Step-by-Step Guide To New Zealand Work Visa Application
New Zealand (Aotearoa) is so nearer to you than you can imagine. Nevertheless, this should be done with precision. The immigration system of New Zealand is organized and is based on a foundation of employer sponsorship which is mainly the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
The Pre-Application Phase (Employer-Driven)
There are two very important steps which you need to have filled in by your prospective employer before you can even handle the visa form.
Get an Employer Offer that is accredited
The most urgent and crucial thing that you must achieve is to have a full time employment invitation (at least 30 hours per week) with a company registered with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- Accreditation step AEWV application- AEWV application is the initial step to submit an application to INZ to become an Accredited Employer. This establishes that they are a viable and compliant business, which believes in fair employment practices.
- Checking: You should always check whether your employer is in good health or not. Apply the How to check if employer is accredited Immigration NZ in the official INZ site.
- Finding Jobs: Narrow down your search to Finding jobs with accredited employers NZ in portals such as Seek or Trade Me Jobs and change the filter to only those who clearly provide visa sponsorship.
This is the Securing of the Job Check by the Employer
After the signed job offer, the employer has to go to INZ to seek a Job Check. This will make the role compliant with the labour market requirements and wages in New Zealand.
- Step-by-step job Check approval AEWV: The employer demonstrates that he or she could not find a qualified New Zealander to take the position and that the remuneration is within the market (or minimum wage) of NZD $23.50/hour.
- Job Token: When Job Check is successfully done, Job Token AEWV application is granted by INZ. You need this special token; it connects your personal visa application with the job granted.
Preparation of the Applicants (Your Focus)
Having Job Token in your possession by your employer, it is time to begin preparing your personal documentation.
Collect Personal Paperwork and qualify
This step is one that needs patience and precision. Provide sufficient time to third parties. The following is the Checklist of the steps to be followed when applying to the work visa in New Zealand.
- Character: It is essential to initiate the process of Police certificate requirements of NZ work visa step in your home country and any country that you have resided in 12 months or above in the past 10 years since the age of 17.
- Health: You may require a medical certificate or a chest X-ray of an INZ-approved panel physician depending on how long you will be staying in the country and your country of origin. Organize the NZ visa procedure Medical examination requirements which may be lengthy to organize.
- Skills & Experience: Provide confirmed evidence (i.e. CV, reference letters on company letterhead, qualification certificates) to support that you possess the required skills necessary to take the job. It should be remembered that the overall work experience requirement of migrants has been lowered to 2 years of experience related to the job.
- English: Select the English language requirements step of AEWV. Even though most of the AEWV jobs are exempt, low-skilled (ANZSCO 4-5) jobs can demand evidence of good command of English.
Received and Finalized Applications
It is the last administrative step that you have control over and then INZ starts to work.
Fill in and File Visa Application
Your employer will give you a Job Token with which you will begin your application on the Immigration Online portal.
- Log In: Visit the Immigration New Zealand official site and login to your RealMe account.
- Start Application: Use the choice of the AEWV and write in the special Job Token. This will automatically fill out the job and employer information.
- Fill Form: Fill in the Completing the NZ work visa application form meticulously taking into account all the information (notably passport, name and date of birth) to be exactly the same as your documents.
- Upload Documents: Download all documents that were collected in Step 3 to the portal. Be certain to provide them in the form of clear digital copies (preferably PDF). These are signed employment agreement and Job Token.
- Pay Fees: Pay the New Zealand work visa application fees and pay 2025 online (which is usually approximately NZD 750, plus a border levy).
- Submit: Print your confirmation page to your files.
Processing and Arrival
Processing and Verification
Here you must wait, but be prepared to give immediate attention should it be asked.
- Processing Times: The NZ visa processing time of AEWV current status is approximately efficient to complete applications. By the end of 2025, 80 percent of AEWVs are handled in 4-5 weeks, and the time can be longer or shorter depending on a volume (November-March is usually the busiest).
- RFI: INZ can call you concerning more information (RFI). It is also important to ensure that Immigration NZ request on further information (RFI) is responded to promptly to avoid delays.
- Approval: On approval, you will receive your visa in digital form.
Arrival and Compliance
You are all set to relocate to New Zealand!
- Work Visa Conditions: New Zealand Work visa conditions explained on arrival- you are not permitted to work anywhere and in any other job other than that stated in the visa as the accredited employer.
- Next Steps: What to do after you get approval of your NZ work visa after the approval take the next steps of booking flights, arranging accommodation, and also applying to the IRD number application once you are in NZ (tax number).
FAQs
What is the visa processing time of AEWV?
The average processing time is now extremely fast and 80 percent of AEWVs are already processed in 4-5 weeks. Nevertheless, complexity (health/character issues) or undocumented documents can result in huge delays.
What is the Stand down period compliance of low skill AEWV holders?
In case you have been granted an AEWV in a low-skilled position (ANZSCO 4 or 5) to the maximum stay of 3 years, you are required to be out of New Zealand before you can apply to be granted another AEWV at the same level.
Is it possible to change jobs upon obtaining the AEWV?
No. The accredited employer, job and location make the AEWV specific. When you feel like changing your job, your new employer will have to obtain a new Job Check, and you will have to request a variation of conditions or a new AEWV.
What is a “Job Token”?
Job Token This is a special reference number that is obtained by the employer of INZ once they have successfully completed the Job Check. It is the required connection that will enable you, the candidate, to make your personal visa application.
What are the key elements of Job offer compliance New Zealand work visa?
The job essential be full-time (30+ hours/week), the employer essential be accredited, and the salary necessary meet the market rate and, in all proceeding, the New Zealand minimum contend.
Final Thought
The covert to a fast visa approval is a complete and high-fidelity application. By favorable this Temporary work visa application flow chart NZ and prioritizing your document social group (Step 3), you minimize the chances of INZ asking for an RFI. Start the activity today by connecting with an commissioned employer and getting your checkup and police checks underway!
Disclaimer
This knowledge and educational article is based on the Step-by-Step Guide to New Zealand Work Visa Application 2025 and in public available immigration guidance as of December 2025. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) updates its policies, fees, and postulate frequently. Readers are strongly well-advised to verify all specific details, consider the New Zealand work visa application fees and costs 2025 and current process times, directly from the official INZ website or enquire a Licensed Migration Adviser before making any business or visa application decisions.