Your skills.

Your work visa. Your next chapter.

Specialist immigration advice and tailored solutions for investors, entrepreneurs and their families.

One work visa. Three connected stages.

There are a number of ways skilled professionals can live and work in New Zealand. We can help you understand which pathway best suits your skills, qualifications, experience and circumstances.

Employer accreditation

Employer accreditation is the first step in the accredited employer work visa process. Employers can select from different types of accreditation depending on the nature of their business.

Accreditation allows employers to employ migrant workers, and requires them to comply with very specific conditions.

The job check

In order to fill a specific vacancy an accredited employer needs to list the role with INZ through a job check. INZ then checks the terms, conditions, skill level and remuneration.

The job check is a crucial step in the process, because the eventual work visa will depend on the job check being approved.

Your visa application

Once the job check has been approved, the applicant is then able to apply for a work visa, and has to demonstrate how they meet the skill and experience requirements listed on the approved job check.

Work visas are issued for between three and five years, depending on the skill level of the role.

A work visa is part of a bigger plan

Certain occupations are identified by INZ as being in high-demand and these roles are placed on your Green List, which offers a more streamlined process, for highly skilled professionals and tradespeople.

Planning for your family

If you are applying for an AEWV and also planning to bring your family with you, you need to check that your occupation and salary meet specific requirements. Not all AEWV holders are able to bring their family to New Zealand with them.

We make sure your role and salary meet the requirements in order for you to bring your family with you, or advise you if that is not possible. Checking this information from the start, can make sure your longer-term plan is covered.

Looking towards residence

An AEWV doesn’t automatically provide a pathway to residence, however for most applicants looking to secureOften referred to as a “work to residence” pathway, the Tier 2 Green List options is aimed at specific trade and mid-level skills.

An AEWV doesn’t automatically provide a pathway to residence, however many applicants for residence under the skilled migrant pathway, will need to secure work experience an on AEWV to qualify.

We assess both your eligibility for a work visa, as well as your longer terms goals for residence from the start. This ensures that your work experience in New Zealand can be counted towards that future application for residence.

The right job is often just the starting point

A qualifying job offer from an accredited employer is typically a key requirement for many skilled residence pathways. We will help you understand the occupation, pay and qualification/experience requirements, and with with you and employer to get everything in place.

Assess your eligibility. We review your skills, qualifications and experience.

Secure suitable employment. We help to ensure the job, employer and employment terms meet INZ requirements.

Plan job check and work visa applications. We guide you through the documentation process, visa applications and all the steps in between.

Hiring someone from overseas?

We can assist employers and applicants with the full accredited employer work visa process, from accreditation to approved work visa.

Our team has extensive experience helping employers and applicants, to navigate successfully through the New Zealand immigration process.

We take the time to understand your goals, beyond just the visa process, and provide tailored, practical advice at every stage.

Your skills, and our immigration expertise.

CONTACT THE TEAM

  • To qualify for an AEWV, you must have a genuine job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer for at least 30 hours per week. Your employer must also have an approved Job Check. You will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, qualifications or work experience for the role, and meet applicable health, character and English language requirements.

    The AIP provides residence directly, whereas the BIV initially provides a work visa with a pathway to residence once the relevant requirements have been met.

  • Generally, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience or a qualification equivalent to Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. There are exceptions for certain occupations and applicants. You must also meet any specific requirements set by your employer for the role.

  • An AEWV can allow you to work in New Zealand for up to five years, depending on your occupation, skill level and circumstances. Some roles have shorter maximum visa durations. Once you have reached your maximum continuous stay, you may need to spend time outside New Zealand before qualifying for another AEWV.

  • Yes, you may be able to support visa applications for your partner and dependent children. However, eligibility depends on factors including your occupation, income and visa conditions. Your family members must apply for their own visas, and their eligibility to work or study in New Zealand will depend on the visa granted.

  • Yes, an AEWV can provide a pathway towards residence, but residence is not automatic. Depending on your occupation, qualifications, salary and work experience, you may qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category or a Green List residence pathway. Planning ahead is important, particularly if your long-term goal is to settle permanently in New Zealand.

Your work visa questions answered

Your work visa team

Expert advice from your team of fully licensed advisers. We understand the complexities of the process so you don’t have to.