Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows skilled workers to work in New Zealand for accredited employers. It provides a pathway to residence for workers in roles where there is a genuine skill shortage, giving employers more flexibility to hire overseas talent.

To apply you must:

• Have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
• Be aged 55 or under.
• Have the required skills, qualifications, and experience for the role.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Work in a full-time role (typically 30+ hours per week).

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Your employer must be accredited under New Zealand’s accredited employer scheme.
• Your job must be full-time and meet the skill, wage, and employment standards.
• You must have skills, qualifications, and experience that match the role.
• You must be able to meet English, health, and character requirements.
• Your employment must be genuine and paid at market rate.
• Your age must be 55 or under.

The visa allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 30 months (or longer, depending on the job and employer).It may be renewed if your employment continues with the accredited employer.This visa can also lead to residence visas under Work to Residence or Straight to Residence pathways.

A job offer from an accredited employer is required.

• The job must be in a role approved for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
• It must be full-time (30+ hours per week).
• It must meet minimum wage requirements and be genuine employment.

Processing times vary depending on application volume and completeness of documents.Most complete applications are processed within 1–3 months, but verification of employer accreditation or job details may add extra time.

The application fee is approximately NZD 495–650, depending on where you apply.
Additional costs may include:

• Medical and chest X-ray exams
• Police certificates
• Translation fees
• Immigration levy (included in most fees)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a practical pathway for skilled workers to work in New Zealand with approved employers. It allows full-time work for a set period, provides stability for both employers and employees, and can be a stepping stone to residence through Work to Residence or Straight to Residence visas.