Navigating the pathway to Skilled Immigration, New Zealand has a new cornerstone: the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This visa has completely reshaped how skilled professionals like you can live and work in Aotearoa. Understanding this system is your critical first step.
Introduced to streamline the process and protect migrant workers, the AEWV is now the primary temporary work visa for most overseas recruits. Consequently, if you’re planning your move in 2025, your journey will almost certainly involve this visa.
This definitive 2025 guide breaks down the AEWV into a simple, actionable plan. We’ll walk you through the crucial 3-step process, clarify the latest salary thresholds, and show you exactly how to position yourself for success with your Skilled Immigration New Zealand goals.
Key Takeaways:
- The AEWV is a 3-step process requiring both the employer and you, the employee, to be approved.
- You must have a job offer from an Immigration New Zealand-accredited employer.
- Your salary must meet or exceed the median wage (currently NZD $31.61/hour), with higher pay required for some roles.
- Understanding this process is essential for a smooth Skilled Immigration New Zealand experience in 2025.
The New Gateway: What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
Let’s start with the basics. The AEWV is a work visa that allows you to work for a specific employer in New Zealand for up to three years. However, there’s a fundamental shift: the system now places initial checks on the employer.
The government designed this visa to ensure that businesses hiring overseas workers are credible and committed to treating them fairly and ethically. Therefore, before you can even apply, your prospective employer must gain accreditation. This focus on employer responsibility is a key feature of modern Skilled Immigration New Zealand.
The 3-Step AEWV Process: Your Roadmap to Success
The AEWV process is a sequential journey. You cannot skip any steps. Understanding this flow is the key to a stress-free application.
Step 1: Employer Accreditation
This is your employer’s responsibility. The company wanting to hire you must apply to Immigration New Zealand and prove that it is a legitimate and financially stable business. They must also demonstrate a commitment to complying with New Zealand employment laws.
- Your Role: You cannot apply for your visa until this step is complete. Therefore, your first question to any potential employer should be: “Are you an accredited employer with Immigration NZ?”
Step 2: Job Check
Once accredited, the employer must then obtain approval for the specific job you’re being offered. They must show that the role:
- Is genuine and permanent (or fixed-term for at least 12 months).
- Pays at least the median wage (NZD $31.61/hr as of 2024) or the market rate, whichever is higher.
- Meets the specific requirements for any sector or region.
- Your Role: You will work with your employer to confirm the job details, but they will apply.
Step 3: The Migrant Worker Visa Application
This is finally your step. Once the employer has received approval for both their accreditation and the job check, you can submit your visa application. You will need to prove:
- Your identity, good health, and character.
- That you have the skills and experience for the job.
- That you are a genuine applicant who intends to leave New Zealand upon expiry of your visa.
Salary Thresholds: Understanding the Wage Rules for Skilled Immigration New Zealand
Your potential salary is a critical component of the AEWV. The rules are tiered based on the median wage, which is regularly updated.
The following table outlines the key thresholds you need to know for 2025:
| Salary Threshold | Minimum Hourly Rate (2024) | Visa Implications & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Median Wage | NZD $31.61 | The standard minimum for most AEWV applications. |
| 1.5x Median Wage | NZD $47.42 | May provide a pathway to residency after 2 years. |
| 2x Median Wage | NZD $63.22 | Often simplifies the application process and is a key criteria for the Straight to Residence visa. |
| Lower Threshold for Specific Sectors | Varies (e.g., $28.16 for Transport) | Applies only to certain industries with a sector agreement. |
It’s crucial to check the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most current median wage figure at the time of your application, as it is likely to increase slightly for 2025.
Eligibility Checklist: Are You Ready to Apply?
Before you start your application, use this checklist to ensure you meet the core requirements for Skilled Immigration New Zealand via the AEWV.
You must have:
- A valid job offer from an accredited employer.
- An employment agreement that matches the approved job check.
- Proof that you meet any mandatory qualifications or occupational registration requirements for the role.
- A salary that meets the required threshold.
- A standard of health and character that meets immigration standards.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many applications face delays or rejections due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common pitfalls in the Skilled Immigration New Zealand process:
- Applying with a Non-Accredited Employer: This is the most common blocker. Always verify your employer’s accreditation status on the official INZ website before proceeding.
- Incorrect Salary Information: Ensure your employment contract states your hourly rate and annual salary clearly, and that it matches the wage stated in the Job Check.
- Incomplete Health or Police Certificates: Submit all required pages of police certificates and ensure a panel physician completes your medical exams.
- Providing Incorrect Evidence: Double-check that your qualifications and work experience letters precisely match the requirements of the job description.
From AEWV to Residency: Your Long-Term Pathway
For many, the AEWV is the first step toward becoming a New Zealand resident. Fortunately, holding this visa can open several doors to residency.
If your role is on the Green List, you may be eligible for the Straight to Residence pathway (if you meet the specifications and are paid at least 2x the median wage) or the Work to Residence pathway after two years of working in New Zealand.
Even if your role isn’t on the Green List, you may still qualify for residency through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), which uses a points-based system. Your skilled employment in New Zealand on an AEWV is a significant advantage in this process.
Your 2025 Action Plan for the AEWV
To ensure a smooth Skilled Immigration New Zealand journey, follow this action plan:
- Secure Your Job Offer: Begin your job search with a clear target. Utilize platforms like Seek.co.nz and LinkedIn, and proactively inquire with recruiters and companies about their accreditation status.
- Verify Accreditation: Once you have a job offer, independently confirm the employer’s accreditation on the INZ online register.
- Gather Your Documents: Prepare your passport, qualification certificates, written work references, and translation of any non-English documents.
- Complete Medicals & Police Checks: Initiate these processes early, as they can take time to complete.
- Submit a Meticulous Application: When it’s your turn to apply, carefully review every answer and ensure all uploaded documents are clear and correct.
Conclusion: Your New Zealand Career Starts with the AEWV
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the fundamental gateway for Skilled Immigration New Zealand in 2025. While the process involves careful steps, its structured nature provides clarity and security for both you and your future employer.
By understanding the 3-stage process, meeting the salary thresholds, and partnering with an accredited employer, you lay a solid foundation for your new life. This visa is more than just a permit to work; it’s your first official step toward a rewarding career and a balanced lifestyle in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Your future in Aotearoa awaits.