The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary visa allowing you to work in New Zealand, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer.

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With this visa, you can:

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• Stay up to 5 years in New Zealand, with most AEWV holders eligible for this duration.

• Work in New Zealand: For an accredited employer with a minimum of 30 hours per week.

• Study: Up to 3 months in any 12-month period.

• Pathway to Residence: Eligibility for various residence visas, including the Straight to Residence Visa.

• Skilled Migrant Points: Use skilled work experience in New Zealand to claim points towards the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
   

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AEWV, you must meet the following criteria:
 

• Good Character: You must have no significant criminal record.

• Good Health: You need to meet health standards and may require a medical certificate.

• Valid Job Offer: You must have a job offer from an accredited employer.

• Minimum Skills Requirement:

  • Relevant Work Experience: 3 years or more of relevant work experience.

  • Qualification: A qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Your qualification or work experience must align with the field or industry of the job offer. If you hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, your qualification can be in any field or industry.

• No Stand Down Period: You must not need to spend time outside New Zealand due to a stand down period.
   

Additional Requirements Based on ANZSCO Skill Level: If your role is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5:
 

• English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate English language proficiency.

  • This can be shown through:

    • Your citizenship, where you studied, and the qualifications you gained; or

    • English language tests: Minimum scores required are IELTS 4 overall or PTE 29 overall, for example.

• Extended Job Advertising: Your employer will need to advertise the role for a longer period before offering it to you.

For roles at ANZSCO levels 1 to 3, there are no English language requirements when applying for an AEWV.