AEWV to Residence (2026): Your PR Pathway

An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can be more than a temporary work visa.

It can be your pathway to permanent residence in New Zealand.

Depending on your occupation, qualifications and work experience, you may be eligible to apply through the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category or another residence pathway.

This guide explains who can apply, how each pathway works and what you can do now to start planning your future in New Zealand.

Yes. An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can lead to permanent residence in New Zealand.

However, an AEWV does not automatically become a resident visa. You still need to qualify for a residence pathway based on your occupation, qualifications, work experience and income.

Planning early can help you meet the right wage, English and work experience requirements before you're ready to apply.

The best pathway depends on your job, your qualifications and how long you've worked in New Zealand. Some people can apply for residence straight away, while others need to build work experience first.

Not sure which pathway is right for you?

IDP can help you compare your options based on your occupation, qualifications and long-term goals.

There isn't one pathway to permanent residence in New Zealand. The right option depends on your occupation, work experience and whether you meet the eligibility requirements for a particular visa.

Use the comparison below to see which pathway may be the best fit for your situation. You'll find a detailed explanation of each pathway further down this guide.

You may be eligible if you:

• Work in a Tier 1 Green List occupation.

• Meet the qualification, registration or work experience requirements for your role.

• Have a full-time job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

• Meet New Zealand's health, character and age requirements for residence.

Good to know

• You can apply for residence without completing 24 months of work in New Zealand.

• You may be able to include your partner and dependent children in your application.

• Processing typically takes around 4–5 months, although times can vary.

You may be eligible if you:

• Work in an eligible Tier 2 Green List occupation.

• Complete 24 months of eligible work in New Zealand.

• Meet the qualification, registration and wage requirements for your occupation.

• Meet New Zealand's health, character and age requirements for residence.

Good to know

• From 18 August 2026, updated wage requirements apply when you lodge your residence application.

• You may be able to include your partner and dependent children in your application.

• Processing typically takes around 4–5 months, although times can vary.

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a skilled job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

• Meet the 6-point Skilled Migrant Category threshold.

• Meet the English language, health, character and age requirements.

Good to know

• You can earn points through your qualifications, occupational registration, high income or skilled work experience. Different combinations can add up to the required 6 points.

• New Skilled Work Experience and Trades & Technician pathways will be introduced from 18 August 2026, providing additional residence options for eligible workers.

Care Workforce

You may be eligible if you:

• Work in an eligible Care Workforce occupation.

• Complete 24 months of eligible employment in New Zealand.

• Meet the required wage threshold.

• Meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.

Transport

You may be eligible if you:

• Work in an approved Transport occupation.

• Complete the required period of eligible employment.

• Meet the required wage threshold.

• Meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.

Good to know

• The current minimum pay rate is generally NZD $31.61 per hour (or the applicable occupation-specific rate).

• You'll need to meet the wage threshold that applies when you lodge your residence application, as wage requirements may change over time.

While each residence pathway has its own rules, most applicants must meet a common set of eligibility requirements. Before you apply, check that you meet the following.

Depending on the residence pathway you apply for, you may need to prove your English language ability. If you've already taken IELTS for your AEWV, keep in mind that the English requirement for permanent residence is generally higher.

Immigration New Zealand also accepts other approved English language tests, including PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Occupational English Test (OET) and Cambridge English qualifications, provided you meet the required scores.

Need to meet the English requirement for residence?

Book your IELTS test and access free preparation materials, practice tests and expert support to help you achieve your target score.

Some residence pathways have minimum salary or hourly pay requirements. The wage threshold that applies depends on the pathway and occupation you're applying under.

Good to know:

Wage thresholds are reviewed by Immigration New Zealand and may change over time. Always check the current requirements before applying for residence.

The time it takes to become a New Zealand resident depends on the pathway you apply under. Some people can apply as soon as they receive an eligible job offer, while others need to complete a qualifying period of work before becoming eligible.

Good to know: Processing times are updated regularly by Immigration New Zealand and may vary depending on your application and current processing volumes.

Getting permanent residence starts long before you submit your application. Planning ahead can help you meet the right requirements and avoid unnecessary delays.

Typical pathway to permanent residence

Choose the right residence pathway

Identify whether you're eligible for Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Skilled Migrant Category or another pathway.

↓

Meet the wage requirements

Make sure your salary or hourly rate meets the threshold for your chosen pathway.

↓

Meet the English requirements

If your pathway requires proof of English, prepare early and achieve the required score.

↓

Gain the required work experience

Complete any qualifying period of employment needed for your pathway.

↓

Apply for residence

Submit your application with all the required supporting documents.

↓

Become a New Zealand resident

Once your application is approved, you'll be granted a Resident Visa and can begin your next chapter in New Zealand.

Plan early: Your study choices, occupation and work experience can all influence your pathway to permanent residence. The earlier you start planning, the more options you may have.

Getting an AEWV is just the beginning. Whether you're planning to become a permanent resident, continue your studies or build a long-term career in New Zealand, making the right decisions early can open up more opportunities later.

At IDP, we can help you plan your journey with confidence.

We can help you:

• Compare the different residence pathways.

• Understand the requirements for your chosen pathway.

• Prepare for IELTS if you need to meet the English requirement.

• Explore study options that support your long-term goals.

• Plan your pathway to permanent residence.

Whether you're applying for residence now or planning ahead, IDP is here to help you take the next step.

Can an AEWV lead to permanent residence?

Yes. An Accredited Employer Work Visa can be a pathway to permanent residence if you meet the requirements for an eligible residence pathway, such as Straight to Residence, Work to Residence or the Skilled Migrant Category.

What is the fastest pathway from an AEWV to permanent residence?

For eligible Tier 1 Green List occupations, the Straight to Residence pathway is usually the fastest because you can apply as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements.

What is the difference between Straight to Residence and Work to Residence?

Straight to Residence lets eligible applicants apply immediately, while Work to Residence generally requires you to complete 24 months of eligible work in a Tier 2 Green List occupation before applying.

Can I apply for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category?

Yes. If you don't qualify for a Green List pathway, you may be able to apply through the Skilled Migrant Category by meeting the required points threshold and other eligibility requirements.

Do I need IELTS for permanent residence?

Many residence pathways require you to prove your English language ability. IELTS is one of the approved tests accepted by Immigration New Zealand.

Can my partner and children be included in my residence application?

In many cases, yes. Your partner and dependent children may be included if they also meet the relevant health, character and relationship requirements.

How long does it take to get permanent residence?

The total timeline depends on your pathway. Some people can apply immediately, while others need to complete up to 24 months of eligible work before lodging a residence application.

What happens if my AEWV expires before I qualify for residence?

You must hold a valid visa while remaining in New Zealand. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for another AEWV or another eligible visa while you continue working towards permanent residence.

Can studying in New Zealand improve my pathway to residence?

It can. Studying may help you gain recognised qualifications, move into an in-demand occupation or strengthen your eligibility for certain residence pathways, depending on your circumstances.

Which residence pathway is right for me?

The best pathway depends on your occupation, qualifications, work experience and long-term goals. If you're unsure which option fits your situation, IDP can help you understand your choices and plan your next steps.