Key Takeaways
- AEWV suits skilled and essential workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
- Jobs in hospitality and agriculture at the entry level also qualify.
- In-demand sectors: healthcare, construction, IT, tourism, and agriculture.
- The visa can open doors to permanent residency and allows family support.
- You need to complete three stages to apply: employer accreditation, job check, and visa application.
To learn more about similar visas, check out our guides on the Skilled Migrant Category or Work to Residence Visa.
Is an AEWV Right for You?
Are you asking yourself, “Can I get an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand?” You’re not the only one. A lot of skilled workers and people looking for entry-level jobs want to know about this visa. It gives you a chance to work and live in New Zealand. The AEWV helps skilled and essential workers find jobs with accredited employers all over the country. This makes it one of the top temporary visas for experienced professionals and people just starting their careers.
Figuring out if you qualify is key, and knowing the industries, skill levels, and requirements will help you make smart choices. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know if this visa is right for you, what steps to take, and how it can open doors for you to live and work in New Zealand.
Who Can Get the AEWV?
Not everyone can get the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Your chances depend on three main things: your skills, your job offer, and the type of company you’ll work for.
1. Skilled Workers
The AEWV aims to attract skilled migrants. These jobs fall under ANZSCO skill levels 1–3, including engineers, IT experts, healthcare workers, and tradespeople. You’re more likely to meet the visa criteria if you have relevant qualifications and experience in your field.
2. Roles That Don't Need Prior Experience
Some jobs don’t require extensive experience. Many employers can hire workers for entry-level positions in hospitality, agriculture, and key service sectors. This creates opportunities for applicants without formal qualifications who are keen to work and live in New Zealand.
3. Sectors in High Demand
The visa is designed for sectors with worker shortages. Some fields in high demand include:
- Healthcare and aged care
- Construction and engineering
- IT and technology
- Hospitality and tourism
- Agriculture and primary industries
These industries often provide ways to become a resident making AEWV not just a work option but also a possible first step to settle long-term.
How This Visa Can Help You
The AEWV has many perks for people who qualify:
- Work with Trusted Employers: accredited employers can hire AEWV workers. This ensures job security and compliance with New Zealand labour laws.
- Pathway to Residence: Many AEWV roles can lead to permanent residency. This happens through work-to-residence pathways.
- Family Support: Eligible AEWV holders may bring partners and children. Open work rights are available in many cases.
- Flexibility Across Sectors: There are chances for a wide range of applicants. These range from skilled roles to essential services.
When you choose the AEWV route, you gain peace of mind. You know your employer meets government standards. Your earnings are fair. Your stay in New Zealand is secure.
Steps to Apply for the AEWV
Getting an AEWV involves three steps:
- Employer Accreditation: Companies need accreditation to hire workers from other countries on AEWVs. This step confirms the business is real and follows the rules.
- Job Check: Companies must ask for a job check to show they’ve advertised the job and met the job market requirements.
- Visa Application: After the job check gets the green light, the worker can ask for their AEWV.
Each part matters. Missing papers or not meeting job market needs can slow down or stop approval. Working with a certified immigration helper, like Ezy Immigration, makes sure your request ticks all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you need a confirmed job offer from an accredited employer to apply.
Yes, jobs in hospitality, agriculture, and essential services can qualify.
Your skill level and wages determine the duration, which ranges from 3–5 years.
Your role and earnings may make your partner and children eligible for visas.
Healthcare, construction, IT, tourism, and agriculture have the highest demand.
