Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
New Zealand's primary temporary work visa for overseas nationals. The AEWV is built on a 3-stage process: the employer must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand, the job must pass a genuine-need check, and only then can the worker apply. Since 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage threshold stands at NZD $35.00/hour. Visa duration can reach up to 5 years for highly skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 1-3) or 3 years for lower-skilled positions. The AEWV is the gateway to multiple residence pathways including the Green List and the new SMC reforms.
Three-Stage Process
Employer Accreditation
The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand before they can hire overseas workers.
- Standard accreditation: up to 5 migrant workers
- High-volume accreditation: 6+ migrant workers
- Triangular employment accreditation: for labour hire companies placing workers with other businesses
- Must demonstrate: legitimate business, financial sustainability, compliance with NZ employment law, no immigration/employment breaches
- Accreditation is valid for 12 months (first time) or 24 months (renewal)
Job Check
Confirms the role is genuine and no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the position.
- The role must be genuine and at a market-rate salary
- Employer must advertise the role and demonstrate recruitment efforts to hire locally first
- Median wage test applies: position must pay at or above the immigration median wage
- Job check is valid for 6 months once approved
- Exemptions from advertising may apply for roles paying 2x the median wage or above
Work Visa Application
The worker applies for the AEWV with the job offer from the accredited employer after the job check is approved.
- Qualifications: Level 4+ on NZ Qualifications Framework, or equivalent experience
- Skills must match the field/industry of the job offered
- Health and character requirements must be met
- English language requirements for certain roles
- Visa issued for the duration of the job offer, up to the maximum allowed
Median Wage Threshold (from 9 March 2026)
The immigration median wage is the key threshold for the AEWV. Jobs paying at or above the median wage have access to longer visa durations and partner support. Jobs paying below the median wage face restrictions.
At or above $35.00/hour
- Visa duration up to 5 years (ANZSCO 1-3) or 3 years (ANZSCO 4-5)
- Partner can apply for a work visa (skill levels 1-3 at $28.00/hr+)
- Children can access free schooling
- Pathway to residence through Green List or SMC
Below $35.00/hour
- Visa limited to 2 years maximum
- No partner work visa support at ANZSCO levels 4-5
- Must still meet minimum wage ($23.95/hour from April 2026)
- Limited residence pathway options
| Item | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Median wage (immigration) | NZD $35.00/hour |
| 1.5x median (max stay for ANZSCO levels 4-5) | NZD $52.50/hour |
| Partner support (skill levels 1-3) | NZD $28.00/hour |
| Partner support (skill levels 4-5) | NZD $52.50/hour |
| NZ adult minimum wage (from 1 April 2026) | NZD $23.95/hour |
Employer Accreditation Requirements
Legitimate business
The business must be genuinely operating in New Zealand with a valid NZBN (New Zealand Business Number).
Financial sustainability
Demonstrate financial ability to pay employees and sustain business operations.
Employment law compliance
No significant breaches of employment, immigration, or health & safety law in the past 3 years.
Workplace practices
Adequate systems for managing migrant employees, including settlement support.
Record keeping
Maintain proper employment agreements, wage records, and time sheets for all employees.
Visa Duration
Costs
Employer Costs
| Item | Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Standard employer accreditation | $740 |
| High-volume employer accreditation | $1,220 |
| Triangular employer accreditation | $1,220 |
| Job check fee (per role) | $610 |
| Accreditation renewal | $740 |
Worker Costs
| Item | Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|
| AEWV application fee | $750 |
| Immigration levy | $310 |
| Medical examination | $400-600 |
| Police certificate (per country) | $20-50 |
| IELTS test fee (if required) | $385 |
FAQ
What is the AEWV median wage threshold?
Can I change employers on an AEWV?
Can I bring my family on an AEWV?
How long does the AEWV process take?
Does the AEWV lead to permanent residence?
Official Sources
- Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) – Official New Zealand immigration authority