Once accredited, the employer must apply for a job check for the role. This ensures: The job pays at least the market rate and complies with NZ laws The role is first advertised to New Zealanders unless it’s a Green List job or offers a very high salary When the job is approved, the employer receives a job token which you’ll need for your AEWV application.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Work in New Zealand

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most common temporary work visa that allows skilled migrants to work in New Zealand if they have a job offer from an accredited employer. It is designed to ensure fair employment practices while addressing New Zealand’s labour market needs. Helpoverseas Immigration is here to guide you through the AEWV process, from employer accreditation to your final visa application.

What is the AEWV?

The AEWV is a temporary work visa that lets you work in New Zealand for up to 5 years if you have a full-time job offer (30+ hours per week) from an accredited employer. Only employers approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can hire workers under this visa.

AEWV Process: 3 Key Stages

The AEWV process has three main stages, starting with the employer and ending with the worker’s visa approval.

Stage 1: Employer Accreditation

The employer must first be accredited by INZ.
Accreditation confirms that the employer is a genuine business following New Zealand’s employment standards.

Types of accreditations:

Standard Accreditation – up to 5 migrant workers
High-Volume Accreditation – 6 or more workers
Triangular Accreditation – for labour hire firms

Without accreditation, an employer cannot hire you under the AEWV program.

Stage 2: Job Check

Once accredited, the employer must apply for a job check for the role. This ensures:

The job pays at least the market rate and complies with NZ laws
The role is first advertised to New Zealanders unless it’s a Green List job or offers a very high salary

When the job is approved, the employer receives a job token which you’ll need for your AEWV application.

Stage 3: Visa Application

As the final step, you apply online for your AEWV with Immigration New Zealand.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

A full-time job offers from an accredited employer
Pay that meets the role’s market rate and at least NZ$23.50/hour (as of April 2025)
At least two years relevant work experience or an equivalent NZQA qualification
Health and character checks (medical exam, police certificate)
Proof of English ability (for low-skill roles – IELTS 4.0 minimum)

Who Can Apply for AEWV?

To apply, you must:

Be 55 years old or younger
Hold a valid work visa in New Zealand for at least 24 months prior to application
Work in or hold an offer for a Green List Tier 2 in-demand role
Be of good health and good character
Meet English language requirements
Have a genuine relationship if applying with partner or children

AEWV Visa Details

Length of stay: Up to 5 years based on the employment contract
Processing time: 80% processed within 5 weeks
Cost: Starting from NZD $1540

Bringing Your Family

If you hold an AEWV, you may be able to support visa applications for your family:
- Visitor or work visa for your partner
- Visitor or student visas for your dependent children

Accredited Employers in New Zealand

Only accredited employers can hire AEWV workers. Immigration NZ maintains an official

Regions of New Zealand

New Zealand is divided into 16 regions (not provinces like Canada). These include: Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and others. Each region offers different work and lifestyle opportunities for migrants.

NZQA Assessment (Qualification Evaluation)

If you obtained your qualification overseas, you may need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to prove that your skills meet local standards.

Steps to apply for NZQA assessment:

Create a QRS (Qualification Recognition Services) account online
Submit certified copies of passport, award certificates, transcripts, and translations (if needed)
Pay the application fee and upload documents
Wait for evaluation (average processing time: 6 weeks)
Receive your assessment outcome for use in visa or job applications

Note: Some qualifications are exempt (LQEA list).

Jobs That May Not Require NZQA Assessment

Many employers accept work experience or pre-approved qualifications without requiring formal NZQA assessment. Common roles include:

Hospitality: chef, barista, waitstaff
Retail & customer service: sales assistant, call centre staff
Seasonal jobs: fruit pickers, farm work
Trades & labour: warehouse workers, cleaners, general labourers

Useful Links for Job Seekers

How Helpoverseas Immigration Can Help

Our experts can guide you through:

Understanding employer accreditation and job checks
Preparing your AEWV visa application
Assisting with NZQA assessments and documentation
Helping your partner and children apply for visas
Connecting you with accredited employers in New Zealand

Start your New Zealand journey today with Helpoverseas – your trusted partner in immigration.

HELPOVERSEAS IMMIGRATION SERVICES

HelpOverseas Immigration Services is a private company which is registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, India (ROC under Sec. 2013). Granted establishment License to assist, counsel and advice clients for overseas immigration and apply for Visas. Read More

Note: Our Branch is located only in Pune, India. HelpOverseas is not associated with any other company and does not endorse any false information.

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