Work & Stay
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Once your Post-Study Work Visa is running out, the Accredited Employer Work Visa is usually the next step, provided you have a genuine job offer from an employer who's gone through Immigration New Zealand's accreditation process. It's a structured pathway that can also feed into residence.
Immigration rules change, always confirm before you rely on this
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Recently changed
Immigration New Zealand has aligned AEWV job requirements with the Skilled Migrant Category's new authenticity standards: roles must be genuinely ongoing and need to be based in New Zealand, which INZ is checking more closely following the Skilled Migrant Category changes in 2026.
Key facts
- Requires a full-time job offer (at least 30 hours a week) from an INZ-accredited employer
- You'll generally need 2+ years of relevant experience, or a level 4+ qualification, matched to the role's skill level
- Maximum continuous stay is up to 5 years for skill level 1–3 roles, or up to 3 years for skill level 4–5 roles
- After reaching your maximum stay, you must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before reapplying
- The job must pay at least the applicable minimum wage for that occupation
How it works
Secure an accredited employer's job offer
Your employer needs to hold current INZ accreditation and have passed a job check for the specific role before you can apply.
We check the role against your visa history
We confirm the role's skill level, wage, and how it fits against your Post-Study Work Visa timeline so there's no gap in your status.
Lodge your application
We prepare your supporting documents, employment agreement, and evidence, then lodge your application through the online portal.
Common questions
Does the Accredited Employer Work Visa lead to residence?
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It can. Time spent on a genuine, skilled AEWV role counts toward pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category, provided the role and wage meet the relevant thresholds when you apply.
What happens if I change jobs on this visa?
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A new employer generally needs their own accreditation and job check before you can transfer, and a new visa application is usually required. We help you plan the timing so you're not left without valid status.
Visa categories, eligibility, points, and wage thresholds are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change with little notice. The details on this page were checked against official Immigration New Zealand sources in September 2026, but always confirm current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Not sure which pathway fits you?
Book a free consultation and we'll map out which pathway matches your qualification, occupation, and timeline.
Book a free consultation