Accredited Employer Work Visa
The AEWV visa stage takes 2–3 weeks. The full process (employer accreditation + job check + visa) may take several additional weeks. Apply as soon as the employer has Job Check approval.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary work visa pathway for Indian professionals moving to New Zealand. It requires a valid job offer from an INZ-accredited employer and provides a direct pathway to Permanent Residency after 24 months of skilled employment.
Job offer from an INZ-accredited employer at ANZSCO skill level 1–3 (or earning threshold of NZD 29.66/hr as of 2025)
Relevant qualifications and/or experience for the role
Health and character requirements met
English language requirement: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent (some roles exempt)
Role must have been tested in the NZ labour market (Job Check completed by employer)
The NZ employer first obtains AEWV accreditation from INZ. Standard accreditation covers up to 5 migrants; high-volume covers 6 or more. The employer must be a genuine, financially stable business with no recent immigration or employment law violations.
The employer applies for a Job Check for your role. For most ANZSCO level 4–5 roles, the employer must advertise and engage with Work and Income NZ to confirm no New Zealanders are available. The job must meet market pay rates.
Once the Job Check is approved, the employer sends you a unique link via Immigration Online inviting you to apply for the AEWV.
Use the unique link to complete your application in Immigration Online, covering qualifications, work experience, health, and character.
Upload all required supporting documents and pay NZD 1,540 total (NZD 480 + NZD 1,060) online.
INZ assesses eligibility, skills, and experience. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. INZ will contact you if additional information is needed.
If approved, you receive an AEWV eVisa linked to your specific employer, job, and location. Duration depends on job skill level and pay rate.
Valid Indian passport
Unique application link from your accredited NZ employer
Evidence of qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates with English translations if needed)
Work experience evidence (employment letters, contracts, reference letters)
Occupational registration certificate (if applicable to the role)
English language test results (for ANZSCO level 4–5 roles unless exempt by citizenship or prior NZ study)
Medical certificate and chest X-ray from INZ-approved panel physician (if required)
Police clearance from Regional Passport Office of India's Ministry of External Affairs (mandatory from 1 December 2025)
Police clearances from other countries where you resided 12+ months in the past 10 years
Passport-sized photographs
Employment agreement or job offer letter from the accredited NZ employer
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
The AEWV visa stage takes 2–3 weeks. The full process (employer accreditation + job check + visa) may take several additional weeks. Apply as soon as the employer has Job Check approval.
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
AEWV Application Fee |
NZD 1,540 |
Immigration Levy (per adult) |
NZD 100 |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Yes, but you must apply for a variation of conditions or a new AEWV tied to your new employer. The new employer must also be INZ-accredited and must have completed a Job Check for your role.