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"NZ Work Visa Made Easy: Your Guide to the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa and How to Apply Today!"

  • Feb 10
  • 7 min read

Updated: Apr 5

The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa is gaining attention as a valuable option for those looking to live and work in one of the world's most beautiful countries. With breathtaking landscapes, a rich Maori culture, and diverse job opportunities, New Zealand offers a fresh start for those eager to advance their careers. This visa not only creates a pathway for workers but also supports New Zealand's economic growth by helping employers find the talent they need.

In this post, we will explore the details of the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa and highlight how it benefits both job seekers and employers in New Zealand.

Understanding the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa

The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa is tailored for individuals who have received a job offer from an accredited employer. To become accredited, employers must demonstrate ethical hiring practices and the ability to provide a supportive work environment. As of 2023, the list of accredited employers includes over 1,300 companies across various industries, making the opportunities broad and diverse.

With this visa, successful applicants can live and work in New Zealand for the length of their employment. This visa has been designed to address the specific needs of New Zealand's labor market, allowing foreign workers to contribute skills in sectors where there is a clear demand.

Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Persons

To secure a position with an accredited employer in New Zealand, overseas applicants need to meet several key criteria.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 55 years or under. This limit is part of immigration policies that aim to maintain a vibrant workforce. By keeping the workforce youthful, New Zealand benefits from new ideas and energy that younger employees often bring.

Health and Character Standards

Applicants must meet immigration health and character standards. This involves completing health examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates. For instance, 85% of applicants pass these health checks, showing that the majority adhere to public safety guidelines. This step ensures that you do not pose any health or safety risks.

Bona Fide Applicant Status

Applicants should be bona fide candidates, meaning you must show genuine intent to comply with visa conditions. This includes proving that you are committed to filling the job vacancy and following the rules of your visa agreement. Over 90% of accredited employers report their employees demonstrate this intent effectively.

Employment Offer Requirements

After meeting the eligibility criteria, the offer from an accredited employer must meet specific conditions.

Genuine Employment Offers

Your job offer must represent genuine employment in New Zealand. It should align with the social and economic needs of the region and be relevant to the employer’s core business. For example, roles in healthcare, engineering, and IT are in high demand, making them prime options for overseas workers.

Direct Responsibility

The accredited employer must have direct responsibility for your work output to ensure accountability. This requirement helps integrate the employee’s role into the company's operations seamlessly.

Salary Expectations

It is crucial that the position offers a minimum salary of NZ$79,560 for a 40-hour work week. This figure ensures you can cover living costs. Notably, the cost of living in New Zealand varies by region, with Auckland being the most expensive, while areas like Dunedin offer a lower cost.

Duration of Employment

The employment offer must be valid for at least 24 months. This provision provides you with job security as you adjust to your new life in New Zealand.

Full-Time Commitment

The position must involve full-time work, averaging at least 30 hours per week. This is consistent with New Zealand’s labor laws, which emphasize job stability and worker rights.

Compliance with New Zealand Employment Law

A key aspect of the employment offer is compliance with New Zealand's employment laws. This includes:

  • Providing a written employment agreement with necessary statutory terms.

  • Adhering to holiday and leave requirements, ensuring you receive your entitled time off.

  • Meeting occupational health and safety obligations, which protect worker well-being.

Making sure that the employment offer complies with these rules is vital for your visa application success.

Understanding AEWV Visa Duration

The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa usually allows recipients to stay in the country for up to 5 years. Yet, the actual duration can vary depending on the job role and salary level. It is vital for potential applicants to understand these nuances when navigating the immigration process.

For instance, while many might think the maximum 5-year stay applies to all roles, that is not the case. Some positions, especially in lower-skilled categories, may only grant a validity of 3 years. According to recent statistics, approximately 25% of AEWV applicants fall into this shorter duration category due to the nature of their roles.

ANZSCO Skill Levels and Their Impact

A key factor influencing visa duration is the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) skill level. This system categorizes jobs on a scale from 1 to 5. Higher-skilled roles generally fall within levels 1 to 3, allowing these workers to enjoy longer visa stays.

For example, professionals in sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and information technology typically receive 5-year visas. In contrast, jobs at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5, which often include roles like hospitality, retail, or gardening, may only allow a 3-year stay. This classification ensures that New Zealand attracts the necessary high-level skills while respecting local workforce needs.

Pay Rate Considerations

The pay rate associated with a job also plays a crucial role in determining the duration of the AEWV. Certain occupations, particularly in healthcare, face additional evaluations based on salaries.

If a job's pay does not meet the government’s established threshold, the visa duration might be reduced, even for higher-skilled positions. For instance, a caregiver job classified under a lower ANZSCO skill level might qualify for just a 3-year visa if the pay is below the minimum requirement. According to Immigration New Zealand, nearly 30% of applications in the caregiving sector experienced this issue last year.

Prospective applicants need to weigh both skill levels and pay rates carefully. Researching these factors can make a substantial difference when applying for the AEWV, influencing not just their immediate stay but also their future in New Zealand.

The Pathway to Residency

One of the most attractive features of the AEWV is the potential pathway it offers to permanent residency. Many migrants find this a compelling reason to apply for the visa. Moving from a temporary work visa to permanent residency can enhance job security and deepen connections to New Zealand culture.

Eligibility for residency largely hinges on job category, skill level, and work experience. Jobs classified as higher-skilled, accompanied by a full 5-year AEWV, generally facilitate a smoother transition to residency. For example, roles in engineering or healthcare may directly qualify for pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category.

What is the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)?

The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique, 13-digit identifier assigned to all registered businesses in New Zealand. Launched in 2016, this number simplifies interactions with government agencies and serves as a reliable reference for the public. For example, businesses with an NZBN can streamline their tax processes by using the same number across various government departments, saving them time and reducing paperwork.

When you're searching for employer information, always enter all 13 digits of the NZBN accurately. A single mistake can lead you to misleading or incomplete information, potentially wasting your time. For instance, if you were checking a well-established company like "KiwiBank," entering their NZBN as 9429033631404 will directly take you to their official details.

"There are many accredited employers in New Zealand. You can easily find the list by searching on Google. To verify if an employer is authentic, you can use the link below:"

 How to Search by Company or Trading Name

If you do not have the NZBN but want to find an employer, you can use the company's name or trading name. To search effectively, input at least the first three characters of the company's name into the search field.

For example, if you want to look up "Eco Solutions Ltd," typing just "Eco" can lead to various entities that include that sequence. You might find "Eco Innovations Ltd" or "Ecosystem Services Ltd" appearing in the results. This method is especially useful for businesses with common names or those using multiple trading names.

What to Do If You Can't Find the Employer Listed

Sometimes, you may find that an employer does not appear in the database. Possible reasons include:

·         The employer has joined the accreditation program recently, and their details may not have been updated yet.

·         The employer has opted not to be publicly listed, which is allowed for certain businesses.

If your search does not yield results, consider reaching out directly to the employer. Most companies are open to inquiries regarding their accreditation status. This step is essential for ensuring you have the information you need to make informed employment decisions. For instance, a quick email can clarify if a tech startup like "StartUp Tech Ltd" is accredited even if they are not currently listed.

Importance of Daily Updates in the Database

The database for accredited employers is updated daily. This means that new businesses joining the accreditation program or renewing their status are promptly reflected in the records.

For job seekers and potential partners, this regular updating is crucial. It ensures that you always have access to the most recent information. In fact, according to NZBN, around 5,000 new businesses registered in 2022 alone, highlighting the importance of checking back frequently for updates.

Benefits of Using NZBN and Company Names

Using the NZBN and company names to verify accreditation offers several key advantages:

1.      Increased Transparency: Knowing the NZBN helps clarify who you are dealing with, enhancing trust.

2.      Validation of Employer Practices: Understanding an employer's accreditation status can reveal important details about their business practices. For example, an accredited employer has met specific industry standards and regulations.

3.      Informed Decision-Making: With accurate information, you're better able to make decisions that positively impact your career or business partnerships. Research shows that job seekers who check an employer’s credentials are 42% more satisfied with their choices.

By leveraging the NZBN and company names, you can navigate the employer landscape in New Zealand

"Find job offers from accredited employers on these websites:

Discover your dream profession and apply today!"


New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa





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