New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): 2026 Requirements, Fees & Processing Times
Requirements, Fees & Processing Times
The AEWV is New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and processing target — all verified against INZ's 2026 policy.
Visa Fee
NZD $1,540
Per application
Processing
~7 weeks
80% of applications
Max Duration
5 years
Skill levels 1–3
Minimum Hours
30 hrs/week
Genuine job offer required
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following. Your employer must also complete their accreditation and Job Check before you apply.
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Accredited Employer
Your employer must hold current INZ accreditation (Standard or High-Volume) before the Job Check can be submitted.
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Job Check Approved
Your employer must obtain a Job Check approval for your specific role. This proves the role couldn't be filled by a NZ resident.
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Minimum Pay
Skill level 1–3 roles: at or above the median wage (NZD $29.66/hr from 1 April 2026). Skill level 4–5: role-appropriate minimum wage.
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Genuine Job Offer
A genuine, ongoing offer of at least 30 hours per week. Casual or zero-hour contracts do not qualify.
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Character & Health
Meet INZ's character requirements. A police certificate and medical examination may be required depending on your nationality and circumstances.
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Apply From Anywhere
You can apply for the AEWV from inside New Zealand or from offshore. Online application via INZ's online portal (immigration.govt.nz).
ℹ️ The AEWV is employer-sponsored — you cannot apply without a valid Job Check token issued to your employer. If you do not yet have an offer from an accredited employer, talk to us about finding one.
Visa & Accreditation Fees
Worker fees and employer costs. All amounts in NZD.
| Fee | Amount | Who Pays / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AEWV worker visa application | NZD $1,540 | Paid by worker. Per INZ December 2025 fee schedule. |
| Employer accreditation — Standard | NZD $775 | Paid by employer. Valid 12 months; covers up to 5 AEWV workers. |
| Employer accreditation — High-Volume | NZD $1,280 | Paid by employer. Required for employers hiring 6 or more AEWV workers. |
| Job Check | NZD $735 | Paid by employer per role. Must be approved before worker applies. |
Processing Times
Current INZ targets as of 2026. Actual times may vary depending on application volume and complexity.
| Stage | Processing Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employer accreditation | 2–4 weeks | Must be complete before Job Check can be submitted |
| Job Check | 4–6 weeks | Must be approved before worker can submit AEWV application |
| AEWV application | 7 weeks (80% of applications) | Current INZ processing target; some applications take longer |
| Total from accreditation to visa grant | ~2–3 months | Plan for this if your start date is fixed |
⚠️ Processing times are targets, not guarantees. Incomplete applications or requests for additional information will extend processing. Apply well in advance of your intended start date.
English Language Requirements
English requirements depend on the ANZSCO skill level of your role. Requirements were extended to include skill level 3 from 1 June 2026.
| Skill Level (ANZSCO) | Typical Occupations | English Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 1–2 | Managers, professionals (e.g. engineers, accountants, IT specialists) | No English language requirement |
| Skill Level 3 (from 1 June 2026) | Trades workers, technicians (e.g. electricians, plumbers, mechanics) | IELTS 4.0 overall, no band below 3.5 (or equivalent) |
| Skill Level 4–5 | Machine operators, labourers, service workers | IELTS 4.0 overall, no band below 3.5 (or equivalent) |
💡 Accepted English tests include IELTS (Academic or General Training), Cambridge B1 Preliminary, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and OET. Results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
Visa Duration & Conditions
How long you can stay and what you can do depends on the skill level of your role.
| Role Skill Level | Maximum Visa Duration | Work Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 1–3 | Up to 5 years | Tied to the accredited employer named in the Job Check. Can change employer but a new Job Check is required. |
| Skill Level 4–5 | Up to 3 years | Tied to the specific employer and role approved in the Job Check. Employer changes require a new Job Check and visa variation. |
⚠️ Partners and dependent children cannot be included in an AEWV application. They must apply separately — a Partner of a Worker visa for partners, or a Dependent Child visa for children.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
How the AEWV connects to long-term residence in New Zealand.
Step 1
AEWV
Apply for and receive your Accredited Employer Work Visa. Begin work for your INZ-accredited employer in New Zealand.
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Step 2
Build NZ Experience
Work for 12–24 months. Gain the New Zealand work experience required for residence applications under SMC or the Green List.
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Step 3
Apply for Residence
Green List Tier 1: apply directly for residence. Tier 2: after 24 months in role. Or accumulate 160+ SMC points and submit an Expression of Interest.
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Step 4
Permanent Residence
Once residence is granted, live and work in New Zealand permanently. Access most public services, and apply for citizenship after 5 years.
💡 Green List Tier 1 occupations can apply directly for residence with a qualifying job offer — no waiting period. Check the full Green List at immigration.govt.nz before deciding your study or job pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Sources: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) — AEWV policy, Green List, fee schedule. All fees per INZ December 2025 schedule. Processing times per INZ website June 2026. Last updated June 2026.