New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Requirements [2025]

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a specialized visa designed to allow accredited employers in New Zealand to hire skilled overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally. This visa simplifies the recruitment process for businesses while ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s employment standards. Below, we will cover all aspects of the AEWV, including its costs, processing times, benefits, requirements, and its potential as a pathway to permanent residency.

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The AEWV is a visa category in New Zealand that allows accredited employers to hire foreign workers for roles that meet specific skill and salary thresholds. To sponsor an AEWV, employers must first obtain accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to become eligible to sponsor these visas.

Key Details of the AEWV

Aspect	Details
Length of Visa	A maximum of five years, depending on the job role.
Cost	NZD $1540 (visa application fee); additional costs for employers.
Processing Time	Generally takes 80% within 10 weeks, depending on completeness of application.

Benefits of the AEWV

The AEWV have benefits for both employers and employees, such as:

• Work Rights: Full-time work for the sponsoring employer, with a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Education: Up to three months of study per year or job-related training.
• Limited Public Services Access: Eligibility for specific healthcare and public services.
• Pathways to Residency:  Gaining relevant work experience in New Zealand can boost your chances of qualifying for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
• Family Sponsorship: Some holders of the AEWV may be eligible to bring their family members to New Zealand through sponsorship.
• Residence Options: Visa holders who meet the requirements can apply for programs such as the Work to Residence Visa or the Straight to Residence Visa.

Things to Note Before Applying AEWV

Before applying for an AEWV, consider the following:

• Eligibility Requirements: Ensure the job offer meets the skill and pay thresholds.
• Employer Accreditation: The employer must be accredited under New Zealand’s updated immigration rules.
• Stay uptodate: Recent amendments have introduced stricter requirements for employer compliance and job market testing. Which you can know in detail here:
• Stay: Your pay and skills will determine your stay period. Your stay may be fewer than five years if your pay is below the median pay in February 2023 and your ANZSCO level is either four or five.
• Change in visa: You can change the following things if your visa has the condition.

1. Your employer
2. Your Job
3. Location of work
4. Timing of the study.

• Immigration scams: Don’t pay any extra to agents and employers for the job. You can complain about them here:
• News: Keep an eye on the new news here:

Understanding Employer Accreditation

What is an Accredited Employer?
Accredited Employers are businesses approved by Immigration of NZ to use AEWV for hiring foreign workers. The accreditation process includes:

Accreditation Process:

1. Application Submission: Employers must apply for accreditation, providing evidence of good business practices and compliance with employment laws.
2. Approval: Once approved, employers can support AEWV applications for eligible roles.
3. Renewal: Accreditation must be renewed annually or biennially, depending on the business size.

Legal Compliance for Employers:

Accredited employers must:

• Pay fair wages and meet labor market standards.
• Demonstrate genuine attempts to hire locally before seeking foreign workers.

AEWV Affect on Other Visa:

Visas replaced by the AEWV:

• Essential Skills Work Visa (transitioned into AEWV)
• Specific visas tied to accredited employer sponsorship.
• Silver Fern Visa

Visas Not affected by the AEWV:

• Visitor Visas
• Religious Worker Work Visa
• Student Visas
• Working holiday schemes
• Partnership-based Work Visas
• Fishing Crew Work Visa
• Specific Purpose Work Visa

Note: Current work visa is not affected until it expires. 

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The AEWV can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency through:

1. Skilled Migrant Category: Points-based residency based on work experience qualifications, and age. 
2. Residence from Work Visa: Available after completing two years of AEWV employment.

Application Process for AEWV

1. Employer Accreditation: Employers apply for INZ accreditation (Immigration NZ).
2. Job Check: Employers confirm the role meets criteria.
3. Visa Application: Employees submit their application with required documents.
4. Processing and Approval: Immigration New Zealand evaluates the application and grants the visa if all requirements are met.

Tips for Smooth Visa Processing

• Ensure Complete Documentation: Submit all required paperwork, including job offers and qualifications.
• Use Trusted Immigration Advisors: Consult licensed advisors for guidance.
• Stay Updated: Check for recent immigration policy changes.

Essential Document need to apply Accredited Employer Work Visa: 

• Confirmation of Identity: A working & valid national ID or passport.
• Job Offer: A formal job offer from an Accredited company that includes all the information about the job, such as the pay, your role in the job and the working conditions.
• Genuine intentions:Show your good intention to work and compliance with rules in application.
• Qualifications: Copies of relevant educational certificates, degrees, or professional certifications.
• Work Experience: Proof of previous employment, such as paystubs, contracts
• English Language: English language test results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), if applicable.
• Health Certificates: A medical examination report and chest X-ray to meet health requirements.
• Character: Attested Medical and police certificates
• Proof of Funds: Financial documents to prove self-sufficiency (eg Bank statement)
• Additional Documents: Any other evidence specified in the visa application guidelines, such as proof of partnership or family ties.

Make sure all the documents are certified and translated into English if necessary.

Alternatives to the AEWV

For those who do not meet AEWV criteria, consider other options such as:

• Working Holiday Visa: For younger applicants seeking short-term employment.
• Talent (Accredited Employer) Visa: For high-skilled individuals in demand.

Conclusion

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) provides skilled professionals with a valuable opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s workforce while potentially paving the way toward permanent residency. This visa not only allows individuals to gain international work experience but also offers a structured pathway to build a future in New Zealand. To fully leverage the benefits of the AEWV, it is crucial for applicants to stay well-informed about the latest immigration policies, eligibility requirements, and compliance standards. Being proactive and thoroughly prepared can help applicants navigate the process more efficiently and maximize the long-term advantages this visa offers.

FAQs