The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's main work visa for skilled migrants. To qualify, you need a job offer from an accredited employer in a role that has passed a Job Check. The AEWV costs NZ$750 to apply, is granted for up to 3 years, and most roles must meet an immigration wage threshold linked to the median wage of NZ$35.00/hour (effective March 9, 2026).
Processing currently takes 25–35 working days once a complete application is lodged.
April 2026 policy update: The immigration median wage increased to NZ$35.00/hour effective March 9, 2026. The minimum wage increased to NZ$23.95/hour from April 1, 2026. INZ is also transitioning from ANZSCO to a new National Occupation List (NOL) — 47 new occupations were added in March 2026. Some Green List and sector agreement roles have different wage thresholds.
At a Glance: Key AEWV Numbers for 2026
| Requirement | Current Figure |
|---|---|
| Application fee | NZ$750 |
| Median wage threshold | NZ$35.00/hour |
| Employer standard accreditation | NZ$740 |
| Employer high-volume accreditation | NZ$1,980 |
| Job Check fee | NZ$610 |
| Maximum visa duration | 3 years (5 years for some occupations) |
| Standard processing time | 25–35 working days |
| Partner work visa eligibility | Yes — open work rights |
| Pathway to residence | Yes — after 2 years (Skilled Migrant) or direct (Green List Tier 1) |
The Three-Stage AEWV Process
The AEWV requires employer involvement before the migrant can apply. The three stages are sequential — you cannot skip ahead.
Stage 1: Employer Accreditation
Before hiring any migrant worker, the employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Types of accreditation:
| Type | Who it's for | Annual migrant limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Most employers | Up to 5 | NZ$740 |
| High-Volume | Larger employers | 6+ | NZ$1,980 |
| Franchisee | Franchise businesses | Varies | NZ$740 |
What INZ checks:
- Genuine, operating NZ business
- No history of worker exploitation
- Good workplace practices and compliance
- Adequate HR systems (high-volume only)
Processing: 10–15 working days. Accreditation lasts 12 months for first-time applicants, 24 months on renewal.
If your employer isn't yet accredited, they can apply while you wait overseas — it doesn't block your offer but does delay the timeline.
Stage 2: Job Check
For each migrant role, the accredited employer must get the specific position approved. The Job Check confirms:
- The role is genuine and pays at or above median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
- The employer genuinely advertised locally and couldn't find a suitable NZ candidate
- Employment terms are legal and meet NZ standards
Advertising requirements: Employers must advertise on appropriate platforms for at least 2 weeks and document why local applicants weren't suitable.
Roles below median wage can only pass Job Check if they're:
- On the Green List (see Green List occupations)
- Covered by a sector agreement (e.g. care and support, dairy)
Job Check fee: NZ$610. A successful Job Check generates a Job Token — a unique code you use in your visa application. Tokens are valid for 6 months.
Stage 3: Migrant Application
With the Job Token in hand, you apply for the AEWV itself at NZ$750.
What you need:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid 6+ months beyond intended stay |
| Job Token | From approved Job Check |
| Employment offer letter | Must match the Job Check |
| Qualifications evidence | Degrees, diplomas, trade certs |
| Work experience evidence | References, payslips, tax records |
| Police certificate(s) | All countries lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years |
| Medical certificate | Standard chest X-ray + physical; ranges NZ$350–600 |
| English language evidence | Required for some roles and nationalities |
AEWV Conditions and Rights
Once granted, your AEWV:
- Ties you to the named employer and occupation — you must notify INZ within 10 days of any significant change
- Allows partner open work rights — your partner can apply for their own open work visa
- Allows dependent children to apply for dependent child visas
- Does not allow you to work for a different employer without a new AEWV
- Entitles you to publicly funded health services during your stay
Changing Employers on an AEWV
If you change jobs, your employer must be accredited, the new role must pass Job Check, and you must apply for a new AEWV. There is no "transfer" process — it is a full new application each time.
Total Cost Summary
| Who pays | Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Standard accreditation | NZ$740 |
| Employer | Job Check | NZ$610 |
| Migrant | AEWV application fee | NZ$750 |
| Migrant | Medical examination | NZ$350–600 |
| Migrant | Police certificate (NZ) | Free–NZ$45 |
| Migrant | Police certificate (overseas) | Varies by country |
| Migrant total | ~NZ$1,200–1,500 | |
| Employer total | ~NZ$1,350 |
See the full NZ immigration fee schedule for all government fees.
Pathway to Residence
The AEWV is explicitly designed as a stepping-stone to residence:
Option 1: Skilled Migrant Category
Migrants in skilled roles (NOL/ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3) can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residency. From August 2026, two new SMC pathways are available:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway — 5 years experience, 2 years in NZ, earning 1.1× median wage
- Trades and Technician Pathway — Level 4+ qualification, 4 years post-qualification experience, 1.5 years in NZ
These replace the old single EOI points pool for many applicants and remove the "double wage check" — you only need to meet the wage threshold at the start of your qualifying period, not again at application.
Option 2: Green List Straight to Residence (Tier 1)
Certain high-demand occupations (doctors, engineers, some nurses) can apply for residence directly without working for 2 years first. This is the fastest residence pathway for AEWV holders.
Option 3: Green List Work to Residence (Tier 2, 24 months)
Other Green List roles require 24 months on the job before a residence application, but once completed, the residence process is streamlined.
Common AEWV Problems — and How to Solve Them
"My employer's accreditation was declined"
Usually happens because: evidence of exploitative practices in the past, business can't demonstrate genuine NZ operations, or inadequate HR systems (for high-volume). An immigration adviser can review the decline reason and advise on how to re-apply.
"The Job Check failed — wages are below median"
If the role pays below NZ$35.00/hr, options are: (1) negotiate a pay increase to meet the threshold, (2) check if the role is on the Green List or covered by a sector agreement, (3) consider whether the role qualifies under a different pathway.
"My Job Token expired before I could apply"
Job Tokens last 6 months from Job Check approval. If yours has expired, the employer needs to submit a new Job Check (another NZ$610). Avoid delays in gathering medical and police certificate documents to prevent this.
"My application has been pending for more than 35 working days"
You can contact INZ and ask for an update. Complex cases (health issues, character concerns, incomplete documents) take longer. See visa processing delays for escalation steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an AEWV before leaving my home country?
Yes. AEWV applications can be lodged onshore or offshore. Most people apply offshore before travelling to NZ.
Does the AEWV allow me to study?
Yes, AEWV holders can study part-time. Full-time study on an AEWV is permitted but limited — check your specific visa conditions.
What happens if I'm made redundant while on an AEWV?
You have 60 days to find a new accredited employer and apply for a new AEWV, or depart NZ. During that 60-day period you retain your visa status.
Can my children attend school on an AEWV?
Yes. Dependent children of AEWV holders are entitled to attend NZ schools.
Is there an age limit for the AEWV?
No specific age limit applies to the AEWV itself, though health and character requirements apply to all applicants.
How is the median wage threshold calculated for part-time roles?
The NZ$35.00/hour rate applies regardless of hours. A part-time role must still pay at or above that hourly rate.
The AEWV process has multiple stages and strict requirements. Find a licensed immigration adviser who specialises in employer accreditation and work visas to avoid costly mistakes.