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The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand for an accredited employer. To qualify, applicants must have a valid job offer from an accredited employer, meet specific skills and experience requirements, and fulfil health and character standards. This visa offers the opportunity for long-term employment, and in some cases, a pathway to residency. Learn more about how NZIL can assist with your application and guide you through the process of securing this visa.
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The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand for an accredited employer. This visa is designed for individuals who have received a job offer from a New Zealand employer that has accreditation status. It provides an opportunity for long-term employment and, in some cases, a pathway to residency.
The AEWV is typically valid for up to three or five years, depending on the job offer and visa conditions.
To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer, meet skill and experience requirements, and fulfil health and character standards. The employer must complete a Job Check to confirm no suitable local candidates are available.
Visa holders can live and work in New Zealand for the duration of their visa. Additionally, some visa holders may sponsor family members, allowing partners to apply for work visas and children for student or visitor visas.
The AEWV can be a stepping stone to residency if the role meets the criteria for pathways such as the green list or work to residence options or if the role and the pay rate allow you to meet requirements for the Skilled Migrant 6 Point System. The path way will depend on the role and salary offered.
Step 1:
Ensure the job offer is from a New Zealand employer with accreditation status and a valid Job Check.
Step 2:
Ensure you meet the skill requirements stated in the job check and Immigration's minimum skill thresholds for approval.
Step 3:
Collect the necessary documents, including proof of qualifications, job offer, and meeting health and character standards.
Step 4:
Submit your visa application online through Immigration New Zealand’s portal.
Step 5:
Immigration New Zealand reviews your application and may request additional information.
Step 6:
Once approved, you can live and work in New Zealand for the duration of your visa.
Step 7:
Step 8:
Learn how to successfully apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa in our upcoming webinar. This session will guide you through the key steps, eligibility criteria, and benefits of the AEWV. Whether you're an employer seeking to hire international talent or a skilled worker looking to move to New Zealand, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the application process and answer any questions you may have. Get expert advice and simplify your visa journey with NZIL.
Prefer to make a direct enquiry rather than attend a webinar? This option offers you personalised assistance tailored to your specific situation. By choosing a direct enquiry, you'll save time and receive expert guidance from NZIL’s team on your Accredited Employer Work Visa application. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or navigating the process, we’re here to provide clear, customised advice every step of the way.
If you are on a working visa, the visa will generally be tied to the job offer. This means you’re required to stay with your employer. There are some exceptions to this where the work visa allows employment with any employer. You can change to a new employer but you must apply to do this. You need to get advice about doing this as it can have an impact on your future ability to secure residence.
If you are offered a job in New Zealand your employer may offer to cover your relocation costs. This is something you will need to discuss directly with your employer.
It is not essential to have formal qualifications to gain a work visa. You must be able to document that you meet the criteria stated by the employer in the job check is necessary to be considered for the position and Immigration New Zealand's minimum skills threshold. A lack of formal qualifications may, however, make it harder for you to qualify for residence if you are seeking to make a permanent move.
New Zealand recognises some international qualifications, but there are some that need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For a fee, NZQA can check whether your qualification is recognised in New Zealand.
If you’ve completed studies in New Zealand and have obtained a recognised qualification, you could be eligible to apply for a post study work visa .Depending on your qualification, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years and potentially gain residence. Learn more about the visas you can apply for after completing your studies.
Employers must become accredited and have a job check approved, before an accredited employer work visa application can be prepared for the staff member. The only alternative pathway for employers to obtain work visas is to use the Specific Purpose work visa category, but these are criteria are narrowly prescribed and this is not an option available for staff members seeking to come to New Zealand for full-time ongoing work.
Generally an accredited employer work visa will be needed. This is the largest category of work visa issued to people who have been recruited by New Zealand businesses. If you want to offer a job to a foreign national, that person will most likely apply for this category of work visa. There are some exceptions, but they will depend on the nature and purpose of the employment.
Professional fees will depend upon complexity. Get in touch with the NZ Immigration Law team for help with your particular scenario.
NZ Immigration has target times around this, but it's important to obtain advice to ensure you understand the criteria particularly in regard labour market testing. Get in touch with the NZ Immigration Law team for help with your particular scenario.
Generally employers will have to demonstrate they are financially sustainable, compliant with immigration and employment laws and also commit to specific obligations imposed on accredited employers. It is important that employers be familiar with those obligations and have systems in place to ensure compliance.
Standard and high-volume accreditation will last for 12 months initially and then 24 months upon renewal. Employers with labour hire employer accreditation will need to renew this every 12 months.
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