Relaunching the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa 2025 with Fresh Criteria

With revised regulations designed to enhance fairness, safeguard migrant employees, and simplify employers’ procedures, New Zealand officially relaunched its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in 2025. This visa is perfect for qualified professionals looking to reside and work in New Zealand. The revised regulations will impact whether you are an overseas employee or an employer employing foreign workers.

This essay will explain everything simply and straightforwardly. We have you covered, from what’s new to who can apply, how to use it, and what documents are required.

What Is the AEWV?

A temporary work visa called AEWV lets certified (accredited) employers in New Zealand hire competent foreign workers.

You must:

• Get a job offer from an authorised New Zealand business.
• Be compensated at least the median income.
• Satisfy standards for health, character, and skills.

Why Was the AEWV Updated in 2025?

The New Zealand government observed:

• Some companies that took advantage of migrants were operating.
• Low-skilled immigrants were being hired for jobs that did not require their skills.
• Many employees arriving in New Zealand were not on a path to residency.

Therefore, early in 2025, the government examined and modified the AEWV to address these issues.

What Are the Main Changes?

1. Stricter Requirements for Employer Accreditation

• Employers must demonstrate that they are financially stable and treat their employees fairly.
• More inspections are completed before accreditation is awarded.

2. Job Check Process Made Stricter

• Before employing anyone from abroad, employers must demonstrate that no local New Zealander is available.
• This guarantees local priorities.

3. Concentrate on Qualified Employment

• Only accurate, high-skill jobs at or above the median wage will qualify for the AEWV.
• Low-wage positions (such as care workers or seasonal labourers) will not be approved unless they are on an exemption list.

4. Low-Wage Jobs Call for Shorter Visa Duration

• If your job pays below the median (and you are on the exemption list), your visa will be good for only 12 months rather than three years.

5. Path to Residency for Skilled Workers

• Especially under the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List, the AEWV is now more connected with residency pathways.
• Residence applications go more quickly if you work on the Green List.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply for the AEWV in 2025

The program now has three primary stages:

Step 1: Employer Accreditation

Your employer must:

• Seek accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
• Provide evidence of good workplace policies and the absence of a migrant exploitation background.

Step 2: Work Verification

Once you are accredited, your company must:

• Apply for a job check.
• Show that the job satisfies skill demands and offers at least the median compensation.
• Demonstrate that the position is unsuitable for any local employees.

Step 3: Visa Application by the Worker

Being an international applicant, you must:

• Obtain a valid job offer letter from the approved employer.
• Submit your internet AEWV application.
• Offer needed documents, which include:
  • Police clearance
  • Passport
  • Medical certificate as necessary
  • Work experience and evidence of qualifications

Documents Needed for the AEWV (2025)

Here is a fast list of necessary items:

• Valid passport
• Job offers a letter from an accredited employer.
• Employment contract noting working conditions and salary.
• Certificates of training or certifications of qualifications
• Documentation of work experience: reference letters, payslips, etc.
• Police approval from your country of origin
• Medical certificate if INZ demands it
• Evidence of English proficiency for employment

Who Can Apply for the AEWV?

In 2025, you may be eligible for the AEWV if:

• An accredited New Zealand employer has offered you a job.
• Your job pays at least the average salary.
• You adhere to health and personality norms.
• Your talents match the needs of New Zealand.

Who Isn’t Eligible?

You might not be qualified if:

• Your work is below the median income and is not on the exemption list.
• You lack the necessary credentials or job experience.
• If you have a serious health condition or a past criminal record.
• Your business is not accredited or is failing the job check procedure.

What Is the Median Wage Requirement?

As of early 2025, the New Zealand median wage is NZD 31.61 per hour. Unless your job is listed on the exemption list (such as aged care workers), this is the lowest wage most AEWV candidates need.

Visa Validation Time

• For highly-skilled, high-paying jobs: up to five years
• For low-wage exemption positions: 12 months

Note: If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a residence visa using the Skilled Migrant or Green List routes.

Can You Get Permanent Residency (PR) via AEWV?

Yes! Many AEWV holders eventually seek PR. This is the way to do this:

1. If Your Job Is on the Green List

You might qualify for:

• Straight Residency Visa
• Work to Residence Visa (after two years)

2. Skilled Migrant Category

Using the points-based system, you can apply under this heading if you are making a good income, have decent qualifications, and speak English.

Fees for Visas in 2025

• Application fee: About NZD 750
• Employer accreditation: Begins at standard level NZD 740

Other costs might involve:

• Medical examinations
• Certificates of police
• Transcription of papers as needed

AEWV Processing Time (2025)

AEWV processing currently involves:

• Twenty-five to thirty-five working days following all document submission
• Employers must grant extra time for job checks and accreditation, which might take two to four weeks each

Is My Family Able to Come Along on This Visa?

Yes, your dependents and partner might apply for visas to accompany you.

• Your partner can get an open work visa
• Children might request student or visitor visas

Still, if your employment is low-wage, your family might not qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions: Accredited Employer Work Visa 2025

Q1. Without a job offer, may I apply for AEWV?

 No. Before applying, you must have a genuine job offer from an accredited business.

Q2. What if I lose my job at AEWV?

 You will have to:

• Within a set time, usually 1 month, find another certified company or
• Depart from New Zealand

Q3. Is there an age restriction for the AEWV?

 Applicants must satisfy health, character, and skills requirements, but no official age restriction exists.

Q4. What follows the expiration of my AEWV?

• Change to a residence visa (Skilled Migrant or Green List)
• Exit New Zealand

Q5. Can I change employers on AEWV?

 Yes, but:

• The new employer also has to be accredited
• A visa application and a new employment check are needed

Final Considerations

The New Zealand government’s first significant move to safeguard local job markets and migrant workers is the relaunch of the AEWV in 2025. Although the standards have tightened, the procedure remains open and is intended for those with talent and suitable job proposals.

For a qualified employee dreaming of living in New Zealand, the AEWV is still among the most robust choices, especially if your job is on the Green List or results in permanent residency.

If you need help understanding the procedure or gathering paperwork, it’s always wise to seek the advice of a certified immigration expert or visit the official website.