Accredited Employer Work Visa:
Unlock Talent with Ease
Service Type
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Applications Processed
150+
Average Processing Time:
4–6 weeks
Completion Rate
90%
Why Choose Angel Immigration?
Understanding New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa Requirements
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is designed to help New Zealand businesses address skill shortages by allowing accredited employers to hire international talent. The visa is valid for up to three years, enabling overseas professionals to contribute their skills while working for a stable and compliant employer.
An AEWV allows employees to work in New Zealand if sponsored by an accredited employer. Employers must meet stringent criteria, proving their financial stability and adherence to immigration and employment laws. This visa is particularly beneficial for roles on New Zealand’s “Green List,” which may provide a pathway to residence.
Becoming an accredited employer provides multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Reputation: Accreditation enhances your business’s credibility, showing compliance with New Zealand employment standards.
- Streamlined Hiring: Employers benefit from a simplified process when sponsoring migrant workers.
- Access to Skills: Accreditation allows you to recruit international talent with specialised skills that may be scarce locally.
Accredited employers also save on paperwork and get faster processing times when applying for their employees’ visas.
To qualify as an accredited employer, you must:
- Operate a New Zealand-registered business in compliance with Inland Revenue.
- Have a good track record with Immigration New Zealand.
- Ensure employment agreements meet government standards.
- Prove financial capability to support migrant employees’ wages.
- Maintain systems to monitor compliance with visa terms.
There are three levels of accreditation based on your business’s needs:
- Standard Accreditation: For sponsoring up to 5 migrant workers.
- High Volume Accreditation: For businesses sponsoring 6 or more migrant workers.
- Triangular Accreditation: For companies that hire contracted migrant workers.
The AEWV requires employers to complete a “labour market test” to show that no qualified New Zealanders are available for the role. This ensures that local talent is prioritised before hiring internationally. Our immigration advisers can assist you throughout the accreditation and hiring process, ensuring compliance with all requirements. Book a consultation to get started.