Information reviewed: 18 October 2026 | Refer to Immigration New Zealand for current requirements.
An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows an eligible migrant to work for an accredited New Zealand employer in an approved role. It is a temporary work visa, not automatic residence.
Explore the eligibility requirements, evidence to prepare, application stages and related New Zealand visa options below. Individual circumstances and the latest government instructions determine the outcome.
Visa focusNew Zealand
Page typeEligibility guide
RequirementsVisa-specific
Last review18 Oct 2026
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): overview
An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows an eligible migrant to work for an accredited New Zealand employer in an approved role. It is a temporary work visa, not automatic residence.
An AEWV is normally tied to specific employment conditions. Partners and children do not join the same AEWV application; they may have separate options depending on eligibility.
Eligibility and important requirements
Review these key conditions before choosing this pathway:
Employer accreditation: Your prospective employer must hold the appropriate accreditation and have an approved job check for the position.
Job offer: You need a genuine, current offer for at least 30 hours of work per week.
Skills and registration: Meet the qualification, experience, occupational classification and registration rules that apply to your job.
English and other requirements: English requirements may apply based on the role’s skill level. Health, character and other conditions also apply.
Application process: step by step
Confirm the employer: Check the employer’s accreditation and that the role is covered by an approved job check.
Review your job: Match your actual duties, experience, qualifications and offered pay against the relevant rules.
Receive the application link: The employer supplies the link or invitation needed for the AEWV application.
Submit evidence: Complete the official application with supporting documents and respond to requests.
Documents and evidence checklist
Valid passport and identity details.
Documents supporting the particular eligibility requirements listed above.
Employment, qualification or relationship records, where relevant.
Medical, police, English language or financial evidence, where required.
Certified translations and additional supporting evidence, where applicable.
This is an initial checklist, not an exhaustive or universal list. The official application instructions take precedence.
Fees, processing times and visa conditions
Government fees, processing times and visa conditions can change. Confirm the current amounts and conditions on the official guidance for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) before applying. Other charges may apply for medical checks, translations, professional registration or qualification assessments.
Our team can help organise an initial eligibility screening, identify the relevant visa pathway, review document readiness and explain the next steps. Where regulated immigration advice is required, it must be provided by an appropriately licensed or exempt adviser.
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