The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa designed to ensure New Zealanders are first in line for jobs and where genuine skill or labour shortages exist, accredited employers can hire skilled migrants. This was introduced on July 4 2022.

Who can apply?

To apply for this visa, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer and have the skills and qualifications required for the job. You must also be of good character and in good health.

How do I find an Employer?

There are multiple avenues such as TradeMe, Seek or recruitment agencies. Please ensure if you are using a recruiter that they are genuine and avoid being scammed. We are a no placement fee country. Meaning, it is against Immigration Policy for you to pay for a job offer.

How do I confirm if the Employer is an Accredited Employer?

You can find an accredited employer in New Zealand by using the searchable tool provided by Immigration New Zealand. This tool allows you to check if an employer is currently accredited or not.

If you’re applying for a visa that requires you to work for an Accredited Employer or if you already hold a visa that requires you to work for an Accredited Employer and are looking to change jobs, this may be of usefulness to you.

Job Offer Requirements

First there must be no New Zealanders available to do the work you have been offered. The job offer must be a full-time position for example at least 30 hours per week and paying at or above the current median wage of $29.66 (This is going to increase to $31.61 in February 2024).

However, some industries have an agreement, that allows them to pay below the median wage when hiring a worker on an AEWV, this is known as a ‘Sector Agreement’.

Length of stay and Cost

Your visa will be valid for up to 3 years if you are paid at or above the median of $29.66, or 2 years if you are issued a visa in line with a sector agreement role and are paid below the median wage.

The current Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa application fee is NZD $750.00.

Processing time

Immigration New Zealand aims to process straightforward Accredited Employer Work Visa applications in 20 working days, on average applications are processed within 14 working days and 90% of applications are processed within 51 working days.

Every application is different however, and these are only estimate timeframes.

Family Support

If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa or relevant Work Visa, you can sponsor your partner to come to New Zealand. Unless you earn below the median wage and your visa was granted under the sector agreement and you are on a 2-year work visa.

The Partnership Visa will have conditions unless you are on the green list or you earn double the median wage.

You may also be eligible to support a Visitor or Student Visa for your dependent children if you earn at least NZD $43,322.76.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a great opportunity for skilled migrants looking to work in New Zealand. It provides a pathway to living and working in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

We offer comprehensive services to help with your Work Visa application and even your potential employers accreditation and job check applications.

If you already have a job offer from an Accredited Employer and would like us to assist you with your work visa application, then please email us: law@qcl.co.nz

Disclaimer:
We have taken care to ensure that the information given is accurate, however it is intended for general guidance only and it should not be relied upon in individual cases. Professional advice should always be sought before any decision or action is taken.