AEWV
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a work visa that can be renewed for a maximum of 5 years if you receive a job offer from an accredited employer and work at least 30 hours per week.
Visa Features
-
Can study at various levels for up to 3 months within a 12-month visa period, and part-time work is also allowed during study
-
Depending on occupation, can apply for various visas including Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa and Care Workforce
-
Can apply for points if you have at least 6 years of work experience in New Zealand
Application Requirements
-
Job offer at New Zealand Median Wage of NZD$33.56 per hour or above + employment of at least 30 hours per week
-
Occupations subject to Sector Agreement qualify at Median Wage (based on NZ$33.56 - August 2025) or above employment terms
Immigration Methods Through AEWV
Immigration methods through AEWV vary depending on the occupation.
- Sector Agreement – For certain occupations (e.g., Care Workforce – Aged or disabled carer, Nursing support worker), you can apply for permanent residency through the 2-year work to residence pathway after completing 2 years of relevant work
- Skilled migration method by adding points for work experience gained in New Zealand through AEWV
Under the revised skilled migration law, we recommend consulting with a licensed immigration adviser about an immigration strategy suited to your individual situation and circumstances.
New Pathways
Effective from August 2026
New pathways and updated eligibility requirements will come into effect from August 2026. For more detailed information, please refer to the following:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-announced/
Trades and technician pathway
To apply under this pathway, you must:
- work in 1 of the specified trades or technician roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), and
- have a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification (of at least 120 points), and
- have at least 4 years of post-qualification directly relevant skilled work experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.
A table listing the specific trades and technicians qualifications will be published on our website in the coming months.
Skilled work experience pathway
To apply under this pathway, you must:
- work in a skilled role (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3), and
- have at least 5 years of directly relevant skilled work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand paid at or above 1.1 times the median wage.
Red list
Red list occupations will be excluded from the new skilled work experience and trades and technicians pathways. Migrants applying for these roles may still be eligible under other SMC pathways, for example Bachelor’s or above qualification or 1.5 times the median wage.
Amber list
Occupations on the amber list will have additional eligibility criteria to access the skilled work experience pathway, these occupations will not be eligible for the trades and technician pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a job title and job description that match my field of study?
One of the most important factors in a residence application assessment is whether you genuinely possess the skills required for the job offer. Residence applications are assessed based on skilled employment, and skills are demonstrated through qualifications and/or work experience.
In general, having a job title and job description that align with your academic background or work experience increases the likelihood of passing the skill assessment.
For example, in the case of a Chef position, you must have a relevant diploma qualification or at least related work experience to meet the skill requirements. Without relevant qualifications or experience, the job offer itself may not be recognised as skilled employment.
For an Open Work Visa, does the employer still need to complete a Job Check?
No. A Job Check is a mandatory requirement for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application.
However, a Job Check is not required for an Open Work Visa.
If I work 30 hours per week at an hourly rate of $34, is that acceptable?
Full-time employment is defined as at least 30 hours per week, but the required hourly wage depends on the occupation’s skill level (as of February 2026).
-
Skill Levels 1–3: At or above the Median Wage → $33.56 per hour
-
Skill Levels 4–5: At least 1.5 times the Median Wage → $50.34 per hour
Therefore, even if you meet the 30-hour full-time requirement, you must also meet the applicable wage threshold based on your occupation’s skill level.
If the Median Wage increases, do I need to meet the new rate even if I previously met the old requirement?
Yes. At the time you apply for residence, you must meet the Median Wage requirement in effect at the time of application as set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Even if you previously met the threshold, the current rate at the time of application will apply.
In addition, skilled work experience points are also assessed based on the applicable wage thresholds for each period:
-
Skill Levels 1–3: At or above the Median Wage
-
Skill Levels 4–5: At least 1.5 times the Median Wage
What is a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser?
The immigration adviser system, implemented from 4 May 2009, aims to protect migrants through accurate legal advice from advisers verified by the Immigration Advisors Authority under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and to facilitate fast and efficient immigration processing through cooperation between immigration advisers and Immigration New Zealand. Therefore, when seeking immigration advice or applying for visas in New Zealand, it’s important to first verify that your adviser is a New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser.
Licensed immigration advisers can be searched on the Immigration Advisors Authority website.
Verify New Zealand Government Licensed Immigration Adviser →
We hope you will safely pursue your study-to-immigration or immigration consultation with Education New Zealand-certified consultants who hold New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser qualifications, and achieve your dreams in New Zealand together.
