Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary work visa for skilled migrants with a confirmed job offer from an approved employer, allowing them to live and work in the country while building a pathway toward residency. In 2026, eligibility is based on employer accreditation, role suitability, and meeting evolving salary thresholds aligned with the New Zealand labour market. This visa is a key entry point for professionals and families relocating to New Zealand, particularly those seeking long term settlement, career opportunities, and access to high quality schooling and lifestyle benefits.

About the Accredited Employer Work Visa

  • To apply for an AEWV, you typically need:

    Job Offer

    • A full time job from an accredited New Zealand employer

    • The role must be genuine and meet immigration criteria

    Salary Threshold

    • Must meet or exceed minimum pay thresholds

    • Often aligned with the New Zealand median wage

    Skills and Experience

    • Relevant qualifications or work experience

    • Must match the job requirements

    Employer Checks

    • Employer must be accredited

    • Job must pass a job check process

    Health and Character

    • Medical checks

    • Police clearance

    • Employer becomes accredited

    • Employer completes a job check

    • You apply for the visa

    • Visa is assessed and approved

      Typical processing time:
      2 to 8 weeks, depending on application quality and demand.

    • Usually up to 3 years

    • Some roles may have shorter durations

    • The AEWV can sometimes be extended

    The team at Milford can help understand the duration of a visa and the likelihood of these points

  • The AEWV is often used as a stepping stone to residency.

    You may qualify for residency through:

    • Green List roles

    • Work to Residence pathways

    • Skilled Migrant Category

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. You must have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer before applying.

  • Not freely.
    You must apply for a variation or new visa if you want to change employer or role.

  • An accredited employer is a business approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers under the AEWV system.

  • It depends on the role, but most jobs must meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage or a set threshold.

  • Yes.
    Partners and dependent children can often apply for visas based on your AEWV.

  • Typically between 2 and 8 weeks, though it can vary.

  • Not always, but you must show you have the skills or experience required for the job.

  • Yes, our team assists with preparing documentation, coordinating with immigration advisers and legal professionals, and ensuring that applications are complete and aligned with Immigration New Zealand requirements. We also support practical aspects of relocation, including business setup, housing search, schooling options, and settling into local communities.

    By managing both the immigration process and the logistical aspects of relocating, Milford Relocations offers a streamlined experience for investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and their families looking to establish themselves successfully in New Zealand.