Accredited Employer Work Visa
New Zealand’s main work visa for skilled migrants. Three stages, one process — we guide both employers and workers through every step from accreditation to arrival.
3
Stages to Complete
3–5 yrs
Visa Duration
95%
Visa Approval Rate
Licensed
Immigration Advisers (LAI)
Three Stages. One Visa.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaced the Essential Skills Work Visa in 2022. It requires three separate steps to be completed in order — employer accreditation, a job check, and then the worker visa application.
Employer Accreditation
The New Zealand employer must apply to INZ to become an accredited employer before any worker can apply. Accreditation proves the employer meets INZ’s standards for hiring migrants. Standard accreditation lasts 12 months; high-volume accreditation lasts 24 months.
Job Check
Once accredited, the employer applies for a job check for the specific role being offered. INZ assesses whether the role meets the median wage threshold and whether the employer has genuinely tried to hire a New Zealand citizen or resident first. A successful job check is required before the worker can apply.
Worker Visa Application
With a successful job check token in hand, the worker applies for their AEWV. The visa is tied to the specific employer and role. The worker must meet INZ’s health, character, and skills requirements. The visa is typically granted for up to 3 years, or up to 5 years for Green List roles.
What Employers Need to Know
Hiring a migrant worker under the AEWV involves responsibilities before, during, and after the worker arrives. We help employers stay compliant at every stage.
Accreditation Types
Standard accreditation is for employers hiring up to 5 migrants per year. High-volume accreditation is for employers hiring 6 or more. Franchise accreditation is available for franchised businesses.
Labour Market Test
For most roles, employers must advertise the position and show that no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents applied before INZ will approve the job check. Roles on the Green List are exempt from this requirement.
Median Wage Threshold
The role must pay at or above the median New Zealand wage (currently NZD $29.66 per hour). Roles below the median are assessed more strictly and may require additional justification.
Employer Obligations
Accredited employers must comply with employment law, pay at least the agreed wage, not recover immigration costs from workers, and assist workers with settling in New Zealand.
Accreditation Renewal
Standard accreditation must be renewed every 12 months. INZ may audit employers at any time to check compliance. Losing accreditation means existing worker visas tied to that employer may be affected.
We Help Both Sides
We advise and assist both the employer through accreditation and job check, and the worker through their visa application — coordinating the full three-stage process so nothing is missed.
What Workers Need to Apply
Once the employer has completed stages 1 and 2, the worker can apply. Here is what you will need for your personal AEWV application.
Job Check Token
A unique token issued by INZ after a successful job check. Your employer provides this to you — without it, you cannot apply for the AEWV.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand plus at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Evidence of Skills or Qualifications
Proof that you have the qualifications, trade certification, or experience required for the role — such as degree certificates, trade licences, or a detailed CV.
Medical Certificate
Required for most AEWV applicants. Must be completed by an INZ-approved physician and submitted with your application.
Police Certificate
A character certificate from your home country and any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Settlement Funds
Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members upon arrival in New Zealand before your first pay.
How We Manage It For You
The AEWV process involves multiple parties, tight timelines, and strict INZ requirements. We coordinate the whole thing — employer and worker — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Initial Assessment
We assess both the employer and the worker — confirming accreditation eligibility, whether the role qualifies for a job check, and whether the worker meets visa requirements. We flag any issues before any money is spent.
Employer Accreditation Application
We prepare and lodge the employer accreditation application, including all compliance evidence, business documentation, and employment policy requirements.
Job Check Application
Once accredited, we prepare the job check application — including the labour market advertising evidence, wage confirmation, and job description — and lodge it with INZ.
Worker Visa Application
With the job check token in hand, we prepare and lodge the worker’s AEWV application — including medical certificate, police certificate, skills evidence, and all supporting documents.
Visa Granted & Arrival Planning
Once the visa is approved, we brief both the employer and the worker on visa conditions, arrival requirements, and — where applicable — the residence pathway available after the required work period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full AEWV process take?
From start to finish, the three stages typically take 8 to 16 weeks — depending on INZ processing times, how quickly the employer can gather accreditation documents, and the worker’s country of citizenship. We give you a realistic timeline at the assessment stage and track progress throughout.
Can a worker apply before the employer is accredited?
No. Employer accreditation and job check must both be approved before a worker can submit their visa application. The process must follow the three stages in order. Starting the employer process as early as possible is critical to avoid delays.
Can the worker change jobs once in New Zealand?
The AEWV is tied to a specific employer and role. If the worker wants to change employers or roles, the new employer must be accredited, a new job check must be approved, and the worker must apply for a new or varied visa. We manage these changes when they arise.
Does the AEWV lead to residence?
Yes — for many workers. If your role is on the Green List, you may be eligible to apply for residence after 2 years of working in New Zealand. Workers in other roles may be eligible via the Skilled Migrant Category after building up points through employment and tenure. We advise on your specific pathway from day one.
Can the worker bring their family?
Yes. The worker’s partner may be eligible for an open work visa, and dependent children may be able to study at a New Zealand state school. We manage family applications alongside the main AEWV application.
What if the employer loses accreditation?
If an employer’s accreditation lapses or is revoked, workers on AEWV visas tied to that employer may need to find a new accredited employer and apply for a new visa. Workers have a grace period to find alternative employment. We advise workers immediately if their employer’s accreditation status changes.
Employer or Worker? We Help Both.
The AEWV process is complex — but it does not have to be stressful. Our licensed advisers manage every stage for employers and workers, from accreditation through to arrival and beyond.
