New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 2026

📌 What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The AEWV is the primary temporary work visa for foreign workers in New Zealand. It requires a three‑step process: employer accreditation, job check, and worker visa application. The visa typically lasts up to 5 years for skill levels 1‑3, or up to 3 years for skill levels 4‑5.

Key features:

• Full‑time work rights (minimum 30 hours/week).
• You can include your partner and dependent children in your application (partners may get open work rights depending on your salary).
• Pathway to residence via Green List or other residence pathways after 24 months in certain roles.

Official source: Immigration New Zealand – AEWV.

📋 The Three-Step AEWV Process

1. Employer Accreditation – Your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation types: Standard (up to 5 workers), High‑Volume (6+ workers), or Labour Hire.
2. Job Check – The employer must demonstrate that the job meets labour market tests (pay rates, genuine need, and that no suitable New Zealand workers are available). This is the most critical step.
3. Worker Visa Application – After the job check is approved, you apply for the visa, providing evidence of your qualifications, work experience, English (if required), health, and character.

💰 Skill Level & Salary Requirements (2026)

• Median wage requirement REMOVED (10 March 2025) – Employers now pay the New Zealand market rate for the role (minimum wage is the only floor).
• National Occupation List (NOL): From 9 March 2026, 47 new occupations were added to the NOL at skill levels 1‑3, expanding eligibility for many roles (e.g., chef sub‑classifications).
• Skill levels 1‑3: Maximum stay up to 5 years. No English language requirement (until 1 June 2026 – see below).
• Skill levels 4‑5: Maximum stay up to 3 years. English language required (e.g., IELTS 4.0).

🗣️ English Language Requirements (2026 Changes)

• From 1 June 2026: Skill level 3 roles will require a minimum English standard (e.g., IELTS 4.0 overall). Skill levels 4‑5 already require English testing.
• Exemptions: Citizens of English‑speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, etc.) are exempt, as are those with a degree taught entirely in English (from a recognised institution).
• Accepted tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge English. Results valid for 2 years.

📋 Eligible Occupations – National Occupation List (NOL)

The NOL replaces the old ANZSCO system. Occupations are categorised by skill level (1‑5). Skill levels 1‑3 are highly sought after and have longer maximum stay (5 years). Examples include:

• Software Engineer, ICT Project Manager, Database Administrator (Skill level 1)
• Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor (Skill level 1)
• Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Chef (Skill level 3)
• Hospitality Manager, Retail Manager (Skill level 2)

Full NOL is available on Immigration New Zealand.

🟢 Pathway to Residence – Green List & Work to Residence

Workers on the AEWV in certain occupations can transition to residence after 24 months via:

• Green List – Straight to Residence: Occupations like engineers, IT professionals, and healthcare workers can apply for residence directly after 24 months (or immediately if on a Green List Tier 1 role).
• Work to Residence (Green List Tier 2): Occupations such as chefs, teachers, and electricians can apply after 24 months of qualifying work.
• Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence: Specific pathways for aged care workers and transport/driving roles.

Official residence guidance: Green List Work to Residence.

📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step (Worker)

1. Find an accredited employer – Use IFMOSA Work’s job board or check Immigration NZ’s accredited employer list.
2. Employer completes job check – This is the employer’s responsibility and can take 2‑4 weeks.
3. You prepare documents – Passport, job offer, evidence of qualifications/work experience, English test (if required), medical certificate, police certificate.
4. Apply online via Immigration NZ – Submit the application, pay the fee, and upload documents.
5. Wait for decision – 80% of applications processed within 4‑6 weeks.
6. Visa grant and arrival – You must arrive in New Zealand within the visa validity period.

💰 Fees & Processing Times (2026)

• Visa application fee (worker): NZD $1,455 (approx).
• Employer accreditation fees: Varies (standard accreditation ~NZD $740).
• Job check fee: NZD $610 (employer).
• English test: £150–£200 (if required).
• Medical examination: NZD $300–$500.
• Processing time: 80% of worker visa applications processed within 4‑6 weeks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – AEWV

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Red Flags – AEWV

• Employer not accredited: Always check the official Immigration NZ accredited employer list. Unaccredited employers cannot sponsor you.
• Employer asking you to pay for job check or accreditation fees: These are the employer’s responsibility. Any request for reimbursement is a violation.
• Not meeting the genuine job check: The job check requires evidence that no suitable New Zealand worker is available. Fake job checks can lead to visa refusal and employer penalties.
• Incorrect English test for skill level 3 (after June 2026): Ensure you meet the new minimum requirement (IELTS 4.0).
• Missing medical or police certificate deadlines: These documents must be less than 3 months old at the time of application.