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Expert Visa Service

New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa

New Zealand’s Primary Work Visa – Your Bridge to a Career and Permanent Residence

What Is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary temporary work visa, introduced in July 2022 as the cornerstone of the country’s employer-led immigration framework. It allows skilled migrant workers to live and work in New Zealand under a structured, three-step process involving employer accreditation, a Job Check, and the visa application itself.

For Sri Lankan professionals seeking to build a career and gain permanent residence in New Zealand, the AEWV is one of the most strategically significant visa categories available. Dream Way Consultancy’s Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA No: 202401523) guides both employers and workers through every stage of this process with full accountability and precision.

How the AEWV System Works - The Three-Step Process

Dream Way Consultancy advises workers through Step 3 and provides expert guidance on Steps 1 and 2, ensuring the entire three-stage process is aligned and managed for a successful outcome.
Step 1 - Employer Accreditation
The NZ employer applies to INZ to become accredited – proving they are a genuine, compliant, and reputable business
Step 2 - Job Check
The employer’s specific vacancy is approved by INZ – confirming the role, pay, and that NZ workers are unavailable
Step 3 - AEWV Application
The migrant worker submits their AEWV application – linked to the approved Job Check token

Key Visa Details

Visa Type

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa - Temporary Entry Class

Duration

  • 3 to 5 years (depending on skill level of the role)

Work Rights

  • Tied to your accredited employer and the specific approved role

Partner Work Rights

  • Depending on the skill level of the role and the income

Children

  • Depending on the skill level of the role and the income

Residence Pathway

  • Yes - via Skilled Migrant Category or Green List roles

Worker Eligibility Requirements

You Must Demonstrate:

  • Hold a valid Job Check token from your accredited New Zealand employer
  • Meet the minimum pay requirement (currently NZD 29.66 per hour or the median wage - whichever is higher)
  • Meet any registration, licensing, or qualification requirements specific to your occupation
  • Have relevant qualifications and work experience for the approved role
  • Be of good character - police clearance certificates required
  • Meet health requirements - a medical examination may be required
  • Demonstrate English language ability if required for your specific occupation

Employer Accreditation Types

Employers can hold different levels of INZ accreditation, which affects how many migrant workers they can hire and the obligations they must meet:
Standard Accreditation
For employers hiring up to 5 migrants at a time
High-Volume Accreditation
For employers hiring 6 or more migrants simultaneously
Controlling Third Party Accreditation
For labor hire and staffing companies
Franchise Accreditation
For franchise business networks
Dream Way Consultancy advises workers on verifying current employer accreditation status before accepting a job offer and relying on an employer’s AEWV sponsorship.

Worker Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold a valid Job Check token from your accredited New Zealand employer
  • Meet the minimum pay requirement on the job check
  • Meet any registration, licensing, or qualification requirements specific to your occupation
  • Have relevant qualifications and work experience for the approved role
  • Be of good character - police clearance certificates required
  • Meet health requirements - a medical examination may be required
  • Demonstrate English language ability if the role is skill level 4 or 5

Documents Required for AEWV

Essential Worker Documentation
  • Valid passport - with sufficient validity for your intended stay
  • Job Check approval token from your accredited New Zealand employer
  • Signed employment agreement and job description
  • Qualifications and academic transcripts
  • Evidence of relevant work experience
  • Professional registration or licensing certificate (if required for your role)
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Medical certificate
  • English language evidence for skill level 4 and 5 roles

Changing Employers While on Your AEWV

An AEWV is tied to a specific employer and approved role. If you wish to change employers, you must apply for a new AEWV to change your role or employer. Continuing to work for a different employer without the correct visa is a serious immigration breach. Dream Way Consultancy advises on transition strategies and ensures you remain in lawful immigration status throughout any employer change.

AEWV Pathway to Permanent Residence

The AEWV is explicitly designed as a bridge to permanent residence in New Zealand. Dream Way Consultancy plans your residence pathway from the moment you receive your AEWV:

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

Points-based system; your NZ employment, qualifications, age, and work experience accumulate towards a successful residence application.

Green List Straight to Residence (Tier 1)

Apply directly for residence without a points threshold, immediately upon meeting the role requirements.

Green List Work to Residence (Tier 2)

After 24 months of employment in a Tier 2 role on an AEWV, apply for residence.

Transport Sector Pathway

Specific pathway for eligible bus and truck drivers in approved New Zealand transport roles.

How Dream Way Consultancy Supports You

Navigating Immigration New Zealand’s policies can be complex and stressful. With our Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA) managing your case, you eliminate guesswork and maximize your chances of success. We don’t just fill out forms; we build a robust, evidence-backed application designed for approval.

LIA-Guided Process

Your application is handled directly by a Licensed Immigration Advisor.

End-to-End Support

We assist with document preparation, profiling, and INZ submission.

Strategic Planning

We align your current visa strategy with your long-term residency goals.

Our End-to-End AEWV Visa Service Includes:

  • Assessment of your qualifications, occupation, and job offer against AEWV and Green List criteria
  • Verification of employer accreditation status and Job Check compliance
  • Complete document preparation and review by our Licensed Immigration Advisor
  • Advice on professional registration and licensing requirements for your occupation
  • Submission of your AEWV application to Immigration New Zealand
  • Long-term residence planning aligned with your AEWV employment
  • Support for partner and dependent children's visa applications
  • Ongoing compliance advice during your employment in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for a different employer while holding my AEWV?

No. Your AEWV is tied to your specific accredited employer and approved role. Working for a different employer is a serious visa condition violation. If you wish to change jobs, Dream Way Consultancy advises you on the correct process for transitioning to a new AEWV under a new employer.

What if my employer loses their INZ accreditation?

If your employer's accreditation lapses or is revoked, your AEWV conditions may be directly affected. Dream Way Consultancy monitors these situations and advises immediately on your options, including applying for a new AEWV under a new accredited employer.

How long does the full AEWV process take?

Employer accreditation and the Job Check both have their own processing queues at INZ. Once all three steps are complete, worker AEWV applications are generally processed within a few weeks. Dream Way Consultancy manages the entire process to eliminate unnecessary delays.

Your New Zealand Journey Starts Here

Book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Advisor today and get a personalised roadmap to your New Zealand residency.

Book a consultation

Licensed immigration advisors dedicated to guiding you toward a successful future in New Zealand from your first visa to permanent residence.

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