How To Apply For An AEWV: Step-By-Step Guide (2026)

Getting a job in New Zealand is exciting. But turning that job into a visa can feel confusing. The good news is, the Accredited Employer Work Visa is more straightforward than most people think.

This guide shows you exactly how to apply in 2026, step by step.

AEWV visa update:

From 1 June 2026, some workers applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may now need to show English proof for Skill Level 3 jobs under New Zealand’s NOL and ANZSCO occupation systems.

Know more about this update.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main employer-sponsored work visa. It lets you work full-time for an approved (accredited) employer in a specific role. To get it, your employer must pass a job check and offer you a job that meets skill, pay, and market requirements.

What is an accredited employer? 

An accredited employer is a business approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to hire skilled migrant workers. These employers can hire skilled migrant workers when there is not enough local talent to fill industries facing skill shortages.

If your job is in demand and meets the right conditions, this visa could also be your stepping stone to permanent residency.

You apply for an AEWV online, but your employer must complete key steps first.

Before you can submit your visa application, your employer needs to be approved, and your job must be verified by Immigration New Zealand. Once those are done, you can apply with your documents.

Step 1: Receive a job offer from an accredited employer

Before you can apply, you must have a full-time job offer from an employer approved to hire migrant workers under the AEWV scheme.

Your employer must:

• Hold valid AEWV accreditation.

• Offer you a genuine full-time role (at least 30 hours per week).

• Pay at least the market rate for your occupation.

Good to know: Employer accreditation can expire. Before accepting a job offer, check that your employer is still accredited.

Step 2: Your employer completes a Job Check

Before they can invite you to apply, your employer must complete a Job Check with Immigration New Zealand.

Once approved, your employer will send you:

• your job offer

• your employment agreement

• your job description

• your job token, which you'll need to start your AEWV application.

What is a job token? A job token is a unique reference that links your visa application to your employer's approved Job Check.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Before starting your application, gather all the documents Immigration New Zealand requires.

These may include:

• Passport

• Job offer and employment agreement

• Proof of work experience or qualifications

• Occupational registration (if required)

• English test results (if required)

• Police certificates

• Medical examination or chest X-ray (if required)

Check our AEWV full document checklist for further guidance.

Good to know

You may not need to provide English test results if your occupation or circumstances qualify for an exemption. Check whether you need to meet the AEWV English language requirement.

Step 4: Submit your AEWV application online

Once you've received your job token and prepared your documents, you can apply through Immigration New Zealand's online application system.

You'll need to:

• complete the online application

• enter your job token

• upload your supporting documents

• pay the AEWV application fee.

Step 5: Wait for Immigration New Zealand's decision

Immigration New Zealand will review your application and may contact you if they need additional information or supporting documents.

Responding promptly can help avoid unnecessary delays.

If you're already in New Zealand and your current temporary visa expires while you're waiting, you may be granted an Interim Visa if you're eligible.

Step 6: Receive your AEWV

If your application is approved, Immigration New Zealand will issue you an eVisa.

Your visa starts:

• when you enter New Zealand, if you applied from overseas, or

• on the date your visa is granted, if you applied while already in New Zealand.

Once your AEWV is approved, you can:

• start working for your approved employer

• understand your visa conditions

• begin planning your next visa or pathway to residence.

Experience a Stress-Free AEWV Application

Visa applications can be stressful.

What requirements do you need? When you have them, are they even the right ones? How do you increase your chances of approval?

There are too many questions to consider! And you can't risk a single thing unclear.

Sometimes, it can also be stressful searching for answers on the internet because visa rules always change. The information you find online may not always be up-to-date or accurate.

The best solution? Talk to a migration expert.

50+ years of migration expertise

At IDP, our migration experts have helped thousands of international students secure visas and PR pathways, and we've been doing it for 50+ years.

We also have strong relationships with immigration authorities and institutions across New Zealand, so you’ll be assured that your application is in trusted hands.

We’ll guide you step-by-step, double-check your documents, and ensure everything meets the visa requirements. Chat with our visa experts today.

Once you've completed your online application and uploaded your supporting documents, you'll review your information, pay the visa application fee online and submit your application through Immigration New Zealand. After your application is submitted, you'll receive confirmation and Immigration New Zealand will begin processing it.

What you'll typically pay

Good to know: The application fee and available payment methods may vary depending on your passport nationality and where you're applying from. Immigration New Zealand will show the correct payment options before you submit your application.

View our guide to AEWV visa fees and costs to understand the government fee and other expenses you may need to budget for.

How long does processing take?

If your application is complete and all required documents have been provided, it may be processed sooner.

Want to know what affects processing times? Read our guide to AEWV processing times to learn what can delay your application and how to avoid common mistakes.

The best way to find an accredited employer is to search Immigration New Zealand's accredited employer list, look for jobs that offer visa sponsorship and apply for roles that match your skills and experience.

1. Check the accredited employer list

Immigration New Zealand publishes a list of employers approved to hire migrant workers on an AEWV. Before applying for a job, check that the employer is currently accredited.

Good to know: Employer accreditation can expire. Always check the latest accredited employer list before accepting a job offer.

2. Look for jobs that offer visa sponsorship

Many employers state in their job advertisements if they're willing to hire overseas workers. Look for terms such as:

• Accredited Employer

• Visa sponsorship available

• AEWV sponsorship

• Work visa support

Popular job websites include:

• Seek

• Trade Me Jobs

• Indeed New Zealand

3. Work with a recruitment agency

Some recruitment agencies specialise in placing skilled migrant workers with accredited employers. They can help match your skills with employers that are actively hiring overseas candidates.

4. Build your professional network

Not every role is advertised publicly. You can increase your chances of finding an opportunity by:

• Connecting with employers on LinkedIn.

• Attending industry networking events.

• Contacting employers directly to express your interest.

Are you ready to start a successful career and unlock the chance to live permanently in New Zealand?

Getting your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) might seem like a challenge, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth path to building your career in New Zealand.

Don’t let confusion or uncertainty hold you back from achieving your dreams.

At IDP, we’re here to help every step of the way—from finding accredited employers to preparing a strong visa application.

Our visa experts simplify the process so you can focus on what matters most: your exciting future in New Zealand.

How do you apply for a New Zealand AEWV?

You apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) online through Immigration New Zealand. Before you can apply, you must have a full-time job offer from an accredited employer, an approved Job Check and a valid job token. You'll then complete the online application, upload your supporting documents, pay the visa fee and wait for a decision.

How much does it cost to apply for an AEWV?

The standard AEWV application fee is NZD $1,540 in 2026.

Can I apply for a New Zealand visa online?

Yes. Most AEWV applicants apply online through Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online system. You'll need to complete the application form, upload your supporting documents, enter your job token and pay the visa application fee before submitting your application.

How long does it take to process an AEWV?

Most AEWV applications are processed within 7 weeks, with around 80% completed within this timeframe. Processing times may take longer if Immigration New Zealand needs additional documents or information.

What documents do you need to apply for an AEWV?

Most applicants need a valid passport, job offer, employment agreement, proof of qualifications or work experience, and any required English test results, police certificates, medical examination or occupational registration. The exact documents depend on your circumstances and the job you've been offered.

Can you apply for an AEWV without a job offer?

No. You must have a genuine full-time job offer from an accredited employer before you can apply for an AEWV. Your employer must also have an approved Job Check and provide you with a valid job token.

Can you apply for an AEWV without an accredited employer?

No. Your employer must be accredited under Immigration New Zealand's AEWV scheme before they can hire you. If your employer isn't accredited, they must obtain accreditation before you can apply for an AEWV.

Do you need to take IELTS for an AEWV?

Not everyone does. Whether you need an English test depends on your job's ANZSCO or National Occupation List (NOL) skill level and whether you meet another exemption. If an English test is required, IELTS is one of the approved tests accepted by Immigration New Zealand.

Can you apply for an AEWV from inside New Zealand?

Yes. You can apply for an AEWV while you're already in New Zealand if you meet the visa requirements. If your current visa expires while your AEWV application is being processed, you may be eligible for an Interim Visa.

Can you work while waiting for your AEWV to be approved?

It depends on your current visa. If you're eligible for an Interim Visa with work rights, you may be able to continue working while Immigration New Zealand processes your AEWV application. Your work rights will depend on the type of visa you held before applying.

What happens after your AEWV is approved?

After your AEWV is approved, you'll receive an electronic visa (eVisa). You can then begin working for your approved employer in accordance with your visa conditions. If you applied from overseas, you'll usually start working after arriving in New Zealand. Know more about what happens after your AEWV is approved.

Can IDP help with my AEWV application?

Yes. IDP's licensed immigration advisers can help you understand the AEWV requirements, review your documents, prepare your AEWV application and answer questions about your visa options before you apply.