Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Guide
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa scheme. Designed to ensure local workers are prioritized while helping NZ businesses fill genuine skill shortages, it connects accredited employers with qualified global talent.
The Full New Zealand AEWV Application Process
The AEWV process uses a strict sequential model: Employer Accreditation first, Advertising & Labour Market Testing second, Job Check approval third, and Migrant Visa Application fourth.
Stage 1: Employer Accreditation
Every employer wishing to hire a migrant worker on an AEWV must first apply for and hold active Accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Accreditation Categories
Employers select standard accreditation (up to 5 workers), high-volume accreditation (6 or more workers), franchisee accreditation, or controlling third-party (triangular) accreditation.
Employment Standards Compliance
Employers must prove compliance with NZ Labour Standards, hold clean records with the Labour Inspectorate, and ensure business viability and tax registration.
Settlement Support Obligations
Accredited employers commit to completing INZ employer modules and providing migrant employees with local settlement information (IRD tax numbers, housing, transport, healthcare).
Compulsory Cost Cover
Employers are legally prohibited from passing accreditation, job check, or recruitment costs onto migrant workers.
Stage 2: Advertising & Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Unless the role qualifies for an explicit exemption, the employer must test the local labour market by advertising the role to New Zealand citizens and residents.
Approved Job Platforms
Vacancies must be advertised on suitable national channels (e.g., Seek, TradeMe) for a minimum of 14 consecutive days.
Transparent Job Detail Requirements
Adverts must state the job title, key duties, location, pay range, and minimum required qualifications or experience.
Green List LMT Exemptions
Roles listed on INZ Green List Tier 1 or Tier 2 or meeting high-salary exemption thresholds may proceed directly without local advertising.
Engagement Record Keeping
Employers must document all New Zealand applicants and provide justification for why any local candidates were unsuitable or unavailable.
Stage 3: Job Check Application & Approval
Once advertising is complete, the accredited employer submits a Job Check to INZ to gain authorization to recruit an overseas worker for that position.
Employment Agreement Audit
INZ inspects the proposed employment agreement to ensure minimum guaranteed hours (at least 30 hours per week), compliant leave entitlements, and valid pay rate thresholds.
ANZSCO Code Alignment
The job duties and skill level must match ANZSCO classification guidelines and meet skill level requirements.
Unique Job Token Issuance
When the Job Check is approved, INZ generates a unique Job Token. This token link allows one selected migrant worker to lodge their visa application for that specific role.
Stage 4: Job Token Invitation & Candidate AEWV Application
The employer sends the approved Job Token link to the chosen candidate, who completes their personal work visa application online.
Qualification & Work Experience Proof
The candidate must provide evidence that they possess the precise skills, qualifications, or years of work experience specified in the approved Job Check.
English Language Requirements
For ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles, candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS 4.0+, PTE Academic 29+, or equivalent).
Health & Character Verification
Applicants submit medical certificates (General Medical & Chest X-Ray) and police clearance certificates from their country of citizenship and countries resided in for 5+ years.
Visa Duration & Green List Pathways
AEWV visas are granted for up to 5 years (depending on skill tier) and provide direct pathways to NZ Residence via Green List Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence).
Green List Tier 1 & Tier 2 Residence Pathways
Candidates in Green List Tier 1 occupations (such as Registered Nurses and Civil Engineers) can apply for NZ Residence immediately upon arrival or job offer. Tier 2 occupations (such as Electricians and Heavy Diesel Mechanics) can apply for Residence after 24 months of working for an Accredited Employer.