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Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Applying

Want to make your career and life in New Zealand? The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the key to making that dream come true. If you want to get a work visa as a New Zealand skilled migrant, you need to know the rules.

Our top New Zealand immigration consultants in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are always up to date on immigration policy. This complete guide explains the 2025 AEWV landscape, including the most recent changes, who can apply, and the steps you need to take to get your visa.

What is the AEWV, or Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The AEWV is a work visa that lets you live and work in New Zealand for a specific employer that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has approved. This system makes sure that you get a job with a good company that follows New Zealand’s employment laws.

AEWV’s at a Glance:

Length of Stay: Most jobs last up to 5 years, but some lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO Level 4–5 or NOL equivalents) are now eligible for up to 3 years.
Cost of a visa: Application fees are typically up to NZD $1,540 for employees. Fees vary by nationality and may change—always check the INZ website.
Processing Time: Most straightforward AEWV applications are processed in around 7 weeks, but times vary depending on completeness, checks, and manual reviews.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Yes, this visa can lead directly to permanent residency, particularly for high-skill or Green List occupations.

Important Changes to AEWV in 2025: What You Should Know

New Zealand’s immigration rules have changed to better deal with a lack of skilled workers. Here are the important changes that will take effect in 2025:

1. Wage Requirements Made Easier: From 2025, the median wage is no longer the automatic baseline for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) job offers. Instead, Immigration New Zealand now applies a two-step wage check:

Median wage removed as the automatic baseline.
Employers must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage (NZD $23.50/hr from 1 April 2025) and match the genuine market rate for the role, industry, and region.
Employers must demonstrate that the pay aligns with current labor market benchmarks, not just minimum thresholds.

Note: Applicants should verify the latest wage figures and market guidance on the INZ or MBIE websites before applying.

2. Less Work Experience: The requirement for work experience has been cut from three years to two years of relevant experience.

3. ANZSCO & NOL Changes: Many roles are being reclassified to higher skill levels under ANZSCO or replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL) starting November 2025.

This may affect visa duration, work rights, and family sponsorship. Always confirm the correct occupation code on INZ before applying.

4. Longer Visas for Lower-Skilled Jobs: If your job is at ANZSCO Level 4 or 5, you can now stay for up to 3 years on an AEWV. This gives you more stability.

5. Higher Income Threshold for Families: You now need to make at least NZD $55,844 a year (this amount changes every year) to get a work visa for your partner and student visas for your dependent children.

Tip: Double-check this requirement when applying, as it can change.

Who Can Apply for AEWV?

To be eligible for an AEWV, you must meet the following basic requirements:

A Job Offer from an Accredited Employer: This is the most important first step. Your offer has to be for full-time work (at least 30 hours a week).
Meet Skill Requirements: You usually need 2+ years of relevant work experience or a qualification at NZQF Level 4 or higher.
Meet Health and Character Standards: If needed, you must show proof of your health and character, such as medical certificates and police clearances.
Hold an Occupational Registration (if necessary): If you work in a regulated field like nursing or engineering, you need to have or be able to get New Zealand registration.
Show that you can speak English well (for some): If your job is at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, you must take a test or get a recognized qualification to show that you can speak English well.

Important: Dependents apply for their own visas — meeting INZ’s dependent criteria (including the AEWV holder meeting the minimum income requirement) is required.

The AEWV Application Process in Steps

To avoid delays or denials, you need to fill out the application correctly.

Step 1: Get a job offer from a company that is accredited.

For your job, your employer must be accredited by INZ and have a “Job Check” that has been approved. At Trenity Consultants, we help our clients come up with plans to find and get jobs with accredited employers.

Step 2: Get your paperwork ready Very carefully

Get ready and get together:

A signed copy of your job offer and employment contract.
Proof of your work history, such as reference letters, pay stubs, and tax records.
Proof of your qualifications, which may include a NZQA International Qualification Assessment.
Information about your passport.
Police and medical certificates, if needed.
Results of the English test (if applicable).

Step 3: Send in your application online

Your boss will give you a special “job token” that will connect your application to their Job Check. You need to fill out the online form, upload all the documents, and pay the application fee.

Step 4: Wait for the Answer

Your application will be processed by INZ. They might ask for more information. You will get an eVisa once your application is approved.

How to Find a Legitimate Employer in New Zealand

This is often the hardest part. These are good ways to do it:

Look at the Official INZ List: Immigration NZ keeps a public list of employers who are approved.
Use job search keywords that are specific to your field: On job sites like Seek and Trade Me Jobs, look for “Accredited Employer” or “Visa Sponsorship.”
Use Professional Networks: Use LinkedIn to get in touch with accredited employers and recruitment agencies in your field.
Work with a Migration Advisor: At Trenity Consultants, we use our wide network and market knowledge to match skilled candidates with trustworthy, accredited employers.

How long can you stay on an AEWV?

The highest amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on AEWVs depends on how skilled your job is:

ANZSCO / NOL Skill Level 1–3: Up to 5 years.
ANZSCO / NOL Skill Level 4–5: Up to 3 years.
Job Changes: Must apply for a new Job Check + AEWV before starting a new role.

After your maximum stay, you may need to leave New Zealand for 12 months before reapplying, depending on visa conditions.

AEWV – What’s Changed in 2025? (Quick Update)

New Zealand introduced important updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system in 2025. Here are the key changes every applicant must know:

Median wage requirement removed—Employers must now pay at least the NZ minimum wage and match the market rate for the role.
Work experience reduced to 2 years—Most AEWV roles now require 2 years of relevant experience, instead of 3.
Longer visas for lower-skilled roles—ANZSCO Level 4–5 jobs can now be approved for up to 3 years, offering greater stability.
Higher income requirement for family visas—AEWV holders must earn NZD $55,844+ per year to sponsor partners or dependent children.
Occupation lists are being updated—some roles are being reclassified or added; always check the latest INZ occupation/skill list before applying.

From AEWV to living in New Zealand

The AEWV is a strong way to make New Zealand your permanent home. A lot of jobs, especially those on the Green List, lead directly to residency. Our immigration advisors at Trenity Consultants are experts at making long-term plans for immigration. They will make sure that your AEWV is the first step toward getting residency.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of November 2025. Immigration New Zealand policies may change. Always confirm via the INZ website or consult a licensed immigration adviser before applying.

Trenity Consultants Can Help You Plan for Your Future in New Zealand

The AEWV process is complicated, and the changes in 2025 will make things both easier and harder. A small mistake on your application could cause big delays or even a refusal.

Why do this on your own? We at Trenity Consultants want to be your trusted partner.

We offer:

Up-to-the-Minute Expertise: We keep an eye on immigration policy all the time so we can give you the most accurate, up-to-date advice.
Support from start to finish: from finding a job and checking your papers to sending in a bulletproof application.
Pathway Planning: We don’t just get you a visa; we also help you plan how to get to your new home in New Zealand.

Don’t leave your future up to chance. Call Trenity Consultants, your New Zealand PR visa specialists, today for a full consultation. Let’s make your dream of going to New Zealand come true.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the AEWV 2025

I already have an AEWV. Will the changes in 2025 affect me?

Your current visa conditions remain until expiry. New rules apply only for your next AEWV application.

How long does it take to get an AEWV?

Most applications are processed in 5.5 weeks, but this can change depending on how complicated the application is, how complete the documents are, and how many applications INZ has. The key to getting a faster result is to have a well-prepared application.