Accredited Employer Work Visa
🇳🇿 New Zealand visas · Work
What it is
The main employer-sponsored work visa for New Zealand. Requires a full-time job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer with an approved job check. Duration depends on ANZSCO skill level of the role.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 5 years (skill levels 1-3); up to 3 years (skill levels 4-5)
- Processing time
- Up to 7 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- No
- English requirement
- Required if job is ANZSCO/NOL skill level 3 to 5 (not required for skill level 1 or 2)
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (online application fee)
- NZD 1,540
Key requirements
- Full-time job offer (30+ hours/week) from an AEWV-accredited employer
- Employer must have an approved job check for the role
- Wage must meet the minimum threshold for the position
- 2+ years relevant work experience or Level 4+ NZQCF qualification
- English language proficiency required for skill level 3-5 roles
- Meet health requirements (chest X-ray if staying 6+ months)
- Police certificates if aged 17+ and total NZ stay exceeds 24 months
- Valid passport with 3+ months validity after planned departure
Working on this visa
Full-time work for the accredited employer named on the visa
Bringing family
Cannot include partner or dependent children on the AEWV; family need their own visitor, work or student visas.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.