If you’re planning to work in New Zealand, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is likely your starting point. Since its launch in May 2022, this visa has become the primary route for skilled migrants with a job offer from an accredited employer. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the requirements, costs, and processing times — all drawn from official Immigration New Zealand sources.

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Processing time (80% of applications): 6.5 weeks ·
Visa fee (standard): NZD $1,540 ·
Maximum stay: 5 years based on job offer ·
Accredited employers list: Available on Immigration NZ ·
Employer accreditation effective from: May 23, 2022

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of accredited employers (list is dynamic)
  • Individual processing time beyond the 80% statistic
  • Specific effective date for 2024 fee changes
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Expected updates to Green List occupations
  • Potential median wage threshold adjustments

Six key facts, one pattern: official Immigration NZ data is the consistent anchor for all AEWV decisions.

Label Value
Official source Immigration New Zealand
Processing time (80%) 6.5 weeks
Standard visa fee NZD $1,540
Maximum stay 5 years
Employer accreditation start date May 23, 2022
Accredited employer list Searchable on Immigration NZ website

New Zealand accredited employer work visa requirements

Health and character requirements

  • Applicant must meet acceptable health standards (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Police certificates required if requested (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Chest X‑rays and medical certificates may be needed depending on circumstances (Immigration New Zealand)

For those with past criminal history, understanding New Zealand’s Clean Slate Act can clarify what records need to be disclosed.

Skill and wage thresholds

  • Job must pay at least median wage (NZD $29.66/hour as of 2024) (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Applicants need 2+ years relevant experience or NZQF level 4+ qualification (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Experience evidence: employment certificates, pay slips, tax certificates, reference letters (Immigration New Zealand)

Employer accreditation status

  • Employer must be accredited to hire under AEWV (Envoy Global)
  • Accreditation categories: Standard, Premium (Envoy Global)
  • Initial accreditation valid for 12 months; renewals up to 24 months (Aims Global)
Why this matters

Employers seeking accreditation must have a genuine, operating New Zealand business. The guide to starting a business in NZ covers the foundational steps every aspiring accredited employer needs.

Step‑by‑step: How to get an AEWV

  1. Find an accredited employer – Check the searchable list on Immigration NZ.
  2. Get a full‑time job offer – Minimum 30 hours/week (Immigration New Zealand)
  3. Employer completes job check – Approval needed before you can apply (Aims Global)
  4. Submit online application – Via Immigration NZ website, attach signed job offer, passport, experience proof (Immigration New Zealand)
  5. Wait for decision – 6.5 weeks for 80% of applications (Immigration New Zealand)

The pattern is clear: every step hinges on employer accreditation, which means workers must first ensure their potential employer is on the approved list.

How much is the AEWV visa fee?

Standard AEWV fee

  • Standard fee from NZD $1,540 (Immigration New Zealand)

Recent fee changes 2024

Additional costs

  • Medical and police checks are separate fees (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Translation of documents if not in English
The upshot

The NZD $1,540 base fee is only the starting point. A complete application budget should include medical, police, and translation costs — potentially adding several hundred dollars.

What is the AEWV processing time?

  • 80% of applications processed within 6.5 weeks (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Time varies by application volume and completeness
  • Fastest when all documents are provided upfront

The trade‑off: a complete, well‑prepared application can shave weeks off the waiting period, while missing documents can push you into the slowest 20%.

How to find the accredited employer list?

  • The official list is searchable on Immigration NZ website (Immigration New Zealand)
  • List updates dynamically as employers gain or lose accreditation
  • Check directly – do not rely on third‑party copies

The implication: workers should verify an employer’s status immediately before applying, because a lapsed accreditation can derail the visa.

How long is an AEWV valid for?

  • Up to 5 years based on the job offer (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Duration tied to employment agreement
  • For lower‑skilled roles (ANZSCO 4‑5), reportedly up to 3 years (Aims Global)

The pattern: the promised 5‑year maximum is only available for higher‑skilled positions meeting specific pay thresholds. Most workers in lower‑skilled roles face a 3‑year cap.

Timeline

  • 23 May 2022 – Employer accreditation phase opens (Envoy Global)
  • 20 June 2022 – Job checks open (Envoy Global)
  • 4 July 2022 – AEWV applications open (Envoy Global)
  • 2024 – Visa fee changes announced (Engineering New Zealand)
  • Ongoing – Green List updates and median wage adjustments

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Processing time: 6.5 weeks (80% of apps) (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Standard fee: NZD $1,540 (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Maximum stay: 5 years (higher‑skilled roles) (Immigration New Zealand)
  • Employer must be accredited (Immigration New Zealand)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of active accredited employers
  • Individual processing time beyond the 80% statistic
  • Precise effective date for 2024 fee changes
  • Whether 3‑year cap for lower‑skilled roles is final

What experts say

“The Accredited Employer Work Visa uses a three-stage process: employer accreditation, job check, and the worker’s visa application.”

Immigration New Zealand (New Zealand’s official immigration authority)

“An AEWV applicant must have an offer of full‑time work from an accredited employer.”

Immigration New Zealand (New Zealand’s official immigration authority)

“The 2024 visa fee changes reflect ongoing adjustments to the immigration system.”

Engineering New Zealand (professional engineering body)

The pattern: official and professional sources agree on the structured, employer-led nature of the AEWV process.

Summary

The AEWV is a straightforward but highly structured visa: the employer must lead. For a skilled migrant targeting New Zealand, the choice is clear: align yourself with an accredited employer offering a wage above NZD $29.66/hour and meet the health and character standards, or face a significantly narrower pathway.

Additional sources

nzimmigration.info, nzimmigrationpartners.com, youtube.com, immigration.govt.nz, immigration.govt.nz

Related coverage: INZ Accredited Employer List fördjupar bilden av INZ Accredited Employer List: Check & Find Visa Jobs.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for an AEWV without a job offer?

No. A valid job offer from an accredited employer is mandatory.

What happens if my employer loses accreditation?

Your visa may be affected. You should seek a new accredited employer or consider alternative visa options.

Can I bring my family on an AEWV?

Dependent visas are available for partners and children, subject to income thresholds (e.g., NZD $58,844 gross per annum).

Does an AEWV lead to permanent residence?

Not directly. Some roles on the Green List offer a residence pathway, but the AEWV itself is a temporary visa.

What are the English language requirements for AEWV?

Immigration NZ does not impose a specific English test for the AEWV, but the job offer must demonstrate the ability to perform the role.

How much bank balance is required for a New Zealand work visa?

There is no set minimum, but applicants should show sufficient funds for living expenses during the initial settlement period.

Can I switch employers while on an AEWV?

Yes, but the new employer must be accredited and a new job check approved before you change roles.