Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
New Zealand's primary temporary work visa for overseas nationals. A 3-stage process ensures employers are accredited, the job is genuine, and the worker meets requirements. Median wage threshold increased to NZD $35.00/hour from 9 March 2026.
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
- Must demonstrate: legitimate business, financial sustainability, compliance with NZ employment law, no immigration/employment breaches
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
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
Wage Thresholds (from 9 March 2026)
| Category | 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 |
Visa Duration
Key Requirements
Employer Accreditation
Your employer must hold current accreditation with Immigration New Zealand.
Approved Job Check
The role must pass a job check confirming it is genuine and no suitable NZ workers are available.
Minimum Wage
The role must pay at or above the immigration median wage of NZD $35.00/hour (from 9 March 2026).
Qualifications
Level 4+ on the NZ Qualifications Framework, or equivalent work experience in the relevant field.
Skills Match
Your skills and experience must match the field or industry of the job offered.
Health & Character
You must meet health requirements (medical exam) and character requirements (police certificates).
Pathway to Residence
The AEWV itself does not directly lead to residence, but AEWV holders can transition to residence through:
- Green List: If your occupation is on the Green List, you may apply for residence (Tier 1: immediately; Tier 2: after 24 months)
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Points-based residence visa (major reforms coming August 2026)
- 2026 Work Experience Pathway: 5+ years experience, 2+ years in NZ at 1.1x median wage
- 2026 Trades & Technician Pathway: Level 4+ qualification, 4+ years experience, 18+ months in NZ at median wage