Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) NZ (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa. The process has three checks: the employer must be accredited by INZ, the job must pass a check (including advertising in many cases), and you must meet the role and skill requirements. It's issued under the Immigration Act 2009 and AEWV instructions.
Pay settings are tied to the median wage, which rose to $35.00/hour on 9 March 2026; the threshold above which the job-advertising step can be skipped (twice the median) is $70.00/hour. The role must generally be paid at the market rate. AEWV settings — wage thresholds, the occupation lists, and durations — change regularly, so confirm the current rules on immigration.govt.nz before relying on any figure. The AEWV can be a stepping-stone toward residence.
When does it apply?
- You have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- You're checking whether the pay meets current AEWV thresholds.
- You're planning a work-to-residence pathway.
What to do to get an AEWV
- Confirm the employer is accredited and the job check is done.
- Check the current median-wage settings on immigration.govt.nz.
- Gather your qualifications and work-experience evidence.
- Use a licensed adviser for borderline cases.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't pay the employer for the job or accreditation — that's exploitation.
- Don't rely on old wage thresholds — they moved on 9 March 2026.
- Don't start work before your visa is granted.
About Immigration Pathways in New Zealand
The routes to living in New Zealand long-term run through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) under the Immigration Act 2009 and INZ's detailed immigration instructions, with citizenship under the Citizenship Act 1977. The common path is a work visa (most often the Accredited Employer Work Visa), then residence (Skilled Migrant Category or Green List), then citizenship. Many settings are tied to the median wage, which rose to $35.00/hour on 9 March 2026.
Immigration settings change frequently — always verify on immigration.govt.nz. INZ: 0508 558 855. Citizenship (DIA): 0800 22 51 51.
Common Questions
What is the accredited employer work visa (aewv) right in New Zealand?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa. The process has three checks: the employer must be accredited by INZ, the job must pass a check (including advertising in many cases), and you must meet the role and skill requirements. It's issued under the Immigration Act 2009 and AEWV instructions.Pay settings are tied to the median wage, which rose to $35.00/hour on 9 March 2026; the threshold above which the job-advertising step can be skipped (twice the median) is $70.00/hour. The role must generally be paid at the market rate. AEWV settings — wa...
When does it apply — accredited employer work visa (aewv)?
You have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.You're checking whether the pay meets current AEWV thresholds.You're planning a work-to-residence pathway.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?
Confirm the employer is accredited and the job check is done.Check the current median-wage settings on immigration.govt.nz.Gather your qualifications and work-experience evidence.Use a licensed adviser for borderline cases.
What should you NOT do — accredited employer work visa (aewv)?
Don't pay the employer for the job or accreditation — that's exploitation.Don't rely on old wage thresholds — they moved on 9 March 2026.Don't start work before your visa is granted.