How does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process work in 2026?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaced multiple temporary work visa categories in July 2022 and is now the main pathway for temporary work in New Zealand. Here's how the complete process works in 2026:

Three-Stage Process:

The AEWV involves three parties and three stages:

1. Employer Accreditation (employer applies)
2. Job Check (employer applies)
3. Work Visa (worker applies)

All three must be approved for you to work in New Zealand.

Stage 1: Employer Accreditation

Your employer must become accredited before they can hire you.

Accreditation Types:

• Standard: For businesses hiring up to 5 migrants (NZD $775)
• High Volume: For businesses hiring 6+ migrants (NZD $1,280)

Requirements for Employer:

• Genuine business operations in NZ
• Good track record with immigration and employment law
• Settlement support plan for migrant workers
• Meet workplace standards

Processing Time: Typically 10-15 working days

Validity: 12 or 24 months depending on business history

You Don't Pay This: Your employer covers accreditation costs.

Stage 2: Job Check

Your employer must get the specific job approved.

Cost: NZD $735 per job check

What They Must Prove:

1. Job is genuine: Detailed job description, genuine business need
2. Pay meets requirements: Must pay appropriate market rate for the role
3. Terms and conditions: Meet NZ employment standards
4. Tried to hire Kiwis first: Advertised job to NZ market (some exemptions)

ANZSCO Skill Levels:

Jobs are classified by ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations):

• Skill Level 1: Bachelor degree or higher (e.g., engineers, accountants, IT professionals)
• Skill Level 2: NZ registration or associate degree (e.g., technicians, nurses)
• Skill Level 3: Certificate IV or III (e.g., chefs, electricians)
• Skill Level 4-5: Certificate II or on-the-job training (e.g., retail, hospitality)

Visa Duration Based on Skill Level:

• Levels 1-3: Up to 5 years
• Levels 4-5: Up to 3 years

Processing Time: Typically 10-15 working days

Validity: 12 months - employer can use for multiple candidates

You Don't Pay This Either: Employer covers job check costs.

Stage 3: Work Visa Application (You Apply)

Once employer has both accreditation and job check approval, they send you a unique application link.

Your Application Requirements:

1. Job Offer Token: Unique link from employer

2. Identity Documents:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport photos
• Birth certificate

3. Health:

• Medical examination (if staying 12+ months)
• Chest X-ray (if staying 6+ months)
• Certificates must be completed by INZ-approved panel physician

4. Character:

• Police certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 17
• Takes 4-8 weeks to obtain, so start early

5. English Language (if required):

Needed for skill levels 4-5 unless exempt:

• IELTS minimum 4.0 overall
• TOEFL iBT minimum 32 overall
• PTE Academic minimum 30 overall
• Cambridge English minimum 154 overall
• OET minimum C- in each skill

Exemptions: Native English speakers, studied in English, from English-speaking countries

6. Qualifications (if required):

• Relevant to the role
• May need NZQA assessment to verify equivalency

Application Process:

1. Receive job offer token from employer
2. Create online account at Immigration NZ
3. Complete online application form
4. Upload all documents
5. Pay visa fee: NZD $220-825 (fees doubled October 1, 2024)

• Standard work visa: NZD $435
• Varies by visa type and application method

1. Submit biometrics if requested
2. Wait for decision

Processing Time:

• 30-40 days is current average (as of 2026)
• This is significantly faster than historical processing times
• New Zealand issued record 1 million visas in 2025 with improved processing

After Approval:

Visa Validity:

• Matches employment agreement length, up to:
• 5 years for skill levels 1-3
• 3 years for skill levels 4-5

Visa Conditions:

• Must work for approved employer in approved role
• Can change employers if new employer gets accreditation and job check
• Cannot work for other employers without new visa

Bringing Family:

Partner: Can apply for work visa

Children: Can attend school (may have fees depending on your visa conditions)

Fee: Additional visa fees for family members

Path to Residence:

After gaining NZ work experience, you can apply for:

• Skilled Migrant Category (6 points system)
• Green List pathways (if in eligible occupation)
• August 2026: New pathways with only 2 years NZ work experience required (down from 3)

Important Changes in 2026:

1. Fee Increases (October 2024):

Visa fees approximately doubled:

• Was NZD $220-400, now NZD $220-825
• More expensive but still competitive internationally

2. Median Wage Removal (2024):

Previous system required paying at least median wage ($31.61/hour in 2026). Now must pay "appropriate market rate" - more flexible.

3. Record Processing Speed:

1 million visas issued in 2025, faster processing times, improved efficiency

4. Seasonal Options (December 2025):

New Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa for seasonal work

Common Questions:

Q: Can I apply without a job offer?

A: No, AEWV requires employer sponsorship first.

Q: Can my employer charge me fees?

A: No. Illegal for employers to charge you for recruitment or their costs (accreditation, job check). Report if this happens.

Q: What if I lose my job?

A: You have a grace period to find new employer, but they must go through accreditation and job check process.

Q: Can I work for myself?

A: No, AEWV is for employed work. Business owners need different visa (Business Investor Work Visa).

Tips for Success:

1. Start police certificates early - they take 4-8 weeks
2. Health checks - book with INZ-approved panel physician, not regular doctor
3. Ensure employer is accredited before giving notice at current job
4. Keep copies of all documents
5. Check median wage rates in your field (despite removal of requirement, it's still good indicator)
6. Budget for full cost: Visa fees + medical + police certificates = NZD $1,000-1,500 typically

Real-World Timeline Example:

• Month 1: Job offer, employer starts accreditation (if not already accredited)
• Month 1-2: Employer obtains job check approval
• Month 2-3: You gather documents (police certificates take time!)
• Month 3: Submit application
• Month 4-5: Processing (30-40 days average)
• Total: 4-5 months from job offer to arrival

If employer already accredited and has job check: 2-3 months total

The AEWV system, while more complex than simple work permits in some countries, provides a structured pathway with clear requirements. The 2026 improvements in processing times and the upcoming August 2026 residence pathway changes make New Zealand increasingly attractive for skilled workers.