{"id":21,"date":"2026-08-12T22:55:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T22:55:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2026-08-13T00:35:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T00:35:39","slug":"nz-work-visa-guide-2026-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/nz-services\/nz-work-visa-guide-2026-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"NZ Work Visa Guide (2026): The Accredited Employer Work Visa, Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Policy update, 1 June 2026:<\/strong> AEWV English language requirements now extend to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 roles, and the Active Investor Plus Growth category now allows philanthropy capped at 20 percent of total investment. Read the full update and what to do now ><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick answer:<\/strong> The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary employer-supported work visa, in place since July 2022 (when it replaced the older Essential Skills Work Visa). To qualify, you need a full-time job offer (at least 30 hours a week) from an accredited New Zealand employer and a job token linked to an approved Job Check. From 10 March 2025, employers are no longer required to pay the immigration median wage for an AEWV; instead, the only fixed pay rate is the New Zealand minimum wage, and employers must still pay the New Zealand market rate for the role. Maximum continuous stay is generally up to 5 years for ANZSCO\/NOL skill levels 1 to 3, or up to 3 years for skill levels 4 and 5 (rules can vary depending on when your first AEWV was granted).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: Immigration New Zealand. Always verify current rules at immigration.govt.nz before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the AEWV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Accredited Employer Work Visa, almost always shortened to AEWV, is the main work visa for skilled migrants entering New Zealand. If you are coming to NZ to take a job and you are not on a Working Holiday Visa or a sector-specific seasonal scheme, this is almost certainly the visa you are applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AEWV launched on 4 July 2022 and replaced the older Essential Skills Work Visa, which closed to new applications the same day. It also replaced the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa for most cases, although a small Talent visa pathway still exists for migrants already in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The defining feature: your employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand before they can hire you. Accreditation means the business has been checked for financial stability, immigration and employment law compliance, and a genuine need for the role. You can verify any potential employer’s accreditation status on the official Accredited Employer List before signing anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big Changes in 2025 and 2026 (and Why Most Online Advice Is Now Out of Date)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The AEWV has changed a lot in the last 18 months. If you are reading articles or YouTube transcripts more than a year old, assume some of the advice is now wrong. Here is what changed and when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective date<\/th>What changed<\/th>Why it matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
10 March 2025<\/strong><\/td>Median wage requirement removed from the AEWV. Replaced with ‘market rate’ for the role.<\/td>Many lower-paid skilled roles became eligible. Most online articles still claim AEWV needs the median wage, which is incorrect as per latest immigration instructions.<\/td><\/tr>
August 2025<\/strong><\/td>10 trades occupations added to Tier 2 of the Green List (the residence pathway).<\/td>Skilled trades migrants on the AEWV got new options for residence after 24 months in NZ.<\/td><\/tr>
9 March 2026<\/strong><\/td>Annual median wage rose to NZD $35.00 per hour (up from $33.56).<\/td>Does not affect AEWV pay directly, but does change Green List income requirements, partner-support thresholds, and SMC residency thresholds.<\/td><\/tr>
9 March 2026<\/strong><\/td>47 new occupations recognised under the National Occupation List (NOL) at skill levels 1 to 3.<\/td>More roles now qualify for the AEWV, including new chef classifications.<\/td><\/tr>
9 March 2026<\/strong><\/td>Pet groomer, nanny, and kennel hand reclassified from skill level 3 to skill level 4.<\/td>These roles now have stricter requirements (English test, shorter stay).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source: Immigration New Zealand news centre, immigration.govt.nz\/about-us\/news-centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immigration New Zealand is introducing a second classification system, the National Occupation List (NOL). The NOL will replace the older Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and is being phased in gradually. For now, you use a NOL occupation code only if your role is on the official list of NOL occupations recognised for an AEWV; otherwise, you must use ANZSCO. Other visa categories may still require ANZSCO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current AEWV Requirements (2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To qualify for an AEWV today, you need to meet ALL of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. A full-time job offer from an accredited employer.<\/strong> The role must be at least 30 hours a week and the employer must hold current accreditation under the AEWV scheme. Casual or self-employed work does not qualify.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. An approved Job Check for the role.<\/strong> Your employer must have an approved Job Check (and send you a job token) before you can apply. Job Checks normally require advertising and showing genuine efforts to hire New Zealanders first. For lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5), employers also have specific Work and Income (MSD) steps to complete and must advertise for a minimum of 21 calendar days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. INZ Minimum Skills Threshold<\/strong> (in addition to any qualification or experience requirements specified by the employer). Either 2+ years of relevant work experience OR a NZQCF Level 4+ qualification. Experience must be in the same field as the offered role. If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the qualification can be in any field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pay at the market rate for the role.<\/strong> No more median wage. The ‘market rate’ is what a New Zealander would be paid for the same job in the same region. Pay must also meet the current adult minimum wage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Occupational registration where required.<\/strong> Regulated professions (nurses, doctors, teachers, electricians, plumbers, engineers, lawyers, and many others) need full or provisional NZ registration before applying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. An English language test result, if your job is ANZSCO Level 4 or 5.<\/strong> Skill levels 1 to 3 are exempt unless asked for evidence later. Citizenship or English-medium study can also satisfy this requirement. Skill level 4 and 5 roles must provide a valid English test result no more than 2 years old with valid scores. Check English requirements for AEWV<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Good health and good character.<\/strong> Includes a chest X-ray for stays over 6 months from countries with TB risk, and police certificates for stays of 24 months or longer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Genuine intention<\/strong> to do the work and meet the visa conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Full requirements: immigration.govt.nz Accredited Employer Work Visa<\/a>. Verify before applying as rules change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Long Can You Stay on an AEWV?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Maximum continuous stay depends on your job’s skill level on ANZSCO or the NOL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n