New Zealand Work Permit 2026 – Full Application Process
The New Zealand work visa system has become more than ever structured in 2026, focusing on Accredited Employer partnerships and particular skilled residence pathways. The number of the person will apply below the Commissioned Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and August 2026 will see important changes to the Skilled Migration Concept (SMC) with new residence streams.
This is done through the portal called the Enhanced Immigration Online portal where you need a starting point which is a Job Token by your employer in order to apply to almost all work-related tasks.
Full Step-by-Step Application Process (2026)
The application process consists of three stages, namely, the Employer phase, your Preparation phase, and the Online Submission phase.
The Employer’s Job Check
Your New Zealand employer essential:
- Hold Accreditation: An internationally hired employer can be only an Accredited Employer.
- Pass the Job Check: The employer should demonstrate that he/she advertised the position locally (except when on the Green List or an exemption due to seasonality) and that there was no New Zealander available.
- Issue the Job Token: After having been approved, the employer provides you with a special digital link (Job Token) through email.
Document Preparation
- Evidence of Identity: An Extraction of your passport in high resolution.
- Health Clearance: eMedical certificate by an approved panel physician by INZ.
- Character Clearance: A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) of your home country of residence or any country that you have resided in 5 years or more since the age of 17 years.
- Skills Evidence: Photocopies of your skills (Degree/Diploma) and reference letters to your ANZSCO level of skills.
- IQA Classification: You might ask a NZQA World Qualification Classification (IQA) in proceeding your degree is not supported in NZ.
Internet Submission (The RealMe Portal)
- Make up a Real-me Informing: This is your harmless digital ID to all government employment in New Zealand.
- Apply using the Job Token: https://Click on the link provided by your employer. It will pre-populate employment information.
- Upload and Earnings: Add your document and regular payment the fee (about NZD 1,540 in case of AEWV).
- Waited Decision: 80 percent of work visas will be handled within 38 weeks in 2026.
A large-scale Insurance Update (SMC) of August 2026
In case you would seek a Permanent Residency, remember the changes that will come in August 2026:
- Skilled Work Experience Pathway: 5 years of relevant experience including 2 years of experience in NZ with an income greater than 1.1x median income.
- Trades & Technician Tract: Especially Level 4+ trade making and 18 months of NZ activity history.
- Points System: New Zealand university level qualification will be awarded more points and that will be a great advantage to international students.
FAQs
On an AEWV, can I work on behalf of any employer?
No. You are committed to the employer and position mentioned. To change employers, you will have to apply to a Variation of Conditions or a Job Change to a different accredited employer.
And what will the minimum work visa salary be in 2026?
The median wage would be needed in most positions. Some sector agreements (e.g., care or construction) have reduced rates but have a limited visa duration.
Do I need an English test?
In case of the AEWV, a test (IELTS/PTE) will only be necessary in ANZSCO Level 4-5 positions. Nonetheless, the minimum score of 6.5 is needed by the principal applicant in Residence (PR).
Can I bring my family?
Yes. In case of ANZSCO Level 1-3 or Green List, your partner is allowed to apply to an Open Work Visa and children can study in schools as domestic students.
What happens if I lose my job?
Most of the time you have 3 months to get a new job with an accredited employer or you need to move out of the country.
Final Thought
The process 2026 is supposed to be paperless. The success secret is to make sure your IQA and Police Certificates are in place, even before you apply. Due to the automatization of the system, one lost document will result in a manual review that will increase your processing time twice.
Disclaimer
This job information is disclosed in educational and informational purposes only. Before applying, please check on information in the official employer or government site. They are encouraged to seek individual legal advice on the part of a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA).