Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — New Zealand

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets you work in New Zealand if an employer approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offers you a job. It serves as the main employer-sponsored work visa and can support longer-term plans, including residence, if your role meets the relevant criteria.

What the visa is

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary employer-sponsored temporary work visa. You can apply only if you have a job offer from an employer that holds accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Before you apply, your employer must complete the required employer approval steps. Your visa application links directly to that approved job.

The AEWV replaced older pathways such as the Essential Skills Work Visa. It reduced reliance on categories like the Specific Purpose Work Visa for standard employment.

The visa can be granted for up to five years, depending on the job and approval conditions set by INZ. In some cases, your employment under the AEWV may support a future residence application if your role meets the relevant residence criteria.

Who it's for

You qualify for the AEWV if:

• You have a valid job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
• The employer has completed the required approval steps for the role
• You meet the job’s stated requirements

This visa suits workers filling ongoing roles with accredited New Zealand businesses. It does not replace visas designed for other purposes, such as the Working Holiday Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, or the Partner of a Worker Work Visa.

The AEWV focuses on employer-sponsored employment. If you do not have an accredited employer or a confirmed job offer, you cannot apply under this category.

INZ assesses both the employer’s accreditation status and your job details before deciding your application.

Key features

The AEWV has several defining elements:

• Employer accreditation required
• Approved job offer required
• Main employer-sponsored work visa category
• Visa length of up to five years

You submit your application directly to INZ. INZ reviews your eligibility based on the accredited employer and the approved job linked to your application.

You must pay a government application fee and wait for Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to process your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Fees are fixed in New Zealand dollars, and processing times follow published service standards but can vary by visa category and location.

Application fee

INZ charges NZ$750 for an Accredited Employer Work Visa application (as of February 2026).

You pay this fee when you submit your online application. INZ will not begin processing until you complete payment.

If you apply for a different work visa, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Partner of a Worker Work Visa, the fee may differ.

You may also need to submit supporting forms, such as Form INZ 1015, Form INZ 1017, or Form INZ 1024, depending on your situation. Separate fees can apply in some cases, so confirm the total cost directly with INZ.

Standard processing times

Under standard processing, INZ currently completes most AEWV applications within 20 to 40 business days (as of March 2026).

Business days do not include weekends or public holidays. The clock starts when INZ receives a complete application with all required documents and payment.

If INZ requests further information, processing will pause until you respond. Delays often occur when applicants submit incomplete forms or omit required documents.

Variations by category & location

Processing times for the AEWV can vary depending on your job category and where INZ processes your application.

Applications assessed under different employment categories may move at different speeds. The same applies if INZ transfers your file between processing teams or locations.

If you previously held another visa, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa or Specific Purpose Work Visa, your prior history does not guarantee faster processing.

Applicants who submit complete and accurate forms, including any required documents like INZ 1015, INZ 1017, or INZ 1024, reduce the risk of avoidable delays. You should verify current processing times directly with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before making travel or employment commitments.

You can use your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) as a platform to apply for residence if you meet Immigration New Zealand (INZ) criteria. Your pathway depends on your job, skills, and continued compliance with visa conditions.

Common pathways

Most AEWV holders aim for residence through work-based categories managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Eligibility depends on your role, pay, qualifications, and whether your employment meets current residence criteria.

Common scenarios include:

• Transitioning from an Accredited Employer Work Visa to a residence category if your job meets INZ skill and pay requirements
• Moving from an Essential Skills Work Visa to AEWV and then to residence
• Applying after holding a Post-Study Work Visa and securing eligible skilled employment
• Relying on a partner’s status if you hold a Partner of a Worker Work Visa

Temporary visas like the Working Holiday Visa or Specific Purpose Work Visa usually don’t lead directly to residence. You’ll need a visa supporting skilled, ongoing employment first.

INZ sets the rules for each residence category. The specific requirements change, so reference the current INZ criteria for your chosen pathway.

Next visa steps

You’ll need a valid visa while working on your residence application. Avoid letting your AEWV expire during this time.

Your next steps generally look like this:

1. Confirm your job meets residence criteria set by INZ.

2. Gather employment, qualification, and identity documents.

3. Complete the correct residence form specified by INZ (such as Form INZ 1015, Form INZ 1017, or Form INZ 1024, depending on the category).

4. Submit your application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) with required supporting evidence.

If you change employers during this process, you might need a variation of conditions or a new AEWV before applying for residence. Your employment must always comply with AEWV conditions.

Application fees and processing times are published by INZ and are always listed in NZD (NZ$).

Notes on eligibility for PR

Residence eligibility is based on strict criteria. You must meet all requirements at the time INZ reviews your application.

INZ typically reviews:

• Skilled employment with an accredited employer
• Pay rate that meets current thresholds
• Relevant qualifications or work experience
• English language ability (if required)
• Health and character requirements

Your employer must remain accredited if your residence category requires it. If accreditation lapses, INZ may question your eligibility.

Use the version of each form specified by INZ, such as INZ 1015, INZ 1017, or INZ 1024, and follow document checklists carefully.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) makes all final decisions on residence applications.

Your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) ties you to the employer, job, and location stated in your visa conditions. Any change requires formal steps with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before starting the new role.

When you can change employer or job

You can’t just move to a new employer or role because you receive a job offer. AEWV conditions control:

• Employer
• Job or position
• Work location

If any of these change, you must either:

• Apply to vary your visa conditions,
• Apply for a Job Change, or
• Apply for a new visa.

INZ decides which option applies based on your situation.

If you previously held visas such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Partner of a Worker Work Visa, different conditions may have applied. AEWV rules don’t automatically carry over flexibility from those visas.

The table below shows when action is required:

Always get approval from INZ before starting the new employment.

How to apply for a job change or variation

You must submit an application to INZ before your employment changes take effect. Don’t begin working in the new role until INZ approves the change.

The process generally involves:

1. Determining whether you need a variation of conditions, a Job Change, or a new AEWV.

2. Completing the required INZ application form.

3. Providing supporting documents that reflect your updated employment details.

INZ manages all applications and decisions.

Depending on your situation, you may need forms such as:

• Form INZ 1015
• Form INZ 1017
• Form INZ 1024

Use the correct form and pay the current fee in NZ$.

If your circumstances change significantly, INZ may require you to apply for a completely new visa rather than vary your existing one.

Implications of changing role or location

Changing your employer, job, or location without approval breaches your visa conditions. That can affect:

• Your lawful status in New Zealand
• Future visa applications
• Your ability to remain in the country

Your AEWV remains valid only under the conditions INZ approved.

If you move to a different region or take on different duties, INZ must formally update your visa conditions. A change in location alone can require approval, even if your employer stays the same.

When you apply for future visas, INZ will review your compliance history. Following the correct process protects your current visa and any later applications.

To qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must secure a genuine job offer from an accredited employer and prove that you meet role‑specific skill, English, and character standards. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses both the employer and your personal credentials before approving the visa.

Job and employer requirements

You need an offer of full-time employment from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The job must match the details provided in your application and support the visa request.

Your employer’s accreditation is mandatory. Without it, INZ won’t approve your AEWV application.

Key job requirements include:

• A full-time job offer from an accredited employer
• A role that fits your skills and experience
• Employment terms consistent with what is declared to INZ

If you previously held another New Zealand work visa, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you must still meet AEWV requirements independently. Prior visas don’t grant automatic eligibility.

INZ checks whether the employment is genuine and whether the employer meets accreditation standards at the time you apply.

Skills, experience, and qualifications

You need to prove you’re qualified and experienced for the specific role offered. INZ expects verifiable evidence.

You may need to provide:

• Documents confirming your relevant work experience
• Copies of qualifications related to the role
• Additional role-specific certifications or training
• Detailed job descriptions from previous employment

If you rely on overseas work experience, you’ll need to show you were legally allowed to work in that country. For example, if you worked in a European country and aren’t a citizen of a Schengen member state, provide proof of your right to work there.

Supporting evidence might include:

• A copy of your work visa from that country
• A POEA Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or e-Receipt, if applicable
• Employment records or work books confirming your duties

INZ may request original or certified copies to verify authenticity.

Language and character requirements

If your role falls under ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, you’ll need to prove your English is up to the job unless you qualify for an exemption. The evidence should show you have functional English relevant to the position.

You also have to meet character standards. This means:

• Police certificates from relevant countries
• A completed Form INZ 1017 form (if requested)
• Any additional character documentation INZ asks for

Most applicants use the Form INZ 1015 Work Visa Application form. If you’re working with a licensed immigration adviser or representative, they might need to complete Form INZ 1024.

INZ won’t approve your AEWV if you don’t meet the English or character requirements, even if your offer and qualifications are otherwise acceptable.

Most AEWV refusals and delays happen because of avoidable mistakes in documents, identity details, and missing forms. Double-checking each field and providing complete, compliant evidence to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) helps avoid many issues.

Documentation mistakes

INZ often declines applications that are missing documents or have incorrectly completed forms. An incomplete file can lead to outright rejection.

Common problems include:

• Missing supporting evidence from the document checklist
• Submitting the wrong form (for example, mixing up Form INZ 1015, Form INZ 1017, or Form INZ 1024)
• Providing a police certificate older than 6 months at application
• Uploading an employment agreement that doesn’t meet New Zealand employment law

If you’ve held an Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Partner of a Worker Work Visa before, you still have to meet all AEWV document requirements. INZ won’t reuse past records.

Review every upload before submitting. INZ decides your case based only on what you provide.

Identity and character issues

Your identity details must match your passport exactly. Even small spelling errors or reversed names can trigger verification checks and slow down processing.

Check your:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Nationality

Character requirements also cause delays. If you provide a police certificate, it must be valid on the date you lodge your AEWV application. A certificate that’s expired before submission isn’t accepted.

If INZ spots inconsistencies between your current application and earlier visas like a Working Holiday Visa or Post-Study Work Visa, they might ask for clarification. That can add time and require more documents.

Accuracy helps avoid extra scrutiny.

How to avoid delays & rejections

Reduce your risk by reviewing your AEWV application carefully before submitting.

Checklist:

1. Make sure you’re using the correct form (INZ 1015, INZ 1017, or INZ 1024, if needed).

2. Complete every mandatory field.

3. Attach all documents listed in the official checklist.

4. Check your employment agreement meets New Zealand employment law.

5. Confirm your police certificate is less than 6 months old at submission.

6. Match all identity details to your passport.

Double-check before you submit. Incomplete or incorrect information usually causes delays, while missing documents often result in refusal.

If you’re unsure about a requirement, check directly with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) guidance before filing.