Main Work Visa Options

New Zealand has different visa categories for temporary employment, skilled migration, post-study employment and specific seasonal or working holiday schemes. These pathways have different eligibility criteria.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a major route for overseas workers who have a qualifying job offer from an employer accredited to hire migrants under the scheme.

Applicants generally need to meet the applicable requirements, including:

• A current offer of full-time employment from an accredited employer.
• A role and employer that satisfy the relevant job approval requirements.
• At least 30 hours of work per week under the job offer.
• Relevant qualifications, work experience or other evidence of suitability.
• Occupational registration, if the job requires it.
• English language evidence where the role’s skill level and current rules require it.
• Health, character and genuine-intention requirements.

The AEWV is linked to the job and employer specified in the visa conditions. If you want to change your employer, role or location, you may need a Job Change, a variation of conditions or a new visa.

Official details: Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

This is a residence pathway for eligible skilled workers who meet the Skilled Migrant Category requirements. Applicants generally need a qualifying skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer and must meet the criteria of an available pathway.

Age, English, qualification, occupational registration, skilled employment and other criteria may affect eligibility. Applicants normally submit an expression of interest and may be invited to apply if they meet the applicable requirements.

Official details: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Green List Residence Pathways

Some occupations are included on New Zealand’s Green List, which may provide a route to residence for eligible applicants. The relevant requirements depend on the occupation, qualifications, registration, pay and other criteria.

Some eligible roles may qualify for a Straight to Residence pathway, while others may involve a Work to Residence pathway and a qualifying period of employment. Being employed in a broadly similar profession does not automatically establish eligibility.

Official resource: Green List occupations, qualifications and skills.

Post Study Work Visa

Eligible international students who have completed a qualifying New Zealand qualification may be able to apply for a Post Study Work Visa. The available work rights and duration depend on the qualification, study circumstances and current eligibility rules.

This option is intended for qualifying graduates; it is not automatically available to every person who has studied in New Zealand.

Official resource: Post Study Work Visa.

Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand offers working holiday schemes to eligible young people from participating countries. These visas are generally intended for people whose main purpose is a holiday, with work allowed under the conditions of their particular scheme.

Age limits, quotas, application opening dates, funds, insurance and work conditions vary by nationality. A working holiday visa is not the same as a long-term sponsored employment visa, and some schemes do not permit permanent employment.

Official resource: New Zealand working holiday visas.

Compare the Main Pathways

This is a general comparison, not a determination of eligibility. Use the official visa page for the pathway you are considering.

Who May Qualify for a Work Visa?

Eligibility varies by visa category. Depending on the pathway, an applicant may need to demonstrate:

• A genuine job offer that meets the requirements of the relevant visa.
• Employment with an appropriately accredited employer, where required.
• Relevant qualifications, skills and work experience.
• Professional registration if the occupation is regulated in New Zealand.
• English language ability where required.
• Good health and acceptable character.
• A genuine intention to comply with the conditions of the visa.
• Any required financial evidence or other supporting documents.

Your nationality, previous immigration history and the length of your intended stay can affect which documents and checks you need.

How to Verify an Employer and Job Offer

Before applying for an AEWV, confirm that the employer is accredited for the relevant scheme and that the job offer meets the current requirements.

Be particularly cautious if someone demands payment in exchange for a job offer. New Zealand employers and agents must not charge migrant workers recruitment fees or pass on their own recruitment costs. Paying for a job offer can also jeopardise an application.

Official resource: Immigration New Zealand — Information for employers.

Documents You May Need

Your official application checklist determines the exact documents required. Common examples for a work visa may include:

• Passport: A valid passport or accepted identity document.
• Photograph: An image that meets Immigration New Zealand’s current specifications.
• Job offer: A signed offer of employment if required for your visa.
• Employment agreement: The agreement and job description with the required details.
• Qualifications: Certificates, diplomas or other education records relevant to the job.
• Work experience: Employment certificates, payslips, tax records or other independent evidence as required.
• Professional registration: Evidence of New Zealand registration or eligibility where the job requires it.
• English language evidence: Accepted test results or other evidence where required.
• Police certificates: Certificates required under the character rules for your circumstances.
• Medical documents: A medical certificate or chest X-ray evidence if required.
• Translations: English translations that meet the department’s requirements for documents issued in other languages.
• Additional information: Any other documents requested for your visa category or individual circumstances.

A CV alone may not be sufficient evidence of work experience. Check the official instructions for acceptable independent proof, such as employment records or payslips.

How to Apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa

Other work visas may use a different process. Follow the instructions for your specific visa category rather than applying through the AEWV process by default.

Visa Fees and Processing Times

Fees and processing times depend on the visa category, the applicant’s circumstances and the information supplied with the application. Extra costs may include medical examinations, police certificates, translations and qualification assessments.

Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV page currently lists a fee from NZD $1,540 and states that 80% of applications are processed within five weeks. These figures can change and are not a promise about any individual application.

• Check the live fee on the official visa page before paying.
• Use the official processing-time guidance for your exact visa.
• Submit complete documents and accurate information.
• Allow time for medical checks, police certificates and translations.
• Avoid non-refundable travel commitments before approval.

Official resources: AEWV fees and processing information and Immigration New Zealand processing times.

Changing Employers or Staying Longer

An AEWV is linked to the job, employer and location stated in the visa conditions. If these change, you may need a Job Change, a variation of conditions or another visa before starting the new arrangement.

Some work visa holders may qualify for residence pathways, depending on their occupation, pay, work history and the applicable immigration programme. Residence is not automatic and requires a separate eligibility assessment.

Check the expiry date and conditions of your visa well in advance. Do not assume that an application to change your status automatically gives you new work rights.

Can Your Family Join You?

Depending on your visa, job, income and circumstances, you may be able to support separate visa applications for your partner or dependent children. Eligibility and work or study rights are assessed under the rules for each family member’s visa.

Family members are not automatically included in every work visa application. For an AEWV, your partner and dependent children cannot be included in the AEWV itself, although you may be able to support separate visitor, work or student visa applications if you meet the relevant requirements.

Official resource: Immigration New Zealand — Family visa information.

Common Problems to Avoid

• Accepting a job offer without verifying the employer and position.
• Paying money in exchange for a guaranteed job offer.
• Submitting incomplete or unverifiable employment evidence.
• Using expired or incorrect documents.
• Assuming every job qualifies for the same work visa.
• Ignoring English, health, character or professional registration requirements.
• Relying on outdated visa fees or processing estimates.
• Working for a different employer without checking the visa conditions.

If Immigration New Zealand requests further information or declines your application, read the official communication carefully. Any review, reconsideration or new application depends on your circumstances and the applicable rules.

Official New Zealand Immigration Resources

Use these official resources to confirm current requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions