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🇳🇿work Visa

Accredited Employer Work Visa

New Zealand

Last updated: December 27, 2025

Duration

2 to 5 years

Visa Fee

$1,540

Time

3-6 months

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa lets skilled workers move to New Zealand for a job. You need a job offer from a New Zealand employer before applying. The employer must prove they could not find a New Zealand citizen for the role. This is a temporary visa, but it can lead to permanent residence. After working for a few years, you can apply to stay permanently. You will be tied to one employer—you cannot switch jobs without permission. This visa is simpler than others because you do not compete against other applicants. If your employer needs you and you meet basic requirements, you can get approved.

Key Benefits

  • Work full-time for sponsor employer (minimum 30 hours/week)
  • Study up to 3 months per year
  • Leave and return to New Zealand freely during visa validity
  • Spouse can work with open work rights if in skilled job
  • Children can attend school
  • Path to permanent residence after 2-5 years
  • Path to citizenship after 5 years as permanent resident
  • Access to New Zealand public healthcare

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must have 2+ years work experience in your field
  • Must have required qualifications for your job
  • Must have valid job offer from accredited employer
  • Must be in good health
  • Must have no serious criminal record
  • Must speak English if job is lower-skilled (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent)
  • Must have passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date
  • Cannot have serious criminal convictions (violence, sexual crime, terrorism)
  • Cannot have pending criminal charges anywhere
  • Cannot have given false information to New Zealand authorities before
  • Cannot have overstayed a visa in New Zealand before

Financial Requirement

Earn at least NZD $23.50/hour (New Zealand minimum wage). Salary must match typical rate for your job type. If bringing partner: NZD $26.85/hour minimum. If bringing children: NZD $55,844/year minimum.

Documents

  • Valid passportMust be valid for at least 3 months beyond when you leave New Zealand
  • Job offer letterSigned by employer
  • Employment contractSigned by both employer and employee
  • Job approval tokenFrom employer after job check approval
  • Proof of qualificationsDegree, diploma, or certificate
  • Employment referencesFrom previous employers
  • Police certificateFrom home country. REQUIRED at application submission, not after. Exceptions: Fiji, Hong Kong, Israel nationals may submit proof of application
  • Police certificate from other countriesFrom any country where you lived 1+ year in past 10 years
  • Medical examinationRequired if from high TB-risk country or if New Zealand requests it
  • English language testIELTS 4.0 or equivalent. Only required if job is lower-skilled. Not required if from Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, UK, or USA
  • Bank statementsLast 3+ months
  • Recent payslipsProof of current income
  • Income tax documentsIRD statement or tax return

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.