New Zealand continues to attract skilled workers from around the world who are looking for international employment, competitive salaries, a better quality of life and potential pathways to residence.
For foreign workers searching for New Zealand work visa sponsorship 2026, New Zealand jobs with visa sponsorship, Accredited Employer Work Visa, AEWV New Zealand, New Zealand employer sponsored jobs, and how to get a New Zealand work visa, the Accredited Employer Work Visa is one of the most important immigration pathways to understand.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main temporary employer-sponsored work visa. It allows eligible migrants to work for an approved New Zealand employer and can provide a pathway to a resident visa for eligible workers, depending on their occupation and circumstances. Immigration New Zealand currently states that an AEWV can allow a worker to stay for up to 5 years, depending on the job, skill level, pay and when the application was made.
The system is built around three major stages:
Employer accreditation → Job check → Worker visa application
A foreign worker normally cannot simply apply for an AEWV without an eligible job offer. The employer must be accredited and have an approved job check for the position before inviting the worker to apply.
This guide explains the 2026 New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa, including eligible jobs, employer sponsorship, salary requirements, qualifications, English requirements, documents, application steps, recruitment websites, residence pathways and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa, commonly called the AEWV, is a temporary New Zealand work visa for migrants who have been offered full-time employment by an accredited New Zealand employer.
The visa allows an eligible worker to:
- Work for the accredited employer that sponsored the position
- Work in the approved job
- Work for at least 30 hours per week
- Stay in New Zealand for the period granted under the visa
- Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period, subject to the visa conditions
- Potentially support eligible family members for appropriate visas
- Potentially move toward a residence pathway where the occupation and circumstances qualify
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the AEWV as being available for up to five years, depending on the job, skill level, pay and timing of the application.
How New Zealand Employer Sponsorship Works
One of the most important things to understand is that the worker does not normally arrange AEWV sponsorship independently.
The employer must go through the employer-side immigration process.
The current AEWV system has three main stages:
Stage 1: Employer Accreditation
The New Zealand business must become accredited to employ migrants under the AEWV system.
Stage 2: Job Check
After accreditation, the employer generally needs an approved job check for the position.
Stage 3: Worker Visa Application
Once the job check is approved and the employer selects a suitable migrant worker, the employer provides the worker with the information and unique application link needed to apply for the AEWV.
This means the process is:
Accredited employer → Approved job check → Genuine job offer → Worker applies for AEWV → Immigration New Zealand assesses application
Who Can Apply for an AEWV?
To qualify, you generally need:
- A full-time job offer
- An accredited New Zealand employer
- An employer with an approved job check for the position
- At least 30 hours of work per week
- The required skills, qualifications and experience
- Occupational registration where applicable
- English ability where required
- Good health
- Good character
- A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand confirms that applicants must meet the requirements associated with their occupation’s ANZSCO or NOL skill level and have the skills and experience required by the employer.
AEWV Job Offer Requirements
Your job offer is one of the most important parts of the application.
The offer must generally:
- Be from an accredited employer
- Be for full-time employment
- Provide at least 30 hours of work per week
- Have an approved job check
- Meet the applicable pay requirements
- Match the position approved through the job check
You will need to provide a signed job offer and a copy of the employment agreement and job description as part of the visa application.
The employment agreement should contain information such as:
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address
- Employer’s phone number
- Employee’s name
- Job title
- Workplace address
- Job duties
- Required qualifications
- Required experience
- Working hours
- Employment duration
- Other relevant employment conditions
2026 AEWV Salary Requirements
The AEWV salary rules have changed in recent years, so applicants should be careful when reading older articles.
Immigration New Zealand states that the median wage requirement was removed from the AEWV, although employers must still pay workers according to the applicable employment and immigration requirements.
The salary offered must also satisfy the requirements applicable to the particular job and visa process.
This means applicants should not rely on old websites claiming that every AEWV job must meet a single universal median wage figure.
Instead, check the current Immigration New Zealand requirements for the exact occupation and application.
In-Demand Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship
New Zealand’s labour market includes opportunities across multiple industries.
Foreign workers should focus on occupations where they have relevant qualifications, experience and skills.
Potential sectors include:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Engineering
- Information technology
- Transport
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Education
- Skilled trades
- Automotive
- Infrastructure
- Aged care
- Food processing
The availability of sponsorship varies by employer and occupation.
Healthcare Jobs With New Zealand Visa Sponsorship
Healthcare is an important area for skilled migration.
Potential occupations include:
- Registered nurse
- Medical practitioner
- Midwife
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
- Medical laboratory professional
- Radiographer
- Pharmacist
- Healthcare professional
Many healthcare occupations require professional registration in New Zealand.
Therefore, obtaining a job offer alone may not be enough.
Applicants should determine whether their profession requires registration before beginning the visa process.
Construction Jobs With AEWV Sponsorship
Construction is another sector that can provide opportunities for qualified foreign workers.
Potential positions include:
- Construction project manager
- Civil engineer
- Quantity surveyor
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Bricklayer
- Builder
- Construction estimator
- Heavy equipment operator
- Civil construction worker
- Site supervisor
Construction workers should check whether their particular occupation is eligible and whether any licensing, registration or qualification requirements apply.
Engineering Jobs in New Zealand
Engineers can investigate opportunities in:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Structural engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Software engineering
- Telecommunications
- Industrial engineering
- Project engineering
- Manufacturing engineering
Depending on the profession, registration or recognition of qualifications may be necessary.
IT Jobs With AEWV Sponsorship
Technology remains another major area for international recruitment.
Potential roles include:
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Cloud engineer
- DevOps engineer
- Network engineer
- Systems administrator
- Database administrator
- ICT project manager
- Business analyst
- AI specialist
Applicants should focus on jobs that genuinely match their professional background.
Skilled Trades Jobs
New Zealand employers may recruit experienced tradespeople in areas such as:
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Automotive technician
- Heavy equipment mechanic
- Refrigeration technician
- Fitter
- Machinist
- Metal fabricator
- Construction worker
Certain occupations require New Zealand registration or licensing before the worker can legally perform the job.
Transport and Truck Driver Jobs
Transport is another sector foreign workers may investigate.
Potential positions include:
- Heavy truck driver
- Bus driver
- Delivery driver
- Logistics worker
- Transport operator
- Heavy vehicle technician
Applicants should check New Zealand’s licensing requirements because an overseas driving licence may not automatically authorize a person to operate every class of vehicle in New Zealand.
Hospitality Jobs
Potential hospitality opportunities can include:
- Chef
- Cook
- Restaurant manager
- Hotel manager
- Baker
- Pastry chef
- Hospitality supervisor
However, applicants should distinguish between genuine employer-sponsored skilled positions and ordinary hospitality vacancies that do not provide immigration sponsorship.
Agriculture and Seasonal Work
New Zealand also has significant agricultural and seasonal employment.
However, workers should not automatically assume that every farm job is an AEWV position.
New Zealand has separate seasonal visa options, and Immigration New Zealand introduced additional seasonal pathways in the current immigration framework. Employers and workers should determine which visa actually applies to the job.
How to Find Accredited Employers in New Zealand
One of the most important steps is finding a legitimate employer that is accredited.
Immigration New Zealand provides official information about employer accreditation and the AEWV employer process.
Immigration New Zealand – Accredited Employers
An employer must satisfy requirements before it can sponsor migrants through the AEWV system.
Immigration New Zealand states that an accredited business must be viable and genuinely operating and must meet the applicable financial and compliance requirements.
New Zealand Job Websites for Foreign Workers
SEEK New Zealand
Search for:
- AEWV sponsorship
- Visa sponsorship
- Accredited employer
- Overseas workers
- International applicants
- Work visa sponsorship
Trade Me Jobs
Indeed New Zealand
LinkedIn Jobs
New Zealand Government Careers
Always confirm sponsorship directly with the employer.
A job advertisement does not automatically mean that the employer is prepared to sponsor an overseas applicant.
How to Check Whether an Employer Is Accredited
Before accepting a job offer, verify the employer.
Immigration New Zealand provides an accredited employer search that can be used to check whether a company is accredited.
This is particularly important because scammers can create fake employment offers using the names of legitimate New Zealand companies.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an AEWV in 2026
Step 1: Identify Your Occupation
Determine your actual occupation and the corresponding classification.
Your job title alone is not enough.
The duties you perform should correspond with the occupation being used for the application.
Step 2: Check Your Qualifications and Experience
Review the job’s requirements.
You may need to demonstrate:
- Relevant employment experience
- Qualifications
- Technical skills
- Professional registration
- Occupational licences
Step 3: Find an Accredited Employer
Search legitimate New Zealand employers offering positions relevant to your occupation.
Step 4: Apply for the Job
Submit your CV and supporting documents.
Do not pay an employer to “reserve” a job.
Step 5: Receive a Genuine Job Offer
If selected, the employer provides:
- Job offer
- Job description
- Employment agreement
- Other required information
Step 6: Employer Completes the Job Check
The employer must have an approved job check for the position.
For some jobs, the employer may need to advertise the position before applying for the job check. Immigration New Zealand currently states that jobs generally need to be advertised for at least two weeks unless an exemption applies, including certain Green List or high-paying positions.
Step 7: Employer Sends Your Application Link
After the job check is approved, the employer can invite the selected migrant worker to apply.
The worker receives a unique link or job check token for the visa application.
Step 8: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required evidence before submitting the application.
Step 9: Submit the AEWV Application Online
Complete the application through Immigration New Zealand’s online system.
Step 10: Pay the Visa Fee
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the AEWV cost from NZD $1,540, although fees can change and applicants should confirm the amount at the time of application.
Step 11: Complete Health and Character Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Medical examination
- Chest X-ray
- Police certificate
Step 12: Wait for the Decision
Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of AEWV applications are processed within 8 weeks, although individual cases can take longer.
AEWV Documents Required
Prepare the following documents where applicable:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Identity |
| Passport photograph | Visa identification |
| Job offer | Evidence of employment |
| Employment agreement | Employment conditions |
| Job description | Duties and responsibilities |
| CV | Work history |
| Employment references | Experience |
| Qualification certificates | Education |
| Skills evidence | Demonstrates suitability |
| Occupational registration | Required professions |
| English evidence | Required skill levels |
| Police certificate | Character requirement |
| Medical certificate | Health requirement |
| Chest X-ray | Health requirement |
| Certified translations | Documents not in English |
Immigration New Zealand specifically requires evidence of work experience, skills and qualifications, as well as registration and English evidence where applicable.
English Requirements for AEWV
Not every AEWV applicant has the same English requirement.
Immigration New Zealand states that workers whose jobs are at ANZSCO or NOL skill levels 3 to 5 generally need to demonstrate that they can speak and understand English. Certain exemptions apply. Workers in skill level 1 or 2 jobs do not need to demonstrate English ability for the AEWV.
The evidence can depend on:
- Citizenship
- Where you studied
- Your qualifications
- English-language test results
- Applicable exemptions
If an English test is required, Immigration New Zealand specifies the acceptable evidence and minimum requirements.
Work Experience and Qualification Requirements
AEWV applicants must meet the applicable skill requirements.
Immigration New Zealand states that employers must check that a migrant worker meets the AEWV skill requirements and has the skills and experience specified for the position.
Therefore, applicants should keep strong evidence of previous employment.
This can include:
- Employment certificates
- Reference letters
- Payslips
- Tax records
- Contracts
- Professional licences
- Training certificates
- Qualification documents
A CV alone may not be sufficient evidence of experience.
Occupational Registration
Some professions in New Zealand are regulated.
If registration is required to perform your job legally, you may need to provide evidence of registration or eligibility for registration.
This can affect:
- Healthcare
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Certain engineering professions
- Teaching
- Other regulated occupations
Check the relevant New Zealand registration authority before accepting a job.
Can AEWV Lead to Permanent Residence?
Yes, for some workers.
The AEWV itself is a temporary work visa, but eligible workers may have pathways to New Zealand residence depending on their occupation, salary, qualifications and other requirements.
Potential residence pathways can include:
- Green List pathways
- Skilled residence pathways
- Care Workforce Work to Residence
- Transport Work to Residence
- Other occupation-specific residence categories
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The exact pathway depends heavily on the occupation.
Green List Pathway
New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations where the country has significant skill needs.
Some Green List jobs can provide a pathway to residence.
Depending on the occupation, the pathway may be:
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
or
Tier 2: Work to Residence
Applicants must satisfy the specific requirements attached to their occupation.
Therefore, workers considering an AEWV should check the Green List before choosing a job.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Another potential pathway is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
This pathway is designed for skilled workers who meet the relevant requirements.
Eligibility can depend on:
- Skilled employment
- Qualifications
- Occupational registration
- New Zealand work experience
- Age
- Income
- Other immigration requirements
Not every AEWV holder will qualify automatically.
Work to Residence
Some occupations provide a Work to Residence pathway.
The worker may first enter New Zealand on an eligible work visa and then complete the required period of qualifying employment before applying for residence.
This is why choosing the right occupation can be more important than simply choosing the highest-paying job.
A job paying a good salary may not provide the same residence opportunity as an occupation on an eligible residence pathway.
AEWV and Family
An AEWV does not automatically place your partner and children on the same visa.
Immigration New Zealand explains that an AEWV holder may be able to support appropriate visas for a partner and dependent children, depending on factors including the job and pay.
The family members may need to apply for separate visas.
Before relocating with a family, calculate:
- Housing costs
- Schooling
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Visa costs
- Insurance
- Food
- Childcare
- Initial settlement expenses
Can You Change Employers on an AEWV?
The AEWV is connected to the job and employer specified in your visa conditions.
You generally cannot simply start working for another employer.
If you want to change your employer, job or location, you may need to apply for a Job Change, variation of conditions or a new visa, depending on your circumstances.
This is important because some applicants mistakenly believe that an AEWV gives them unrestricted access to the New Zealand labour market.
It does not.
Can You Have a Second Job?
Generally, no.
Immigration New Zealand states that an AEWV holder cannot work a second job while holding the visa.
You must follow the conditions attached to your visa.
Employer Responsibilities Under AEWV
Accredited employers have important responsibilities.
They must comply with New Zealand employment and immigration laws.
The employer must also:
- Provide the employment offered
- Pay the worker according to the employment agreement and visa conditions
- Provide required settlement information
- Follow employment standards
- Avoid passing prohibited recruitment costs to the migrant
Immigration New Zealand states that accredited employers cannot pass their accreditation, recruitment or operational costs to migrant workers.
Do Not Pay for a New Zealand Job Offer
This is one of the most important warnings in the entire AEWV process.
New Zealand employers or their agents cannot charge migrants for a job or make migrants pay their recruitment costs.
Immigration New Zealand specifically warns about job offer scams and states that an AEWV application can be declined if the applicant or their agent has offered or promised money to the employer or agent in exchange for a job offer.
Therefore, be extremely cautious if someone says:
“Pay me NZD $10,000 and I will give you an accredited employer job.”
or:
“Pay for sponsorship and your New Zealand visa is guaranteed.”
These are serious warning signs.
Common AEWV Scams
Fake Employer
A scammer may use the name of a legitimate company.
Always verify the company independently.
Fake Job Offer
You may receive an employment letter that looks official but does not correspond to a genuine vacancy.
Sponsorship Fee
Be suspicious if someone demands money in exchange for the job itself.
Fake Immigration Agent
Verify any immigration adviser before paying for professional services.
Guaranteed Visa
No recruiter can legitimately guarantee that Immigration New Zealand will approve your visa.
Fake Immigration Website
Always use the official New Zealand Government immigration website when checking visa information.
How to Verify a New Zealand Job Offer
Before paying anyone or sending sensitive documents:
1. Check the company website.
2. Contact the company using contact details from its official website.
3. Verify whether the employer is accredited.
4. Confirm the exact job title and location.
5. Ask whether the position has an approved job check.
6. Confirm salary and working hours.
7. Read the complete employment agreement.
8. Check the immigration process through Immigration New Zealand.
9. Never pay someone for the job itself.
New Zealand Immigration Official Contacts
Immigration New Zealand
This should be your primary source for New Zealand visa requirements.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Employer Accreditation
Job Check
New Zealand Green List
Immigration Online
New Zealand Employment Websites
Foreign workers can use legitimate employment websites to search for vacancies.
| Website | Best For |
|---|---|
| SEEK NZ | General employment |
| Trade Me Jobs | New Zealand vacancies |
| Indeed NZ | International job search |
| Professional jobs | |
| Government Jobs | Public sector |
| Company career pages | Direct applications |
When searching, use keywords such as:
“AEWV sponsorship”
“Accredited Employer”
“Visa sponsorship”
“Overseas applicants”
“International candidates”
“Work visa sponsorship New Zealand”
2026 AEWV Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you have:
- Valid passport
- Genuine New Zealand job offer
- Accredited employer
- Approved job check
- Employment agreement
- Job description
- Relevant qualifications
- Work experience evidence
- Occupational registration if required
- English evidence if required
- Police certificate if required
- Medical certificate if required
- Chest X-ray if required
- Certified translations
- Passport photograph
- Visa application fee
- Correct online application link from employer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?
The AEWV is New Zealand’s main temporary employer-sponsored work visa. It allows eligible migrants to work for an accredited employer in an approved job, generally for at least 30 hours per week.
How long can an AEWV last?
An AEWV can allow a worker to stay for up to 5 years, depending on the job, skill level, pay and timing of the application.
How much does the AEWV cost?
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the visa cost from NZD $1,540. Fees can change, so applicants should confirm the current fee before applying.
Do I need an accredited employer?
Yes. Your job offer must come from an employer accredited to hire migrants under the AEWV system, and the employer must have an approved job check for the position.
Do I need IELTS for an AEWV?
Not everyone needs an English test. English requirements depend partly on the skill level of the occupation. Jobs at ANZSCO or NOL skill levels 3 to 5 generally require evidence of English ability, subject to exemptions. Skill level 1 and 2 jobs do not require English evidence for the AEWV.
Can I bring my family?
Potentially. AEWV holders may be able to support visas for eligible partners and dependent children depending on the circumstances, including the job and pay.
Can an AEWV lead to permanent residence?
Yes, potentially. Some occupations can lead to residence through pathways such as the Green List, Work to Residence or other skilled residence categories. However, an AEWV does not automatically grant permanent residence.
Can I change employers?
You may need a Job Change, variation of conditions or a new visa if you change your employer, job or location. The AEWV is tied to the employment specified in your visa conditions.
Can I pay an employer for sponsorship?
No. New Zealand employers or agents cannot charge you for a job or make you pay their recruitment costs.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa remains one of the most important routes for skilled foreign workers who want to work legally in New Zealand.
Unlike a general open work visa, the AEWV is built around a genuine employment relationship.
The basic process is:
Find an eligible occupation → Find an accredited employer → Receive a genuine job offer → Employer completes the job check → Employer sends the application link → Prepare documents → Submit AEWV application → Complete health and character checks → Receive the visa decision → Travel to New Zealand and begin work.
The employer plays a critical role in the process.
Before a worker can normally apply, the employer must be accredited and have the appropriate job check. Immigration New Zealand describes the employer process as accreditation, job check and then recruitment and support of the migrant worker.
For foreign workers, the biggest opportunities may exist in sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering, information technology, skilled trades, transport and other areas where New Zealand employers need workers.
However, applicants should focus on the occupation that best matches their real qualifications and experience rather than applying for any job simply because it advertises visa sponsorship.
The AEWV can also be more valuable when the chosen occupation provides a legitimate pathway toward New Zealand residence.
Most importantly, avoid anyone selling a job or promising a guaranteed visa.
A legitimate New Zealand employer should not charge you for the job or make you pay its recruitment costs. Immigration New Zealand specifically warns migrants about job-offer scams and confirms that applications can be declined where money has been offered or promised in exchange for a job offer.
For anyone planning to move to New Zealand in 2026, the safest strategy is simple:
Find a genuine employer. Verify the employer’s accreditation. Confirm the job check. Understand your occupation. Prepare accurate documents. Apply through Immigration New Zealand. And verify every important immigration claim using official New Zealand Government sources.
With the right occupation, qualifications, employer and immigration pathway, the Accredited Employer Work Visa can be more than a temporary work opportunity — it can be an important first step toward building a long-term career and potentially gaining residence in New Zealand.
