AEWV and Employer Accreditation in New Zealand
Updated: Sep 16
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process connects a New Zealand employer's recruitment needs with a migrant worker's visa application. A successful application starts with checking three things: the employer, the role and the worker.
JZ Immigration & Education helps employers prepare accreditation and Job Check applications, and helps eligible workers prepare their AEWV applications.
How the process works
Employer accreditation: the business obtains the appropriate accreditation and meets its ongoing obligations.
Recruitment and Job Check: the employer completes advertising and other recruitment steps where required, then seeks approval for the position.
Worker's AEWV application: the selected worker uses the approved Job Check invitation and provides evidence that they qualify for the job and visa.
These stages are linked, but approval at one stage does not guarantee approval at the next. See INZ's process overview.
For employers: prepare the business and the role
We review the business's accreditation needs, operating circumstances and recruitment plans. Standard accreditation generally covers up to five AEWV workers at one time; high-volume accreditation is for six or more. Employers placing workers with controlling third parties need the appropriate accreditation for that arrangement.
The proposed role must be genuine. Pay, duties, location and guaranteed hours must accurately reflect the employment offered. The job normally needs at least 30 guaranteed hours per week. Advertising, recruitment records and any Work and Income requirements must be addressed where applicable.
We can advise on the information to collect, review the job description and employment terms, and prepare and manage the relevant immigration applications. Hiring decisions and ongoing employment obligations remain the employer's responsibility.
For workers: prove that you meet the requirements
Applicants generally need at least two years of relevant work experience or a qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above, subject to the applicable exemptions. You must also meet the employer's genuine requirements for the role, which may be higher, and any occupational registration requirements.
A CV alone is usually insufficient evidence of employment. References, payslips, tax records, contracts and salary deposits can help establish your work history. Overseas qualifications may require an NZQA assessment. Check the full AEWV requirements.
Do you need English-language evidence?
English requirements now apply to AEWV jobs at ANZSCO or NOL skill levels 3–5, subject to exemptions. There is no standard AEWV English requirement for jobs at skill levels 1–2.
Where evidence is required, eligible citizenship, study or qualification evidence may be accepted, or an approved English test may be used. For IELTS, the minimum overall score is 4.0; test results must generally be no more than two years old when you apply. We check the occupation and any repeat-application exemption before recommending evidence. INZ's AEWV English requirements.
Fees and application support
We confirm our professional fees and service scope before work begins. INZ application charges and costs such as medicals, translations and qualification assessments are separate. Employer accreditation, Job Check and employer recruitment costs must not be improperly passed to the worker.
Start with the right information
Employers: prepare your company name and NZBN, accreditation status, workforce numbers, proposed role, pay and location.
Workers: prepare your CV, qualifications, employment history, current visa and proposed job offer.
We will explain which applications are needed, what evidence is missing and how to proceed.
Discuss your employer or work visa needs: Book a free initial consultation.
General information only. Requirements depend on the role, applicant and immigration instructions that apply.
Related guides
If you are planning beyond your work visa, explore possible residence pathways.
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