New Zealand Work Visa: How the AEWV Works

The New Zealand work visa most employer-sponsored workers will meet is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). You need a full-time job offer from an accredited employer first. The job must offer at least 30 hours a week, and then the employer sends you the link to the online form.

Last checked 8 November 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm them on the official pages linked below.

How a New Zealand work visa works through an accredited employer

A New Zealand work visa is permission from Immigration New Zealand to work in the country for a set period. For most people this guide covers, that permission comes as the AEWV. The AEWV ties you to a specific job rather than a general move. The employer must be accredited, the job must meet the rules for its skill level, and you must meet the rules for that job.

This guide focuses on New Zealand only. Australia or Canada use different visas and different steps, so do not apply what you read here to another country. Rules can change, so treat this article as a map of the process rather than the final word.

Whether a non-citizen needs a New Zealand work visa

In general, if you are not a New Zealand citizen, you need a visa that allows you to work before you start a job there. Which visa fits depends on your situation, your job and your citizenship or residence status. A visitor visa, for example, does not normally give you the right to work. Check that before you book a flight on that basis.

Immigration New Zealand’s overview of work visas is the best place to check your own case. Start there, then read the page for the visa that matches your job. If you are unsure which category fits, a licensed adviser can help. The adviser section later explains how to check one.

AEWV in plain terms: employer, job and worker checks

The AEWV has three layers. The employer must be accredited, the job must be approved for that employer, and you must meet the rules for that job. Each layer can stop an application, so understand all three before you spend money.

Your employer starts the process by sending you the link to the online application form. You are the main applicant, so your partner and children cannot be named on the form, as Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV page explains. Your employer does its part first. You complete yours after that.

The AEWV can lead to a resident visa, according to Immigration New Zealand. This guide does not cover the conditions for that route, so check the residence pages before you plan around it. The stay can run for up to five years, depending on the job, its skill level, the pay and when the application was made.

Who this guide is for, and who should look elsewhere

This guide suits overseas workers who already have a job offer in New Zealand, or who are actively looking for one. It also helps people whom an agent or recruiter has approached and who want to check the offer before paying anything. It is less useful if you want a visitor, student or holiday route, because those visas follow different rules.

Read the two lists below honestly. They are not a guarantee, because only Immigration New Zealand can decide your case. Use them to decide whether to spend time and money on the AEWV now or look at another route first.

You probably qualify for a New Zealand work visa if

You have a full-time job offer of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer.
The job’s skill level and pay match the rules Immigration New Zealand sets for AEWV roles.
You can show the work experience or qualifications that the job requires.
If your job is at ANZSCO skill levels 3 to 5, you can prove that you speak and understand English.

You probably don’t qualify for a work visa in New Zealand if

You have no job offer and want to apply for the AEWV anyway.
The job is part-time, with fewer than 30 hours a week.
You expect your partner or children to be named on your AEWV, which is not allowed.
You are looking for a visitor or student route rather than work.

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, a different visa may suit them. The family section later in this guide covers that route.

If you are not sure which group you fall into, write down your job title, hours and skill level. Then compare them with the AEWV page. Vague answers at this stage usually mean the job offer needs more detail. They do not mean you should guess.

Requirements for a New Zealand work visa, from job offer to checks

The main requirement is a genuine job offer that meets the AEWV rules. The job must be full time, which means at least 30 hours a week. The employer must also be accredited for the role it offers, and you must meet the work experience or qualification rules that the job sets.

Beyond those basics, the rules depend on the job. Read the requirements for your exact role on the AEWV page, rather than relying on a general list from another website. Many people lose time because they plan around a list that is out of date.

Pay and skill threshold a genuine offer must meet

Every AEWV job links to a skill level, and that level affects what you must prove. ANZSCO, the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, sorts jobs into skill levels. The stay can run for up to five years. Its length depends on the job, its skill level, the pay and when you applied.

This guide could not confirm the current minimum pay for AEWV roles. Ask the employer to put the pay rate in writing, then check it against the official page before you accept. A pay figure that looks high or low for the role is a reason to ask questions. It is not a reason to assume the offer is fine.

A genuine offer should state the job title, hours, pay, location and start date. If any of these are vague, ask for clarity before you go further. Ask the employer to name the skill level too, because that shapes your English and experience evidence.

Skills and English for a New Zealand work visa

If your job is at ANZSCO skill levels 3 to 5, you must show that you can speak and understand English. The employer’s job description should show the skill level, so ask for it early. You can then plan your English evidence around the official rule, rather than finding out late that you are missing a document.

Your qualifications and work experience must match what the job asks for. A nursing role, for example, asks for different evidence from a kitchen role. Keep certificates, reference letters and job records together, in both original and scanned form, because you may need to show them.

If you have worked in a related trade but hold no formal certificate, do not claim a qualification you lack. Ask the employer whether experience alone meets the rule for that job, and check the official page for the exact wording. Honest gaps are easier to deal with than false claims.

Health and character checks for a work visa

You may need a medical examination as part of your application. You pay medical and other evidence costs to third parties, not to Immigration New Zealand. Check the official visa page to see which checks apply to your case before you book anything.

You may also be asked for police certificates. The official page sets out which ones apply, and that depends on your personal history and the visa you apply for. Start gathering these early, because authorities in your home country can take their own time.

Sectors that hire overseas workers on a New Zealand work visa

Working in a busy sector does not mean a job qualifies. Every role still needs a job offer, an accredited employer and a job that meets the rules. Treat this section as a starting point for your search, not a promise of work.

Sector names alone tell you little. A role called care assistant, cook or engineer can sit at different skill levels with different rules. Always check the job’s skill level and requirements, not just its title.

Healthcare, care work and trades

Healthcare and care roles often need registration or specific qualifications, so check the job’s requirements before you apply. Trades such as building or electrical work may also need licences or certificates recognised in New Zealand. Your employer should name which ones apply, but check them yourself too.

If the job needs registration with a New Zealand body, ask the employer for that body’s name and look it up yourself. Do not rely only on a copy of a certificate that the employer sends you without a source.

Farming, hospitality, engineering and IT

Farming roles can sit under the AEWV or under seasonal rules, so confirm which route applies before you accept. Hospitality, engineering and IT roles face the same checks: an accredited employer, a full-time role, and the skill level, pay and English rules. Office-based IT work follows the same rules as physical work.

Take a cook as an example, for illustration only. A cook offered at least 30 hours a week by an accredited employer meets the hours rule, but the employer must still meet the rules for that job. A cook offered fewer hours does not meet the AEWV hours rule, however attractive the pay sounds.

How the Green List shapes New Zealand work visa options

Immigration New Zealand publishes the Green List, which relates to residence pathways. This guide did not read the full rules of the Green List, so it names no jobs on it. Check the current list on the official site before you rely on a job title, because lists change.

Being on a list does not replace the AEWV steps. A job can appear on a list that matters for residence and still need the same employer, hours and English checks for the work visa itself.

Finding and checking accredited employers for a New Zealand work visa job

Your job search should lead to a real employer with a real role. Start with genuine vacancies, then check the employer before you share personal documents. Never send your passport or bank details to a stranger before you have checked them.

Keep a simple log of every employer you contact, with the date, the role and what they promised. A log makes it easier to spot a change in pay or hours later, when it matters most.

Where to search for vacancies

Use recognised job boards and employers’ own career pages. Treat unsolicited offers with extra care, especially if they arrive through a messaging app. Immigration New Zealand advises people to use approved routes rather than third-party agents that operate through apps. Its warning on too-good-to-be-true job offers explains why.

Employers’ own career pages, where the role shows a clear location and job title.
Recognised job boards, where you can see the employer’s name and contact details.
Training providers and professional bodies in your field, which may share vacancies.

Searching for a New Zealand work visa job takes time, so plan for months rather than weeks. Apply for roles that match your skills, and write applications in plain English so the employer can read them quickly.

How to confirm an employer is accredited

Immigration New Zealand publishes a list of accredited employers, and you can find it through its overview of work visas. Match the company name, address and registration details exactly against that list. A near-match name is a warning sign.

Ask the employer to confirm in writing that it is accredited for AEWV roles and that your role is covered. An employer who avoids this question should not be trusted with your application. Save the reply, because it helps if something changes later.

What a genuine job offer contains

A genuine offer arrives as a written job offer or employment agreement. It should state the job title, skill level, hours, pay, work location and start date, and it should say who pays which costs. An accredited employer must not pass its accreditation, recruitment or operational costs on to you.

Read the agreement slowly, ideally twice. If a clause surprises you, ask the employer to explain it in writing. Do not sign until the answer matches the offer you accepted.

Steps from job offer to New Zealand work visa decision

The AEWV process follows a clear order. The employer completes its part first, then you complete your own application with your documents. Knowing the order helps you avoid missing a step or paying for something too early.

Order of steps to a New Zealand work visa decision

Receive a genuine job offer from an accredited employer, with hours, pay and skill level in writing.
Sign the employment agreement and check that it matches the offer word for word.
Wait for the employer to send you the link to the online application form.
Complete your application and list every job, qualification and address the form asks for.
Upload your documents and book any medical or police checks that the official page requires.
Wait for the decision, and only then plan your travel.

Delays often come from missing documents or from a job that does not match the rules. Check each document against the official page before you submit. A rejected form takes time to fix, so accuracy matters more than speed.

Documents, medical and police certificates

Keep certificates for every qualification and every job you list, because the form may ask for proof. Store scanned copies in a folder you can open on your phone. Check that each file is clear, complete and matches the name in your passport.

You pay third parties for medical examinations and other evidence, so the cost depends on the provider you choose. Check the official page for which providers are accepted, and ask for a receipt. Never pay anyone who says they can speed up your certificate.

How long a New Zealand work visa application takes

Immigration New Zealand says 80% of AEWV applications are decided within five weeks. That means some applications take longer, so plan for more than five weeks and avoid fixed travel dates. Check the current figures on the official wait times page before you set dates.

Stage	Typical time	Source
AEWV application decision	80% decided within five weeks	Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV page
Current work visa processing	Changes over time; check the wait times page	Immigration New Zealand, work visa wait times page

Your own timing depends on how complete your file is, so the five-week figure is a guide rather than a promise. Set your flight date only after the decision arrives. Give your current employer notice on the same basis.

Mistakes that get a New Zealand work visa application refused

Most refusals and delays come from a small number of avoidable errors. Each one below has a clear fix, so you can check your own file before you submit it. The Immigration New Zealand AEWV page sets out the rules behind each fix.

Starting before the job is confirmed

Many applicants book flights or quit their jobs before the employer has confirmed the role. The fix is to wait for the written offer, the signed agreement and the application link before making any firm plans.

Mismatched hours, pay or job title

If the form says one thing and the employment agreement says another, the application can stall. Check that the hours, pay, job title and skill level match exactly across the offer, the agreement and the form.

Naming family members on the AEWV

Your partner and children cannot be named on the AEWV itself. Listing them as applicants on your form causes confusion. Apply for them separately only where a family visa route fits, and check that route’s rules first.

Paying an agent for a job or a fast decision

Paying for a job, a placement or a fast decision is a serious warning sign. The fix is to stop, keep the messages and receipts, and check the adviser or employer on the official register before sending anything else.

What a New Zealand work visa costs and who pays each fee

The main government fee appears on Immigration New Zealand’s visa page, but other costs can apply too. The table below shows each cost, who pays it and where the figure comes from. It does not add anything up, because your total depends on your country, your medical provider and whether family members apply.

Cost	Who pays	Amount	Source
AEWV application fee, main applicant	You, the worker	NZD 1,540 (starting cost)	Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV page
Partner of a Worker Work Visa, starting cost	Partner, if applying	NZD 1,630	Immigration New Zealand, Partner of a Worker page
Medical examination and other evidence	You, paid to third parties	Not stated here; depends on provider	Immigration New Zealand’s scam and fee warnings
Job fees or recruitment costs charged to you	Not allowed	Not permitted	Immigration New Zealand’s scam and fee warnings
Employer’s accreditation, recruitment or operational costs	Employer; must not be passed to you	Not permitted to pass on	Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV page
Living costs on arrival	You	Depends on city and housing; no figure given here	Your own budget and current quotes

Work visa fees the worker pays

The AEWV application fee is NZD 1,540 on Immigration New Zealand’s visa page. Pay only through Immigration New Zealand’s official channels, and check the current fee before you pay, because fees can change. Immigration New Zealand itself charges only an application fee. Other costs, such as medical examinations, may still apply.

If your partner applies for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, the starting cost is NZD 1,630. Treat that as a starting figure, and read the partner page for any other items before you budget.

Costs the employer pays

Accredited employers must not pass their accreditation, recruitment or operational costs on to the worker. That rule protects you if an employer asks for money to cover its paperwork. If an employer asks you to cover those costs, treat the request as a serious warning.

Rules on recruitment fees charged to workers

New Zealand employers and their agents may not charge a worker for a job, or for any of the employer’s recruitment costs. The ban also covers payments routed through a third party. A request for a processing or placement fee is a warning sign of a scam, and so is a payment to fast-track a visa application.

Budgeting for living costs on arrival

The visa fee does not cover your living costs, so you need your own budget for housing, food, transport and your first weeks in New Zealand. This guide gives no figure, because costs depend on the city, the housing and the number of people in your household. Build your budget from current rent and transport quotes, and keep some money aside for emergencies.

Worked example: a hypothetical applicant’s first steps

This example is for illustration only and is not a real case. It shows the order of decisions, not the outcome of any application.

Suppose an applicant receives a written offer for a full-time role of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer. The job sits at ANZSCO skill level 4, so the applicant must show English ability. The applicant also holds the qualification the job requires, and the partner would like to join later.

The applicant checks the employer on the accredited list and asks for confirmation in writing. Then the applicant reads the AEWV page, gathers documents and waits for the employer’s application link before booking anything. The fee shown on the AEWV page is a starting figure, so the applicant checks the current fee before paying.

For the partner, the applicant reads the family rules rather than assuming. Those rules depend on earnings and job skill level, so the partner’s options are not settled by the job offer alone. This example adds no totals, because the real amounts depend on each person’s situation.

Seasonal work and the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme

Seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture works differently from the AEWV. It follows the growing season, and its rules sit on separate pages. Do not assume that a seasonal farm job follows the same rules as an AEWV job. Check the overview of work visas for the seasonal options before you accept an offer.

Seasonal workers often face different length and family rules, so read those pages before you accept any offer. A short season may suit some people well. It can also leave you with no visa once the work ends.

How seasonal farm work differs from a New Zealand work visa

Immigration New Zealand’s overview of work visas lists seasonal visas alongside the AEWV. Seasonal roles tie to set periods of work, so check the length and conditions before you accept. Family support rules also differ, and the family pages include exclusions for some seasonal workers.

Who is eligible for the RSE scheme and who is not

Eligibility for the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme depends on the employer and the role. This guide did not read those rules in full, so it does not list who qualifies. Ask the employer whether it holds recognition under the scheme, then check the answer on the official site.

If the employer is not recognised, do not assume a standard AEWV route applies. The job must still be an accredited AEWV role, so check that before you travel.

Checking an employer or adviser is genuine before you pay

Scams aimed at overseas job seekers are common enough that Immigration New Zealand publishes warnings about them. Use those warnings as a checklist, and reread them before each step. A genuine employer will not rush you, and a genuine adviser will show you a licence.

Trust your doubts. If something feels wrong, pause and check it, even if the person seems friendly or the offer seems urgent.

Red flags in New Zealand work visa offers

You are asked to pay a processing, placement or job fee.
Someone offers to fast-track your visa for a payment.
The job is offered through a messaging app or a third-party agent you cannot check.
The employer will not confirm its accreditation in writing.
The pay, hours or job title change between the offer and the agreement.

Any one of these is enough to stop and check. Do not send money to secure a place, even if the person seems friendly. The too-good-to-be-true job offer warnings list more common patterns.

How to confirm an adviser is licensed

Immigration New Zealand says that anyone using an adviser should choose a licensed immigration adviser, a certified New Zealand lawyer, or another person legally allowed to give immigration advice. Check the adviser on the official register before you pay or share documents. If the adviser cannot show a licence or certification, do not use them.

Ask the adviser for their registration number, then look it up yourself rather than trusting a printed card or a message. A real adviser will not mind this check.

What to do if you have been scammed

Stop sending money and keep every message, receipt and contract. Contact your bank or payment provider quickly, and report the case to Immigration New Zealand. If your documents may have been misused, speak to a licensed adviser or a certified lawyer as soon as you can.

Family, changing employers and staying on in New Zealand

Family is one of the most common questions, but the rules differ for each family member and each visa. Staying on in New Zealand depends on the route you take after the AEWV. Residence is not automatic.

Partners and children on a work visa

Your partner and dependent children cannot be named on the AEWV itself. An AEWV holder may be able to support a visitor or work visa for a partner, and a visitor or student visa for children. Whether that is possible depends on your earnings and the skill level of your job, as the family rules for AEWV holders set out.

The National Occupation List also matters for family support in some cases. A family visa supported by your work visa expires on the same date as your work visa, so check your own expiry date before you plan. Immigration New Zealand’s general family rules for work visa holders give more detail, including a 2025 window that affects some roles.

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa may suit them. It lets a partner work in New Zealand, can run for up to three years, and may lead to a resident visa, as the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa page explains.

Changing employer and losing a job

Changing employer is a big step, and your visa conditions may change with it. Read the visa page’s section on changing employers before you accept another offer. If your job ends suddenly, speak to a licensed adviser before you decide anything about your stay.

Keep copies of your employment agreement, pay slips and your visa letter. These records help you prove your position if your employer changes or a dispute starts.

How work experience can count towards residence

The AEWV can lead to a resident visa, according to Immigration New Zealand. This guide did not confirm the conditions or the route, so treat residence as a possibility rather than a result. Work experience may matter for some routes, but you need to check which ones fit your job.

Short answers to other questions about working in New Zealand

Most of your questions are covered in the sections above. These short answers point you back to the right place.

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa? It is a work visa for people with a job offer from an accredited employer, with a stay of up to five years depending on the job. See the requirements section.
How long does it take? Most AEWV decisions come within five weeks, but check the current timing. See the steps section.
Do I need a visa if I am not a citizen? In general, yes, but which visa you need depends on your situation. See the first section.

Next steps for your New Zealand work visa application

Read the current rules on the Accredited Employer Work Visa page, including the job and English requirements for your role.
Confirm the employer is on the accredited list through the overview of work visas, and ask it to confirm AEWV eligibility in writing.
Check the fee and processing information on the official pages, and budget for medical and other evidence costs paid to third parties.
Check any adviser on the official register, and read the scam and fee warnings before you send money or documents.
Gather your qualifications, job records and passport copies, and book medical checks only after the employer has confirmed the job in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a New Zealand work visa without a job offer?

For the Accredited Employer Work Visa, no. The AEWV needs a job offer from an accredited employer, and the employer then sends you the link to the online application. Partner visas follow their own rules, so if your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, check the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa page. Be wary of anyone who says they can arrange a work visa without a job.

Which jobs in New Zealand are open to foreigners?

This guide does not list every eligible job, because it did not check the full lists. For the AEWV, the job must meet the rules for its skill level, and applicants at ANZSCO skill levels 3 to 5 must show English ability. The employer must also be accredited for the role. Check the current National Occupation List and Green List on Immigration New Zealand’s site, and confirm the exact job title before you accept an offer.

How long does a New Zealand work visa take?

Immigration New Zealand says 80% of AEWV applications are decided within five weeks. That means some applications take longer, so keep your plans flexible. Check the work visa wait times page for current figures before you book flights or give notice to an employer. Missing or unclear documents can add time, so check every file before you submit.

Can my employer charge me a fee for the job?

No. New Zealand employers and their agents may not charge a worker for a job or for any of the employer’s recruitment costs. This ban also covers payments routed through a third party. Accredited employers must not pass accreditation, recruitment or operational costs on to you. Immigration New Zealand charges only an application fee, but medical and other evidence costs may still go to third parties. Refuse any request for a processing or placement fee.

Can I bring my family on a New Zealand work visa?

Your partner and children cannot be named on the AEWV itself. An AEWV holder may be able to support a visitor or work visa for a partner, and a visitor or student visa for children. Whether that is possible depends on your earnings and the skill level of your job, and the National Occupation List can matter. A family visa supported by your work visa expires on the same date as your work visa, so check the dates carefully.

Can I stay in New Zealand permanently after working there?

Not automatically. Immigration New Zealand lists the AEWV as a visa that can lead to a resident visa, but this guide did not confirm the conditions or the route. If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa can run for up to three years and may lead to a resident visa. Check the residence pages for your own case before you plan around either route.