What is the salary requirement for the AEWV?

Most AEWV roles must pay at or above the median wage for the occupation. The exact threshold changes periodically — we confirm the current figure for your specific job at your free assessment.

Can the AEWV lead to New Zealand permanent residence?

Yes. Skilled employment on an AEWV counts toward the skilled work-experience points in the Skilled Migrant Category, and many AEWV holders progress to residence while working for an accredited employer.

Can my partner and children come with me?

Yes. Your partner may be eligible for an open work visa if your role pays at least the median wage, and dependent children can apply for student or visitor visas. We guide you on the exact conditions.

How long is the AEWV granted for?

Up to five years for roles assessed at ANZSCO skill level 1-3, and up to three years for level 4-5 roles. Your specific duration depends on the role and your passport's validity.

How long does the AEWV take to process?

Most well-prepared AEWV applications are decided in eight to twelve weeks. A complete, verifiable file is the fastest way to keep it inside that window.

NZNew Zealand · Work Visa

New Zealand Work Visa (AEWV)

End-to-end guidance for the Accredited Employer Work Visa — from job-offer verification to visa lodgement.

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Processing time

8-12 weeks

Overview

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's main employer-driven route to work legally in the country. It replaced the older Essential Skills Work Visa and is built around three linked checks: the employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand, the role must meet the relevant median-wage threshold, and you must genuinely fill it. The visa can be granted for up to five years (roles at ANZSCO skill level 4-5 are typically capped at three), and a partner of an AEWV holder earning at or above the median wage may be eligible for an open work visa. Skilled employment gained on the AEWV also counts toward the work-experience points used in the Skilled Migrant Category residence pathway. Our New Zealand work visa consultants verify the employer's accreditation status and the advertised role before anything is lodged — the same checks Immigration New Zealand runs — so your application is approved-first-time rather than sent back for questions.

Key benefits

Live and work in New Zealand with a lawful, employer-accredited work visa

Granted for up to five years, depending on the role's skill level

Skilled AEWV employment counts toward Skilled Migrant Category residence points

Partners of median-wage earners may qualify for an open work visa

Your employer's accreditation is verified by our team before you apply

Fee breakdown

Indicative — confirmed after your free assessment.

Government / embassy feeNZD — confirmed at assessment*

GAC Advisors service feePKR — quoted after review*

Estimated totalProvided after your free assessment

Core requirements at a glance

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Accredited Employer

A genuine offer from an employer currently accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

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Median-Wage Role

Pay at or above the current median-wage threshold for the occupation.

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Genuine Fill Role

Skills, experience and a contract that prove you genuinely fill the position.

Visa Validity & Stay

Accredited Employer Work Visas are granted for up to five years (up to three for ANZSCO level 4-5 roles) and are employer-specific — you must keep working for the accredited employer on your visa and meet any visa conditions such as continuing to meet the wage threshold.

Eligibility criteria

✓A valid job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand

✓The role must be genuinely filled by you, with the skills and experience required

✓Pay at or above the relevant median-wage threshold for the occupation

✓Health, character, and identity requirements (medical and police checks where needed)

✓Genuine intention to take up the employment on the stated terms

Required documents

▸Job offer letter and signed employment agreement

▸Evidence of the employer's accreditation (accreditation number or letter)

▸Proof the role meets the median-wage threshold

▸Qualification certificates and skills evidence for the role

▸Work-experience reference letters

▸Valid passport, medical certificate and police clearance where required

▸English language evidence where the role requires it

Mandatory Documents

Job offer and signed employment agreement
Employer accreditation evidence
Wage and role evidence for the median-wage check
Skills and qualification certificates
Valid passport and identity evidence

Supporting Documents

Work-experience reference letters
English language evidence (as required)
Medical certificate and police clearance
Previous employment and qualification audits

Step-by-step application process

Job-offer & employer verification

We confirm the employer's accreditation status, the advertised role and the wage rate against Immigration New Zealand's requirements before you commit.

Free eligibility assessment

We review your skills, experience and the offer terms, and confirm honestly whether the AEWV fits you — including the residence value of the role.

Document collection & audit

A tailored checklist; we audit your contract, wage, qualifications and work references against the exact AEWV criteria.

Application lodgement & follow-up

We complete and file your AEWV application and handle any follow-up questions from Immigration New Zealand without delay.

Decision & settlement briefing

On approval, we brief you on travel, arrival, partner and family visas, and how your time on the AEWV counts toward residence.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕A job offer from an employer who is not yet accredited or has expired accreditation

✕A role advertised or paid below the relevant median-wage threshold

✕Inconsistent job descriptions between the offer letter and the advertised role

✕Missing or unverifiable work-experience references

✕Revealing an intention to work beyond the role or visa conditions

How we prevent refusals

✓Accreditation and wage-rate verification before any fee is committed

✓Employment agreement review against the AEWV's current conditions

✓Work-reference letters rebuilt to satisfy Immigration New Zealand's expectations

✓A refreshed application with the file corrected before resubmission

Important Tips for Applicants

✦Confirm the employer's accreditation and the advertised role are current before applying.
✦Ask for the employment agreement in writing — Immigration New Zealand compares it with the offer letter.
✦Do not change employers on an AEWV without going through the proper job-change process.
✦Keep wage evidence up to date, since it is checked again if you renew or extend.