Accredited Employer Work Visa
AEWV
The AEWV lets people work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who has an approved job check for the role and offers at least 30 hours a week at the market rate. Applicants need 2 years of relevant experience or a level 4+ qualification, plus English for skill level 3 to 5 jobs. Total stay is up to 5 years (3 years for skill level 4 or 5 jobs), and it can lead to residence.
Life in New Zealand
Money
3
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Cost of living
89
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10.5–39%
Income tax (national)
GST 15%
39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.
Living
1
Happiness
#11 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Overseas workers with a full-time job offer from an AEWV-accredited New Zealand employer.
Eligibility
Accredited job offer
A current offer of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer with an approved job check, paid at least the market rate. Not allowed for horticulture/viticulture crop work, foreign fishing crew or self-employment.
Minimum skills
2 years or more of relevant work experience (independent evidence such as payslips, tax or employment certificates; a CV is not enough) or a qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higher in the same field (any field for a bachelor's or higher). Foreign qualifications below bachelor's need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment.
Evidence exemptions
- At leastNZD 67.12
- an hour
- UnderNZD 29.66
- an hour are exempt
No extra skills evidence if the job is on the Green List and you meet its requirements, you hold occupational registration, you are paid at least NZD 67.12 an hour (2 times the 2024 median wage), or you already gave evidence in a previous application. Some sector-agreement jobs under NZD 29.66 an hour are exempt.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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