What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary visa allowing overseas workers to work in New Zealand for employers approved by Immigration New Zealand. Jobs must meet specific criteria regarding pay and position type, and employers must complete a mandatory Job Check before the visa can be issued.

How to check if an employer is accredited in NZ?

To verify a New Zealand employer's accreditation status, you can check the official list of accredited employers on the Immigration New Zealand website.

How much is the pay rate for the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

To qualify for this visa, the position must be paid at the market rate for that role.

Can I apply for residency on an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Yes, holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa can lead to residency in New Zealand in many cases. Some roles appear on the Green List or meet the Work to Residence Pathway criteria, allowing eligible applicants to apply for residence after two years of working in New Zealand. Your specific pathway to residence will depend on your role, salary, and the current visa policy settings when you apply.

I am an employer, and would like to hire workers from offshore. What do I need to do?

To sponsor a migrant worker, employers must complete two essential steps: submitting an accreditation application and a job check application.

First, employers must become accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The specific type of accreditation needed depends on how many offshore employees the employer plans to hire.

After obtaining accreditation, employers must complete a job check. Once the job check application is approved, one or more job tokens become available. The employer must share these tokens with prospective employees, who will use them to apply for their work visas.

What is a Job Check?

Employers may need to advertise positions in the New Zealand labor market for at least two weeks, depending on the role. These advertisements must include specific job details such as pay rate, hours, and location. New Zealand residents and citizens should receive priority consideration. If no suitable local candidates are found after the advertising period ends, employers can submit a Job Check application.

Do I need to apply for a new visa if I change employers?

You can apply for a Job Change instead of applying for a new work visa. However, this depends on several factors, including your new pay rate, job role, and qualifications. We recommend consulting with an expert to determine whether a new work visa or a Job Change is more appropriate for your new employment.

Can my family come with me to NewZealand?

If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you may be able to sponsor your partner and dependent children for associated visas. However, eligibility is subject to your income and skill level.