Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a New Zealand work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$750 migrant fee (employer also pays accreditation and job check fees)) and processing time (~4-8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is for
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Higher-skilled AEWV roles can lead to the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List residence.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) - eligibility criteria
- Hold a full-time job offer from an accredited employer
- Employer has passed the job check (advertising and market-rate pay)
- Meet the skill, qualification or experience needs of the role
- Be paid at or above the required wage threshold
- Meet health, character and English requirements
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) (New Zealand) is ~NZ$750 migrant fee (employer also pays accreditation and job check fees), with an indicative processing time of ~4-8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside or inside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years |
| Work rights | Work for the named accredited employer in the approved role |
| Study rights | Study limited to up to 3 months in any 12 months |
| Government fee | ~NZ$750 migrant fee (employer also pays accreditation and job check fees) |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks |
| Route to PR | Higher-skilled AEWV roles can lead to the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Higher-skilled AEWV roles can lead to the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List residence.
Many applicants also compare SMC · Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Green List WTR · Green List Work to Residence Visa, Specific Purpose · Specific Purpose Work Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pitfalls we fix
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) government fee is ~NZ$750 migrant fee (employer also pays accreditation and job check fees). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lead to permanent residence?
Higher-skilled AEWV roles can lead to the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List residence.
Can I work on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
Work rights: Work for the named accredited employer in the approved role.
Who can apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority