Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Who needs it?  - Any NZ employer who wants to hire migrants on an AEWV.

Pick the right type:

• Standard – hire up to 5 AEWV workers.

• High-volume – hire 6+ AEWV workers.

• Triangular employer – you’re the direct employer but place staff with a controlling third party. (Franchisee accreditation closed in 2024; use one of the above.)

How long does it last?
Your first accreditation is 12 months; renew before it expires. Subsequent accreditation is valid for 24 months.

Core obligations (in plain English):

• Follow NZ employment law and pay at least market rate for the job.

• Do not pass recruitment or compulsory training/equipment costs to workers.

• Provide basic settlement support (info on local services, work & life in NZ) and keep good records.

• Only use compliant employment agreements (no trial periods for AEWV roles).

Before a migrant can apply for an AEWV, the job must pass a Job Check. INZ looks for:

• A genuine, full-time role (min 30 guaranteed hours/week).

• Pay at market rate and at/above any required wage threshold for that role.

• A compliant agreement (including no 90-day trial).

Advertising rules (most roles):

• Advertise for at least 2 weeks on a suitable NZ-wide or industry site.

• Apply for the Job Check within 90 days of the advert closing.

• Job Check approvals are valid 6 months (the worker must lodge their visa while it’s still valid).

Extra step for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO 4–5):
You must engage with Work and Income before your Job Check (in addition to advertising).

When advertising may not be needed:
Some roles can be exempt (for example Green List roles or roles paying twice the median wage). We’ll confirm if your vacancy qualifies.

Your candidate applies once you’re accredited and the Job Check is approved. Their visa must match your Job Check (same job, location, hours, pay).

What the worker must show (high level):

• Minimum skills threshold: either 2+ years’ relevant experience or a relevant Level 4+ qualification, with proper third-party evidence.

• English for ANZSCO level 4–5 roles (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL — specific minimums apply).

• Health/character checks as usual.

Wage settings you should know:
INZ updates pay thresholds using the median wage. As of 18 Aug 2025, the median wage INZ uses is $33.56/hour (so “twice median” = $67.12/hour). We’ll align your Job Check and offer with the correct current settings.

No trial periods:
AEWV employment agreements must not include a 90-day trial.

• Accreditation — set-up, evidence, first accreditation applications and renewals.

• Job Checks — ad copy that meets INZ content rules, Work & Income engagement (where needed), and complete application submissions.

• AEWV support — checklisting, documentation, and visa filing for your chosen candidate.

• Compliance peace-of-mind — settlement support templates, record-keeping guides, and readiness for post-accreditation checks. (We don’t recruit, but we keep you compliant and moving forward.)