AEWV explained: New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa

Planning to work in New Zealand? The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the pathway almost every skilled migrant now goes through — here's how it actually works.

What is the AEWV?

The AEWV is New Zealand's main temporary work visa, in place since July 2022 when it replaced the older Essential Skills Work Visa. To qualify, you need a full-time job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), in a role that has passed a Job Check confirming genuine local labour shortage.

Key requirements

• A genuine job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
• The role must meet current wage requirements — pay must be at least the market rate for the role and region, and at or above minimum wage
• Relevant work experience or a qualifying skill-level credential
• English language requirements apply to lower-skilled (ANZSCO/NOL level 4–5) roles

How AEWV leads to residence

The AEWV is explicitly designed as a stepping stone to permanent residence. Depending on your occupation's skill level, you may qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category, or — for Green List Tier 1 occupations in healthcare, engineering, and technical trades — a direct Straight to Residence pathway without the standard work-first requirement.

Why job search strategy matters

Since the entire visa depends on securing a genuine offer from an accredited employer, targeting the right employers directly through established recruitment channels matters far more than applying broadly on job boards.

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