. This visa represents the primary pathway for skilled migrant workers to come and work in New Zealand, and it offers opportunities to build towards permanent residence.
The AEWV system was introduced to streamline the work visa process, making it easier for both employers and workers. Accredited employers have been vetted by Immigration New Zealand and approved to hire foreign workers without individual labor market tests for each position. This means the hiring process is faster and more straightforward compared to non-accredited employers.
What sets the AEWV apart from other work visas is its connection to permanent residence. The skilled work experience you gain on an AEWV can count towards residence visa applications, making this visa an excellent stepping stone for those who wish to settle permanently in New Zealand.
The visa is typically issued for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of three years initially. Extensions are possible if you continue employment and meet the requirements, allowing you to stay and work for extended periods.
Eligibility Requirements
Job Offer Requirements
The fundamental requirement for an AEWV is a valid job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. Here's what qualifies:
- • Accredited employer: Your employer must be registered with Immigration New Zealand as accredited
- • Valid employment agreement: You need a signed employment contract specifying role, salary, and conditions
- • Role matching: Your qualifications and experience must match the job requirements
- • Salary requirement: Your wage must meet New Zealand's acceptable salary threshold, typically the median wage or higher
- • Full-time position: The role must be full-time and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months
Personal Eligibility Criteria
Beyond the job offer, you must personally meet these requirements:
- • Age: No specific age limit, but you must be of working age
- • Health: Meet New Zealand's health requirements; may require medical certificate
- • Character: No serious criminal convictions or immigration history issues
- • English language: Sufficient English to work in your role (varies by occupation)
- • Qualifications: Your education and work experience must be relevant and verified
- • Skills matching: Your expertise must address a genuine need the employer has
Accredited Employer Status
Your employer's accreditation status is crucial. Accredited employers have:
- • Been assessed and approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers
- • Demonstrated good employment practices and compliance with labor laws
- • Met obligations for current and previous migrant employees
- • Made genuine efforts to recruit New Zealand citizens and residents
- • Provided accreditation details that you can verify on the Immigration NZ website
Financial Requirements
While Immigration New Zealand doesn't specify a minimum personal savings amount, having financial reserves is important. The acceptable salary threshold for 2024 is typically around NZD $27.76 per hour or NZD $56,400 annually for most roles. Your employment offer must meet or exceed these minimums. Additionally, having some personal savings (NZD $1,500-3,000) to cover initial relocation costs is prudent.
Finding Employment with an Accredited Employer
Job Search Strategies
Finding a job offer is your first step. Here are effective strategies:
🌐 Online Job Portals
Use major New Zealand job sites like Seek.co.nz, Trade Me Jobs, Indeed.co.nz, and LinkedIn. Search for your profession and filter for employers known to hire international workers. Many job listings will mention visa sponsorship opportunities.
💼 Recruitment Agencies
Contact recruitment agencies specializing in your industry. Many agencies work with accredited employers and actively place international workers. They understand visa requirements and can expedite the process.
🔗 Direct Employer Contact
Research companies you'd like to work for and contact them directly. Many large companies actively recruit internationally. Explain your interest in working for them and ask about opportunities.
🤝 Networking
Leverage professional networks, LinkedIn connections, and industry associations. Personal connections often lead to job opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
📋 Check Accredited List
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website to view the list of accredited employers. Target your job search towards these employers to streamline the visa process.
High-Demand Occupations
Certain occupations have high demand in New Zealand, making employment easier to secure:
- • Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, medical technicians
- • Information Technology: Software developers, IT specialists, data analysts
- • Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical engineers
- • Construction: Project managers, skilled tradespeople
- • Hospitality: Chefs, restaurant managers
- • Education: Teachers, lecturers
- • Finance: Accountants, financial managers
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Secure Employment Offer
Find a job with an accredited employer and negotiate an employment contract. Ensure the role, salary, and conditions are clearly documented in writing.
2. Verify Employer Accreditation
Confirm your employer is on the accredited employer list on Immigration New Zealand's website. This ensures your visa application will be processed quickly.
3. Prepare Documentation
Gather required documents: passport, employment agreement, qualification certificates, work experience references, CV, health certificate (if required), police clearance, and financial documents.
4. Submit Online Application
Apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website. Create an account, complete the application form, upload all required documents, and provide your employment offer details.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the AEWV application fee of NZD $3,310 using credit or debit card. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is declined.
6. Wait for Processing
Most applications are processed within 2-6 weeks. With accredited employers, processing is typically faster than with non-accredited employers. You'll receive updates via email.
7. Medical and Police Checks
You may be requested to provide a medical certificate or police clearance. These are arranged at your own cost (typically NZD $200-500 for medical, NZD $20-100 for police).
8. Receive Visa
Once approved, you'll receive notification and can download your visa. You can travel to New Zealand within the validity period specified by Immigration New Zealand.
Visa Duration and Extensions
Initial Visa Period
Your AEWV is typically issued for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of three years. The visa validity matches your job offer period, meaning if you're hired for one year, your visa is valid for approximately one year.
Extending Your AEWV
You can extend your AEWV if:
- • You continue employment with the same accredited employer
- • Your employer offers you a new employment contract
- • You meet health and character requirements
- • Your employment conditions remain appropriate
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The AEWV is valuable because the work experience you gain can contribute to permanent residence applications through:
- • Skilled Migrant Category: Your skilled work experience counts toward residence visa points
- • Long-term skill shortage: If your role is on the long-term skill shortage list, you may be eligible for residence after 2 years
- • Essential skills: Critical roles may be eligible for faster residence pathways
- • Employer sponsorship: Some employers sponsor key employees for residence visas
Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights as an AEWV Holder
Working in New Zealand on an AEWV grants you important employment rights:
- • Fair wages: Right to the minimum wage or negotiated salary
- • Employment agreement: Written terms of employment
- • Annual leave: Minimum 4 weeks paid annual leave
- • Public holidays: Paid public holiday entitlements
- • Workplace safety: Safe working environment protections
- • Personal grievance procedures: Access to employment disputes resolution
- • Kiwisaver: Access to mandatory retirement savings scheme
Your Responsibilities
As an AEWV visa holder, you must:
- • Work for accredited employer: You can only work for the employer named in your visa application
- • Role-specific work: Perform the role specified in your employment offer
- • Maintain employment: Continue employment or notify Immigration NZ if circumstances change
- • Comply with laws: Follow all New Zealand laws, employment laws, and tax obligations
- • Pay taxes: Register with Inland Revenue and pay income tax
- • Maintain health and character: No criminal activity or serious health issues
- • Keep documentation: Maintain valid passport and visa documentation
Costs and Fees
Application Fee
The AEWV application fee is NZD $3,310 (approximately USD $2,050). This is a non-refundable fee payable when you submit your application.
Additional Costs
- • Medical examination: NZD $200-500 (if required)
- • Police clearance: NZD $20-100 depending on country
- • Document verification: Costs for certifying/translating documents
- • Passport: NZD $200-400 (if renewal needed)
- • Flight tickets: NZD $1,000-2,500+ depending on origin
- • Relocation: NZD $2,000-5,000 for initial accommodation and setup
Living Costs
Monthly living expenses in New Zealand typically range from NZD $2,500-4,000 depending on location and lifestyle, including accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers while on an AEWV?
No, you can only work for the employer named in your AEWV. If you wish to change employers, you need to apply for a new AEWV. However, if you change roles within the same accredited employer, this may be possible without a new visa application.
What's the difference between accredited and non-accredited employers?
Accredited employers are pre-approved by Immigration NZ and can hire workers more quickly without individual labor market tests. Non-accredited employers must prove no NZ workers are available for each position, making the process longer and more complex.
How long does AEWV processing take?
With accredited employers, processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Complex cases may take up to 6 weeks. Providing all required documents upfront significantly speeds up the process.
Can I bring my family on an AEWV?
No, the AEWV is individual. Your family members (partner, children) would need to apply for dependent visas or their own work/study visas. They can be included in a dependent visa application under certain circumstances.
Can I apply for permanent residence while on an AEWV?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residence while on an AEWV, particularly through the Skilled Migrant Category if you meet the points requirements. Your work experience on the AEWV contributes to your residence visa application.
What if my employment ends before my visa expires?
If your employment ends, you should immediately notify Immigration NZ. Your visa conditions may no longer be met. You can seek new employment with another accredited employer or explore other visa options, but you cannot continue working on the original AEWV.
Start Your AEWV Application
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is your pathway to working and potentially settling in New Zealand. Begin exploring accredited employers and secure your employment offer today.