Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Jobs in New Zealand 2025: Complete Guide
New Zealand replaced its previous Skilled Migrant visa and Essential Skills visa with the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in July 2022. The AEWV is now the main employer-sponsored work visa for overseas workers coming to New Zealand — and unlike Australia, New Zealand publishes a publicly searchable list of all accredited employers, making your job search significantly more targeted.
Browse sponsored roles: Search our job board for visa-sponsored jobs in New Zealand.
1. How the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Works
The AEWV has three steps:
- Employer accreditation: The employer applies to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to become an accredited employer. They must demonstrate they are a genuine business with good HR practices and that they cannot fill the role locally
- Job check: For roles paying below NZD $29.66/hour (the median wage), the employer must complete a "job check" to confirm the role is genuine and they advertised locally first
- Visa application: You apply for the AEWV using the employer's accreditation number and job token
Visa duration
- Up to 3 years (or the length of the employment agreement, whichever is shorter)
- Can be extended once for a further 3 years (maximum 5 years in NZ on this visa before needing to spend time overseas or qualifying for a resident visa)
- Your employer can also be changed — you can apply for a variation to work for a new accredited employer without leaving New Zealand
2. The AEWV Accredited Employer List: How to Search It
New Zealand publishes a fully searchable public list of all AEWV-accredited employers. This is a significant advantage for job seekers — you can focus your applications exclusively on employers who can legally sponsor you immediately.
- Access the employer search tool at: Immigration New Zealand — Search Accredited Employers
- Search by company name, industry, or region
- The list is updated regularly as new employers gain accreditation and existing ones lapse
- Employer accreditation has two levels: Standard (can hire up to 5 migrants) and High Volume (can hire unlimited migrants, with more obligations)
3. Salary and Eligibility Requirements
The AEWV has a minimum wage requirement:
- Minimum pay rate: NZD $29.66/hour (the median wage as of 2024). This is approximately NZD $61,692/year full-time
- Roles paying below this rate require a more rigorous job check process and are generally limited to roles on the Green List (see below)
- Skilled worker roles above the median wage: Simpler process, faster processing
The Green List
New Zealand's Green List identifies occupations in high demand. Green List roles may qualify for:
- Straight to Residence: Some Green List Tier 1 occupations allow you to apply directly for permanent residency without needing to first hold a work visa
- Work to Residence: Green List Tier 2 roles allow you to apply for permanent residency after 2 years on an AEWV
- The Green List includes roles in healthcare (nurses, doctors, GPs), engineering, construction, education, and aged care
- Check the current Green List at: Immigration NZ — Green List Occupations
4. Nursing Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Nurses are on New Zealand's Green List Tier 1 — meaning registered nurses can apply straight to permanent residence without first holding a work visa. This makes New Zealand one of the most nurse-friendly destinations in the world for immigration.
Requirements for international nurses
- NCNZ registration: You must register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). The assessment process includes a qualification review, English language verification, and in many cases a period of supervised practice
- English language: IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5), or OET B grade, or equivalent
- Application: NCNZ — Overseas Nurses
- Processing time: 3–6 months for NCNZ registration
Where to find nursing jobs in New Zealand
- SEEK New Zealand — Search "registered nurse visa sponsorship"
- Healthcare NZ — New Zealand healthcare recruitment
- District Health Boards (DHBs) — now organised under Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) — recruit internationally with AEWV support
- VisaJobs.xyz — Sponsored healthcare listings including NZ
5. Care Worker Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Care workers (aged care, disability support) are in strong demand in New Zealand. Key facts:
- Care workers are on the Green List Tier 2 (Work to Residence pathway after 2 years)
- Many DHBs and private aged care providers hold High Volume AEWV accreditation and actively recruit overseas
- Wages for care workers have increased significantly following the 2022 pay equity settlement — most roles now pay NZD $25–$30/hour
- Popular source countries include Philippines, India, Fiji, and South Africa
6. Skilled Migrant Jobs in New Zealand
Beyond specific occupation lists, New Zealand also offers the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa for workers who meet points thresholds. Key 2025 information:
- The SMC was paused and revised in 2022. Under the reformed system, a job offer from a NZ employer and a salary above the median wage is the primary pathway
- For most applicants, the AEWV → Green List Work to Residence pathway is now more straightforward than the points-based SMC
- High CRS scorers in technology, healthcare, and engineering have the strongest pathways to permanent residency
7. Where to Find AEWV-Sponsored Jobs in New Zealand
- SEEK New Zealand — New Zealand's largest job board. Search "AEWV" or "visa sponsorship"
- Trade Me Jobs — NZ's popular classifieds platform. Large volume of job listings
- Indeed New Zealand — Search "accredited employer" or "visa sponsorship"
- INZ Accredited Employer Search — Find all accredited employers by name or industry, then approach them directly
- VisaJobs.xyz — Curated sponsored roles including NZ positions
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family to New Zealand on an AEWV?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can apply for visitor visas or, in many cases, partner work visas that allow them to work for any employer in New Zealand.
How do I verify if an employer is currently accredited?
Use the Immigration NZ accredited employer search tool. Accreditation must be current at the time you apply for your visa — an employer whose accreditation has lapsed cannot sponsor you.
What happens to my visa if I change employers?
You can transfer to a new accredited employer by applying for a variation of your AEWV. You can also work for a new employer for up to 3 months while the variation is being processed, as long as the new employer is accredited.