Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 4-7 weeks for straightforward applications
- Fee
- NZD 1,540
- Validity
- Up to 5 years (3 years for ANZSCO level 4-5 jobs)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Replaced the Essential Skills Work Visa in July 2022. Requires a three-gate process: 1) Employer accreditation, 2) Job check approval, 3) Worker visa application. From March 2025, minimum work experience reduced from 3 to 2 years. Workers must be offered at least 30 hours per week at market rate (minimum NZ minimum wage). From November 2025, the National Occupation List (NOL) replaces ANZSCO for occupation classification. Green List roles are prioritised for processing.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities. The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand and the specific job must pass a job check.
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Employment
Must have a qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higher, or at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the same field as the job offered.
Required status: NZQCF level 4+ qualification or 2+ years experience
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Criminal record
Must provide valid police certificates. Must be of good character.
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Health
Must meet acceptable standard of health requirements.
Documents you need
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Passport
Validity months: 3
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 1,540
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer obtains accreditation and job check approval. Gather passport, qualifications, work experience evidence, police certificates, and medical certificates.
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Online application
Submit AEWV application online through Immigration New Zealand portal with reference to approved job check.
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Document submission
Upload all supporting documents including police certificates, qualifications, and work experience evidence.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of approximately NZD 1,540.
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Processing wait
Wait 4-7 weeks for processing. Green List occupation applications are prioritised.
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Visa collection
If approved, visa is linked electronically to your passport.