2026-02-24 · NextMigrate Team
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa: Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
New Zealand has become one of the most attractive destinations for skilled workers worldwide. With its strong economy, high quality of life, and welcoming immigration policies, it consistently ranks among the top countries people want to move to. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary pathway for employer-sponsored migration to New Zealand, and understanding how it works is essential if you are planning your move.
This guide breaks down every stage of the AEWV process, from employer accreditation to your eventual pathway to residency.
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The AEWV replaced several earlier work visa categories (the Essential Skills Work Visa, the Talent Work Visa, and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa) in July 2022 and is now the main temporary work visa in New Zealand. It is designed to ensure that only genuine employers who meet minimum standards can hire migrant workers, and that migrants are paid fairly and treated well.
The visa is a three-step process, and each step involves a different party:
- Employer Accreditation — the employer applies to become accredited (employer's responsibility)
- Job Check — the employer proves the role cannot be filled by a New Zealander (employer's responsibility)
- Work Visa Application — the migrant worker applies for the visa itself (your responsibility)
All three steps must be completed successfully before you can start working in New Zealand.
Step 1: Employer Accreditation
Before a New Zealand employer can offer you a job under the AEWV, they must hold a valid Employer Accreditation. This is the employer's responsibility, not yours, but it directly affects your ability to get a visa.
Three Types of Accreditation
| Accreditation Type | Who It Is For | Migrant Worker Limit | Initial Validity | Renewal Validity | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Most employers | 1-5 migrant workers at any time | 12 months | 24 months | NZD $740 |
| High-Volume | Large employers | 6 or more migrant workers | 12 months | 24 months | NZD $1,220 |
| Franchisee | Franchise businesses | Per franchise agreement | 12 months | 24 months | NZD $1,220 |
| Triangular Employment | Labour hire companies | Per arrangement | 12 months | 24 months | NZD $1,220 |
Requirements for Each Accreditation Type
Standard Accreditation — The employer must demonstrate:
- They are a genuinely operating business in New Zealand (minimum 12 months of trading history, or a viable business plan for newer businesses)
- No history of immigration or employment law breaches in the past 3 years
- All existing employees are on compliant employment agreements
- They pay at least the median wage (NZD $31.61/hour) for the role, or can justify a lower rate for specific occupations
- They commit to settling migrant workers (providing information about employment rights, housing, and community resources)
High-Volume Accreditation — All Standard requirements plus:
- A dedicated HR function or staff member responsible for migrant worker compliance
- A documented settlement plan for migrant workers
- An internal dispute resolution process
- Evidence of investment in training New Zealand workers (demonstrating you are not replacing locals)
- A workplace relations plan approved by INZ
Franchisee Accreditation — All Standard or High-Volume requirements plus:
- Evidence that the franchisor holds accreditation, or the franchisee applies independently
- Franchise agreement documentation
- Proof that the franchise model does not create exploitative conditions for migrant workers
What this means for you: Only apply for roles with employers who are already accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. You can ask the employer directly, or check the publicly available employer accreditation register on the Immigration New Zealand website. If an employer says "we will get accredited once we find the right person," proceed with caution — accreditation takes 10-20 working days (standard) or 20-30 working days (high-volume) to process, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Step 2: The Job Check
Once an employer is accredited, they must complete a Job Check for the specific role they want to hire you for. This step ensures that no suitable New Zealand citizen or resident is available to fill the position.
Job Check Requirements
- Advertising: The role must be listed on at least 2 recognized job platforms for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Acceptable platforms include Seek NZ, Trade Me Jobs, the employer's own website, and industry-specific boards.
- Genuine recruitment: The employer must show they genuinely attempted to recruit locally — not just posted an ad and ignored all applicants. INZ may ask for records of how many applications were received, how many were interviewed, and why each was rejected.
- Median wage compliance: The salary offered must meet the median wage threshold of NZD $31.61 per hour (NZD $65,749 annually based on a 40-hour week). This figure is updated annually — it was NZD $29.66 in 2023, NZD $31.61 as of mid-2025.
- Market rate: The salary must also be at market rate for the occupation and region. INZ uses occupation-specific data to verify this.
- Job Check fee: NZD $610 per role (paid by the employer)
- Processing time: 10-15 working days for straightforward applications
Job Check Exemptions
In certain situations, the job check advertising requirement may be waived:
| Exemption | Condition | Still Need Job Check Application? |
|---|---|---|
| 200% of median wage | Role pays NZD $63.22/hour or more (200% of median) | Yes, but no advertising required |
| Sector agreement | Role falls under an approved sector agreement | Yes, but modified requirements |
| Green List occupation | Role is on the Green List (Tier 1 or Tier 2) | Yes, but no advertising required |
| Same employer, same role | Worker is renewing with the same employer in the same role | Yes, simplified process |
| International transfer | Worker is transferring within the same multinational company | Yes, but no advertising required |
Step 3: Your Work Visa Application
With the employer accredited and the job check approved, you can now apply for the AEWV itself.
Required Documents
- A valid job offer from the accredited employer for the checked role (using the INZ supplementary form for employer-assisted work visas)
- Proof of qualifications or experience relevant to the role — degree certificates, trade certifications, reference letters. For regulated professions (nurses, electricians, engineers), you need registration with the relevant New Zealand authority.
- English language evidence — typically an IELTS overall score of 4.0 or above (no individual band below 4.0). Exemptions apply if you are a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, or Australia, or if you completed a qualification taught entirely in English (with evidence).
- Health requirements — a medical examination (INZ-approved panel physician in your country) and a chest X-ray. If you are from a country with high TB prevalence, the X-ray is mandatory regardless of the visa duration.
- Character requirements — police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 5 or more years since age 17. For some countries (e.g., FBI check for the US), this can take 8-16 weeks.
- A valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended stay
- Visa application fee: NZD $750 (standard online application)
- Immigration levy: NZD $32.20 (included in the online fee)
Processing Times
| Application Type | Standard Processing | Priority Processing (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| AEWV (online, straightforward) | 20-30 working days | Not available |
| AEWV (complex, additional docs needed) | 30-60 working days | Not available |
| AEWV (from high-risk country) | 40-80 working days | Not available |
Practical advice: Submit a complete application the first time. The single biggest cause of delays is INZ requesting additional documents. Before submitting, cross-reference every item against the INZ document checklist for AEWV applications.
Median Wage Threshold: Why It Matters
The median wage threshold (NZD $31.61/hour as of 2025) is one of the most important numbers in the AEWV system. It determines not just your eligibility but also the duration and conditions of the visa you receive:
| Salary Level | Visa Duration | Pathway to Residence | Stand-Down Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| At or above median wage (NZD $31.61+/hour) | Up to 3 years | Green List or SMC pathway available | None |
| Below median wage (for approved roles) | Up to 2 years | Limited — no direct residence pathway | 12 months stand-down after 3 years cumulative on AEWV |
The stand-down provision: If you work below the median wage, after accumulating 3 years on AEWV visas, you must leave New Zealand for at least 12 months before you can get another AEWV. This does not apply if you are paid at or above the median wage. Negotiate your salary accordingly.
Median Wage by Occupation in New Zealand (2025)
Here is what employers are actually paying for common occupations. These are median hourly rates from Stats NZ and the INZ occupation data:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Median Hourly Rate (NZD) | Annual Equivalent (40hrs/wk) | Above AEWV Threshold? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 261312 | $45.00-$55.00 | $93,600-$114,400 | Yes |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | $48.00-$60.00 | $99,840-$124,800 | Yes |
| Database Administrator | 262111 | $42.00-$52.00 | $87,360-$108,160 | Yes |
| Data Engineer/Analyst | 261111 | $40.00-$50.00 | $83,200-$104,000 | Yes |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | $40.00-$55.00 | $83,200-$114,400 | Yes |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | $42.00-$55.00 | $87,360-$114,400 | Yes |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | $40.00-$52.00 | $83,200-$108,160 | Yes |
| Registered Nurse | 254411 | $35.00-$45.00 | $72,800-$93,600 | Yes |
| Midwife | 254111 | $38.00-$48.00 | $79,040-$99,840 | Yes |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | $34.00-$42.00 | $70,720-$87,360 | Yes |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | 253111 | $75.00-$110.00 | $156,000-$228,800 | Yes |
| Specialist Physician | 253311 | $90.00-$150.00+ | $187,200-$312,000+ | Yes |
| Primary School Teacher | 241213 | $34.00-$42.00 | $70,720-$87,360 | Yes |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | $34.00-$44.00 | $70,720-$91,520 | Yes |
| Early Childhood Teacher | 241111 | $28.00-$35.00 | $58,240-$72,800 | Borderline — above with experience |
| Electrician | 341111 | $32.00-$42.00 | $66,560-$87,360 | Yes |
| Carpenter | 331212 | $30.00-$38.00 | $62,400-$79,040 | Borderline to Yes |
| Plumber | 334111 | $32.00-$42.00 | $66,560-$87,360 | Yes |
| Chef | 351311 | $28.00-$35.00 | $58,240-$72,800 | Borderline |
| Aged/Disabled Carer | 423111 | $24.00-$29.00 | $49,920-$60,320 | Below — limited visa |
| Dairy Farm Manager | 121313 | $28.00-$36.00 | $58,240-$74,880 | Borderline |
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | $50.00-$70.00 | $104,000-$145,600 | Yes |
| Accountant | 221111 | $35.00-$48.00 | $72,800-$99,840 | Yes |
Key insight: If your occupation pays close to the median wage threshold, negotiate hard. The difference between NZD $30/hour and NZD $32/hour is not just $4,160/year — it is the difference between a 2-year visa with a stand-down period and a 3-year visa with a residence pathway.
The Green List: Full Occupation Breakdown
The Green List is New Zealand's priority occupation list. If your occupation is on it, you have a faster pathway to residency and an exemption from the job check advertising requirement.
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
You can apply for residence as soon as you hold an AEWV and start working in the role. No minimum time in New Zealand required.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Minimum Qualification/Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | Relevant degree or diploma + experience |
| Clinical Psychologist | 272311 | NZ registration with NZPB |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | Registration with MLSB |
| Anaesthetist | 253211 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Cardiologist | 253312 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Clinical Haematologist | 253313 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Dermatologist | 253911 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | 253912 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Endocrinologist | 253314 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Gastroenterologist | 253315 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Gynaecologist/Obstetrician | 253913 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Intensive Care Specialist | 253316 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Neurologist | 253318 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Oncologist (Medical) | 253914 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Ophthalmologist | 253915 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Paediatrician | 253321 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Pathologist | 253917 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Psychiatrist | 253411 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Radiologist | 253917 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Renal Medicine Specialist | 253322 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Rheumatologist | 253323 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Surgeon (General) | 253511 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Urologist | 253518 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Vascular Surgeon | 253521 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | Relevant qualification + 3 years experience |
| Multimedia Specialist (UX/UI) | 261211 | Relevant qualification + 3 years experience |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | Relevant qualification + 3 years experience |
Tier 2: Work to Residence (24 Months)
You must work in New Zealand in the listed occupation for 24 months before you can apply for residence.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Minimum Qualification/Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | Relevant degree, ideally CPEng |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | Relevant degree |
| Electronics Engineer | 233411 | Relevant degree |
| Geotechnical Engineer | 233212 | Relevant degree |
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | Relevant degree |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | Relevant degree |
| Structural Engineer | 233214 | Relevant degree, ideally CPEng |
| Telecommunications Engineer | 263311 | Relevant degree |
| Quantity Surveyor | 233213 | Relevant degree |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | NZ registration with NCNZ |
| Registered Nurse (Critical Care) | 254415 | NZ registration with NCNZ |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 254418 | NZ registration with NCNZ |
| Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 254422 | NZ registration with NCNZ |
| Registered Nurse (Perioperative) | 254423 | NZ registration with NCNZ |
| Midwife | 254111 | NZ registration with MCNZ |
| Medical Imaging Technologist | 251211 | NZ registration |
| Medical Radiation Therapist | 251212 | NZ registration |
| Occupational Therapist | 252411 | NZ registration |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | NZ registration with PB |
| Sonographer | 251214 | Relevant qualification + experience |
| Electrician | 341111 | NZ registration with EWRB |
| Plumber | 334111 | NZ registration with PGDB |
| Carpenter | 331212 | NZ trade certificate or equivalent |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | NZ trade certificate or equivalent |
| Driller | 712211 | Relevant qualification + experience |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | NZ trade certificate or equivalent |
| Automotive Electrician | 321111 | NZ trade certificate or equivalent |
| External Auditor | 221213 | CA or CPA equivalent + experience |
| Veterinarian | 234711 | NZ registration with VCNZ |
| Primary School Teacher | 241213 | NZ registration with Teaching Council |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | NZ registration with Teaching Council |
| Early Childhood Teacher | 241111 | NZ registration with Teaching Council |
Important caveat: The Green List is updated periodically. Occupations are added and removed based on labor market conditions. Always check the latest version at immigration.govt.nz before making decisions.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): The Points-Based Alternative
For occupations not on the Green List, the Skilled Migrant Category is the main pathway to residence. This is a points-based system with Expressions of Interest (EOI) selected periodically.
SMC Points Table
You need 6 points to be selected from the EOI pool (this system was simplified in late 2023 — the old 160-point system was replaced):
| Criterion | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paid employment or job offer in New Zealand | — | Mandatory (must have to be eligible) |
| Skilled employment earning at least the median wage | 3 points | NZD $31.61/hour or more |
| Skilled employment earning 1.5x median wage | 4 points | NZD $47.42/hour or more |
| Skilled employment earning 2x median wage | 5 points | NZD $63.22/hour or more |
| New Zealand qualification (Level 7+) | 1 point | Bachelor's degree or higher from an NZ institution |
| New Zealand qualification (Level 8+) | 2 points | Postgraduate diploma, Master's, or PhD from NZ |
| Qualification in area of absolute skill shortage | 1 point | ANZSCO-listed shortage area |
| Professional registration in NZ | 1 point | Registered with relevant NZ authority |
| Work experience in NZ (2+ years) | 1 point | Cumulative NZ work experience |
| Work experience in NZ (3+ years) | 2 points | Cumulative NZ work experience |
| Employment outside Auckland | 1 point | Role is based outside the Auckland region |
| Partner's employment or qualification | 1 point | If your partner has skilled employment in NZ or an NZ qualification |
Minimum to be competitive: 6 points. In practice, most successful EOIs score 6-8 points. Having skilled employment at or above the median wage (3 points) plus a relevant qualification or NZ experience is the typical path.
Processing after EOI selection: Once selected, you have 4 months to submit a full residence application. Processing of the residence application takes 6-12 months depending on complexity.
Complete Cost Breakdown: From Application to Landing
Here is a comprehensive cost breakdown for the entire AEWV process from start to arriving in New Zealand:
| Cost Item | Amount (NZD) | Amount (USD approx.) | Paid By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Accreditation | $740-$1,220 | $450-$740 | Employer |
| Job Check | $610 | $370 | Employer |
| AEWV visa application fee | $750 | $455 | You (or employer) |
| Immigration levy | $32.20 | $20 | You |
| Medical examination | $400-$700 | $245-$425 | You |
| Chest X-ray (if required) | $100-$200 | $60-$120 | You |
| Police clearance certificates | $50-$250 each country | $30-$150 each | You |
| IELTS test | $400-$520 | $245-$315 | You |
| Document authentication/apostille | $100-$300 | $60-$180 | You |
| Qualification assessment (NZQA if needed) | $950-$1,200 | $575-$730 | You |
| Professional registration (if regulated) | $500-$2,500 | $300-$1,520 | You |
| Immigration adviser (optional) | $2,000-$5,000 | $1,215-$3,035 | You |
| One-way flight to NZ | $800-$2,500 | $485-$1,520 | You |
| Initial accommodation (2-4 weeks) | $1,200-$3,000 | $730-$1,820 | You |
| Bond/deposit for rental property | $2,000-$4,000 | $1,215-$2,430 | You (refundable) |
| TOTAL (worker costs, minimum) | $5,582-$8,872 | $3,390-$5,385 | — |
| TOTAL (worker costs, with adviser + relocation) | $9,282-$20,172 | $5,635-$12,240 | — |
What the employer typically pays: Accreditation ($740-$1,220) + Job Check ($610) = $1,350-$1,830. Some employers also cover the visa application fee and relocation costs, but this is not required by law.
Hidden costs to budget for:
- IRD number application: Free, but you cannot start working until you have one (apply as soon as you arrive)
- NZ bank account opening: Free at most banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank). You can sometimes open an account before arriving from certain countries.
- NZ driver's license conversion: $48.30 (if your home country has a recognition agreement) or $93.90 for a full test
- NZ mobile phone plan: $30-$60/month for a good plan with data
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not verifying employer accreditation before accepting a job offer. Ask for the accreditation number and verify it on the INZ website. If the employer is not accredited, they cannot legally hire you — no matter what they promise.
- Accepting a salary below the median wage without understanding the visa limitations. Below-median-wage roles give you a maximum 2-year visa and a 12-month stand-down after 3 cumulative years. This severely limits your residence pathway.
- Submitting incomplete documentation — missing police certificates or expired medical exams are the most common causes of delays. Medical exams are valid for 3 months from the date of examination; police certificates are valid for 6 months. Time your appointments carefully.
- Ignoring English language requirements — even if you speak English fluently, you may still need a formal test result unless you are exempt by nationality. Book your IELTS early — test centers in some countries have 4-6 week wait times.
- Leaving your application too late — processing times can be unpredictable. Some straightforward applications are approved in 15 working days; others take 60+. Do not book flights until your visa is approved.
- Not checking if your occupation is regulated in New Zealand. Over 50 occupations require registration with a New Zealand authority before you can work. Nurses (Nursing Council), teachers (Teaching Council), electricians (EWRB), engineers (Engineering NZ for CPEng), and doctors (MCNZ) all require registration. Start this process early — registration alone can take 2-6 months.
- Ignoring the region. Roles outside Auckland earn 1 bonus point under the SMC and often come with lower cost of living. Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Queenstown all have strong job markets in specific sectors.
- Not understanding tax obligations. New Zealand's income tax rates are: 10.5% on income up to $14,000; 17.5% on $14,001-$48,000; 30% on $48,001-$70,000; 33% on $70,001-$180,000; 39% over $180,000. There is no separate social security contribution for employees (ACC levy is employer-paid). KiwiSaver (retirement savings) has a minimum employee contribution of 3% with an employer contribution of 3%.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Research your occupation thoroughly — check whether it is on the Green List (Tier 1 or Tier 2), any sector agreement list, or the ANZSCO occupation classification. Use the INZ occupation search tool.
- Negotiate your salary — aim for at least NZD $32-$35/hour minimum to give yourself a buffer above the median wage. For Green List occupations, the market rate is typically well above the threshold anyway.
- Prepare your documents early — police clearances from the FBI (USA) take 12-16 weeks, from India 4-8 weeks, from the UK 2-4 weeks. Medical exams must be done by an INZ-approved panel physician (the list is on the INZ website). Start 3-4 months before you plan to submit your application.
- Use a licensed immigration adviser if your situation is complex — New Zealand requires advisers to be licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Using an unlicensed adviser is illegal and their work cannot be accepted by INZ. Check the register at iaa.govt.nz.
- Keep copies of everything you submit — digital and physical. If INZ requests additional documentation, you need to respond within the timeframe specified (usually 10-15 working days).
- Get your NZ professional registration started before applying — if your occupation is regulated, begin the registration process in parallel with your AEWV application. Some registrations (e.g., NCNZ for nurses) can take 3-6 months.
Ready to Start Your New Zealand Journey?
Navigating the AEWV process can be straightforward if you understand each step and prepare accordingly. The key is to verify your occupation's status on the Green List, confirm your employer's accreditation, negotiate a salary above the median wage threshold, and submit a complete application the first time. If you need personalised guidance based on your qualifications, work experience, and target occupation, the NextMigrate team can help you assess your eligibility, connect with accredited employers, and guide your application from start to finish.
