How to Apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand

Dream of working in New Zealand? Well, it can become a reality. With its strong economy and high quality of life, New Zealand has become a top destination for skilled professionals. 

With the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you can connect with trusted employers who are looking for skilled people like you. Whether you’re in healthcare, IT, engineering, or skilled trades, this New Zealand work visa for Indians could be the pathway to an exciting career. Many people also use it as a stepping stone toward permanent residency.  

So, what is an accredited employer visa? Or how do you apply for this visa? Well, we’ll answer all of these questions in this blog in detail. Let’s dive right into it!!  

What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for an employer who has been approved by Immigration New Zealand. The duration of the stay in the country is typically up to 5 years, but it can change depending on the specific job and other factors. This visa is a pathway for employers to address skill shortages and for skilled workers to find employment in New Zealand. 

All employers wishing to employ migrant workers on an AEWV visa must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. This means your potential employer has already gone through a process to prove they’re a legitimate business that follows the rules.  

What are the Requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

For an AEWV visa in New Zealand, both the employer and the applicant must meet certain requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. It’s very important to follow these rules properly, because missing anything can cause delays or even lead to the visa being declined. So, let’s break these requirements down in detail: 

Requirements for Employers

For employers, it is important that they apply for employer accreditation, advertise the job, and apply for the job check before asking any immigrant to apply for an AEWV. According to the official website of Immigration New Zealand, employers must apply for:  

1. Employer Accreditation 

Employers must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand before they hire any immigrant. This means they need to:  

• Apply for and receive employer accreditation status  
• Prove they’re a legitimate business  
• Show they follow New Zealand employment laws  
• Demonstrate they have a genuine need for skilled workers  

If you want to know whether you are eligible to apply for AEWV employer accreditation or need more information, you can visit this website.   

2. Job Check Approval  

After getting accredited, the employer must get a job check approved for the role that they include in the application. The job check application can include multiple positions for the same job, pay, location, and minimum requirements. For the approval, they need to:  

• Prove that they really need to hire someone for this job.  
• Show they’ve tried to hire New Zealand workers first (in most cases).  
• Confirm that the job meets minimum wage and working condition requirements.  

3. Employer Compliance  

Other than the above requirements, the employer also needs to maintain a good standing with Immigration New Zealand and:  

• Follow all employment laws  
• Meet their obligations to previous migrant workers  
• Provide accurate information in their applications  

Requirements for Applicants

To be able to apply for the accredited employer work visa in New Zealand, there are certain requirements that you need to meet as an applicant. These will tell you if you meet the accredited employer work visa eligibility criteria or not as an Indian applicant.   

1. Job Offer 

The most important thing you need is a job offer from an employer who is already accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Your employer must complete two steps before you can apply:  

• First, they need to get employer accreditation  
• Then, they need to get a job check approved for your specific role  

If you want to find out whether your job is currently needed in New Zealand, you can check the Green List. It provides a list of occupations that are in demand and may qualify for faster visa processing.   

2. Qualifications and Experience  

After finding a job that you like, you’ll need to show that you have the right skills for that job. This means:  

• Having the qualifications that match what the job requires.  
• Having relevant work experience   
• Being able to do the job you’re being hired for  

There is good news for the applicants that from 10 March 2025, the work experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years, following recent changes made by the New Zealand government.     

3. Health and Good Character  

Like most countries, New Zealand wants to make sure people coming to work are healthy and have good character. This means:   

• Getting a medical check from an approved doctor  
• Providing police certificates to show you don’t have a criminal record  
• Being honest in your application  

4. English Language  

While filling out the application, you’ll be asked to show your English ability, but this is only required if your job falls under skill level 4 or 5. Based on the country’s rule, you can demonstrate English proficiency either by:  

• Using your background, for example, citizenship of Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, along with at least 5 years of work or study in one of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand. You can also qualify if you hold a relevant degree and have studied for 1 to 2 years in those countries. 
• Or by taking an approved English test in person within the last 2 years. Minimum scores are: IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 31, PTE 29, Cambridge B2 score of 142, or OET grade D in all skills. 

There is no English requirement for jobs at skill levels 1 to 3. Immigration New Zealand may still ask for a test result even if you provide background evidence.   

Step-By-Step Process for Applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand

Now that you’re aware of all accredited employer visa requirements and the things to keep in mind while applying, let’s look at the step-by-step application process. This process involves several steps, and it’s important to follow them in the right order: 

1. Get a Job Offer from an Approved Employer in New Zealand

This is where it all starts. You need to find a job with an employer who is already accredited. Start by searching job boards like Seek,  Work in New Zealand, or looking at the Green List website to see if your job is required in the country.  

You can also look at the company websites or work with recruitment agencies that specialize in New Zealand employment. Remember, you can’t apply for the visa without this job offer, so take your time to find the right opportunity that matches your skills and experience. 

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply

Once your employer has completed their job check, they’ll give you the details you need to apply for your visa. This includes a special reference number (called a token) that links your application to their approved job check.  

Your employer will also give you specific instructions about what documents you need and any other requirements for your particular role. 

3. Prepare Your Documents

This step is very important, so take your time and check everything carefully. Make sure all your papers are complete, up to date, and properly signed or certified. This includes: 

• Your passport (make sure it’s valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand). 
• Proof of your qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates). 
• Evidence of your work experience (employment letters, contracts, references).   
• Health certificates from approved medical practitioners.   
• Police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more.  
• English language test results (if required for your job level).   
• Your formal job offer letter from your accredited employer.   

Take time to organize these documents properly and make sure they’re all in the correct format.  

4. Submit Your Application Online

You’ll apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website using their online portal. Create an account if you don’t have one and carefully fill out all the required fields. Double-check everything before submitting, as mistakes can delay your application. 

Upload all your documents in the correct formats (usually PDF or JPEG), and make sure file sizes meet the requirements. Pay the application fee and completely submit your application form.  

5. Wait for Processing

 Once you’ve submitted your visa application, all you have to do is wait to hear from officials.  The Employer Accreditation application takes 10 business days to process, and the job checks take 2 to 21 business days to process. After both of these are done, your visa application will then be processed. 

 How Much is the Accredited Work Visa Fee?

The cost of an AEWV application varies depending on where you’re applying from and your specific situation. You’ll need to check the current fees on the Immigration New Zealand website, as these can change. Here’s the breakdown of the visa fee in detail: 

Fee Type	Amount (NZD)	Who Pays	When to Pay
Employer Accreditation	$740 (₹37,000)	Employer	Before hiring any migrant workers
Job Check	$610 (₹30,500)	Employer	For each specific job/worker
AEWV Application	$1,540 (₹77,000)	Worker (You)	When applying for your visa
Immigration Levy	$100 (₹5,000)	Worker (You)	With your visa application
Partner Visa (if applicable)	$1,630 (₹81,500)	Worker / Partner	If your partner applies too
Dependent Child Visa (if applicable)	$750 (₹37,500)	Worker / Parent	For each dependent child

For more detailed breakdown of the visa fee according to your location, you can check the official website in detail.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Applying for a work visa in New Zealand can come with many questions, and to address that, we have this section in the blog. Below are answers to some of the most common questions applicants and their employers often have during the AEWV process. 

1. Do employers pay for a work visa?  

Well, that depends on your agreement with your employer. Some employers choose to pay the visa fees as part of their recruitment package, while others expect you to pay. It’s something you should discuss during your job negotiations.  

2. How does employer accreditation influence my eligibility for an AEWV? 

Your employer’s accreditation is crucial because you can’t apply for an AEWV without it. The accreditation shows that your employer follows all the New Zealand employment laws. 

3. How long does it typically take to process an AEWV application?  

The total processing time can range from 6 to 13 weeks, depending on your situation:  

• Best case: 6 weeks (if the employer is already accredited)  
• Typical case: 10 weeks (new employer accreditation needed)  
• Complex case: 13 weeks or more (additional documentation required) 

Remember to also factor in time for medical examinations and police certificates, which can take several weeks to obtain.  

4. Can I change jobs or employers after obtaining an AEWV, and what is required?  

Your AEWV is tied to your specific employer and job. If you want to change jobs, your new employer will need to:  

• Be accredited (or become accredited)  
• Get a job check approved for the new role  
• You’ll need to apply for a new visa or a variation of your current visa  

Final Words

Getting an accredited employer work visa New Zealand might seem complicated, but it’s really about having the right job offer and meeting the basic requirements. The key is finding an employer who is already accredited and willing to go through the job check process for you. Remember, this visa is temporary, but it can be a great stepping stone to living and working in New Zealand.   

If you’re serious about working in New Zealand, then you can start the process as soon as possible, or if you’re uncertain about it, you can contact an expert agent. One such agency is Immivoyage Consultants. They are experienced and skilled in handling visa applications and can assist you throughout your visa process.