Accredited Employer Work Visa application

The AEWV work visa application can only be submitted after the Job Check token has been issued.

This application requires the applicant's personal information, proof of acceptable health and character, and documentation demonstrating that the job applicant possesses the necessary credentials for the offered position. A copy of the signed employment offer and agreement is also required.

Applicants for the AEWV (for occupations not listed on the Green List or those paid at double the median wage) must meet the minimum skill threshold, which can be satisfied by either:

• At least three years of relevant work experience, or

• A relevant level 4 qualification.

For roles classified as skill level 4 or 5, applicants must also provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirement, equivalent to IELTS 4.0.

Separate visa applications can be prepared for any accompanying family members and submitted alongside the primary AEWV application.

The AEWV application process can be initiated by the job applicant or by Pathways® on their behalf or that of the employer.

According to the INZ website, processing the AEWV application may take up to 12 weeks. Once approved, a 5-year work visa will be granted, except for most skill level 4 and 5 roles, which are issued a 2-year work visa. Additionally, roles on the reduced pay exempt list will receive work visas for shorter durations.

Please note that the processing times provided on the INZ website are indicative and can significantly differ from actual processing durations.