New Zealand visas
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The main work visa for New Zealand. You need a job offer from an accredited employer, whose role has an approved job check.
- Needs
- Accredited employer, job check
- Length
- Up to 5 years
- Family
- Cannot be included
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- You have the skills or qualification the job needs
- You want work experience that may support residence later
The basics
What the authorities look for
- A full-time job offer, at least 30 hours a week, from an accredited employer
- An approved job check for the role
- Pay at least at the rate for the job
- Two years of relevant experience with evidence, or a level 4 or higher qualification
- English for jobs at skill levels 3 to 5
- Health and character checks
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. INZ: Accredited Employer Work Visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Employer accreditation.** Check the employer is accredited and not on the stand-down list.
- **Family cannot be added.** Partners and children need their own visas.
- **Evidence of experience.** A CV alone is not enough. You need payslips or similar.
- **Maximum stay.** After the limit you normally must spend 12 months outside New Zealand.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
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Accredited Employer Work Visa questions
How long can I stay?
Up to five years for most jobs, three years for the lowest skill levels.
Can my partner and children come?
Not on your visa. They may be able to apply for visitor, work or student visas, depending on your job and pay.
Does this lead to residence?
It can. Skilled work in New Zealand counts towards the Skilled Migrant Category.
Keep reading
Other New Zealand visa pages
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