Relocating to New Zealand is a dream for many, and contrary to popular belief, it might be more straightforward than expected—especially when you’re armed with the right information. Whether you’re planning to move with your family, explore job opportunities, or eventually become a permanent resident, the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway offers a powerful route to achieve your dream.
This guide explores everything you need to know about New Zealand’s version of the “express entry” work visa—costs, requirements, eligible occupations, how to land a job, and how to relocate with your family and transition to permanent residency. If you’re serious about moving abroad, this human-friendly, SEO-optimized guide will point you in the right direction and help you unlock the doors to your new life in New Zealand.
Why Relocate to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a peaceful, high-income country with beautiful landscapes, a welcoming society, and strong labor protections. It’s located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and forms part of the Australasia region. Despite its small population of just over 5 million people, the country is incredibly diverse with major ethnic groups including Europeans, Māori, Asians, Pacific peoples, and Africans.
Here are just a few reasons why New Zealand is an attractive migration destination:
- Quality of Life: Ranked consistently high in healthcare, safety, and work-life balance.
- English-Speaking Environment: English is widely spoken, minimizing language barriers.
- Education and Health: Children can access affordable education, and the healthcare system is reliable.
- Scenic Beauty: From beaches to mountains and national parks, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
What is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s flagship temporary work visa for skilled foreign professionals. It allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 5 years, with a clear pathway to permanent residency after just 2 years of employment.
Unlike traditional student or investor visa routes, the AEWV is job-offer based. That means you’ll need an offer from a government-accredited employer before applying.
Key Benefits:
- No age limit
- No mandatory English test (if you’re from an English-speaking country)
- Spouse and children can join you
- Spouse can work; children can attend school as domestic students
- Opportunity to apply for residency within 2 years
How Much Does the AEWV Cost?
The cost of applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa is $750 NZD.
Processing Time:
- Processing typically takes 17 to 51 days, depending on your application’s completeness and your personal circumstances.
Visa Requirements: What You Need to Qualify
To apply for the AEWV, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Full-Time Job Offer
- Must be at least 12 months long
- Must pay a minimum of $29.66 NZD/hour
- Passport
- A valid international passport.
- Medical & Police Clearance
- Clean medical record.
- Police clearance certificate from countries you’ve lived in for 6+ months.
- No Travel Bans
- Must not be restricted from entering any country.
- New Zealand-Standard CV & Cover Letter
- New Zealand has a unique resume format.
- Tailor your CV using the NZ standard to improve job chances.
- English Language
- No test required if English was the main language of instruction or official language in your country.
- Others may require IELTS or TOEFL.
In-Demand Occupations for the AEWV
Many skilled and semi-skilled job roles are in high demand. Here are some occupations that qualify:
1. Plumbers
Plumbers install and maintain water, gas, and waste systems in residential and commercial buildings. They ensure safe and efficient water flow, preventing leaks and system malfunctions. With construction and renovation booming, the demand for skilled plumbers continues to grow. This profession plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s infrastructure development.
2. Welders
Welders specialize in joining metal parts using heat and pressure, crucial for construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Their work ensures the structural integrity of metal structures, making them indispensable in various industries. The demand for qualified welders remains high as New Zealand focuses on infrastructure projects. Welding skills are highly transferable across many industries.
3. Bricklayers
Bricklayers build and repair structures using bricks, stones, and concrete, essential for constructing durable buildings. They work on residential, commercial, and industrial sites, ensuring stability and strength in structures. With New Zealand’s ongoing construction boom, skilled bricklayers are in high demand. Their expertise ensures the quality of new homes and buildings.
4. Carpenters
Carpenters craft, install, and repair wooden structures, such as furniture and framing. They are essential in both new construction and renovation projects, ensuring the strength and design of wooden structures. The construction boom in New Zealand fuels demand for skilled carpenters. Their craftsmanship contributes to the country’s growing housing and building projects.
5. Forklift Operators
Forklift operators are responsible for moving goods and materials in warehouses, factories, and construction sites. Their job is crucial to the logistics and supply chain, ensuring timely deliveries and organization. With the growth of e-commerce, the demand for forklift operators continues to rise. Their skills in safely operating heavy machinery are highly sought after in New Zealand.
6. Truck Drivers
Truck drivers transport goods across New Zealand, ensuring smooth logistics and supply chain operations. They play a key role in moving essential products across the country’s vast distances. The growth of trade, infrastructure projects, and e-commerce has led to an increasing demand for skilled truck drivers. Long-haul drivers are especially needed in industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
7. Fruit Pickers
Fruit pickers harvest crops like apples, kiwifruits, and berries during peak seasons. Their work is vital to New Zealand’s agricultural industry, ensuring the country’s produce reaches markets. Skilled fruit pickers help maintain the quality of fruits for both local consumption and export. The demand for seasonal labor in agriculture continues to increase, particularly during harvest times.
8. Delivery Drivers
Delivery drivers are essential for transporting packages and goods, especially with the rise of online shopping. They ensure that items reach customers in a timely manner, playing a key role in retail and e-commerce. The demand for reliable delivery drivers is growing due to New Zealand’s expanding online marketplace. Delivery drivers help streamline the supply chain, providing convenience for consumers.
9. Butchers
Butchers process and prepare meat for retail and food services, ensuring high-quality cuts of meat for consumers. Their skills are critical to New Zealand’s meat industry, which supports both domestic and international markets. The demand for skilled butchers is high in both urban and rural areas, as they maintain meat production standards. Their expertise is essential for quality control and product safety.
10. Pastry Chefs/Bakers
Pastry chefs and bakers create a variety of baked goods, from bread to cakes and pastries. They play a vital role in New Zealand’s vibrant food culture, which includes artisan baking and high-quality culinary creations. As demand for specialty and handcrafted food increases, pastry chefs and bakers are in high demand. Their work adds a unique touch to cafes, restaurants, and bakeries across the country.
11. Tech Workers
Tech workers, including software developers, IT specialists, and data analysts, support New Zealand’s growing digital economy. Their expertise is crucial for the development and maintenance of digital infrastructure, from websites to software applications. As the tech sector continues to expand, skilled professionals are in high demand. They are instrumental in driving innovation and economic growth in New Zealand’s technology landscape.
12. Game Developers
Game developers design and create video games for various platforms, contributing to New Zealand’s expanding gaming industry. Their work involves coding, testing, and creating engaging gameplay experiences. With the rise in global gaming trends, the demand for game developers is growing. This creative and technical field offers many opportunities for skilled professionals to thrive.
13. Poultry Workers
Poultry workers handle the breeding, care, and processing of chickens, a major industry in New Zealand. They ensure the smooth operation of poultry farms, maintaining the quality of meat for local and export markets. Poultry workers play a vital role in New Zealand’s food production and agricultural economy. As demand for poultry products continues to grow, skilled workers are needed to meet industry standards.
14. Crane Operators
Crane operators are responsible for lifting and moving heavy materials on construction sites and in ports. Their role is critical for large-scale infrastructure and building projects, ensuring safety and efficiency. With New Zealand’s continued focus on infrastructure development, crane operators are in high demand. Their skill in handling heavy machinery makes them an essential part of construction and logistics operations.
How to Find an Accredited Employer
Before applying for the visa, you must secure a job offer from an accredited employer.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the New Zealand Immigration Website
Use their official tool to verify if a company is accredited. - Search by Industry or Keyword
For instance, if you’re a pastry chef, search for “cake” or “bakery”. - Find Company Name & Expiry Date
Choose businesses with accreditation valid for 1+ year. - Visit the Business Website
Navigate to the “Careers” or “Contact Us” page to apply. - Check Social Media
Use platforms like Instagram to connect or find application links.
Best Platforms to Find Jobs in New Zealand
Here are three reliable job search platforms:
1. Working in New Zealand
- Ideal for healthcare, construction, and engineering roles
- More info: workingin-newzealand.com
2. Indeed New Zealand
- Filter for job roles and accredited employers
- More info: nz.indeed.com
3. Official Immigration Website
- Search directly for employers on the government’s accredited list
- You can check through: immigration.govt.nz
Improve Your Chances of Getting a Job
- Tailor Your CV to the NZ Format
A well-formatted, localized resume increases your chances of selection. - Apply to Smaller Cities
Places outside of Auckland and Wellington often have less competition. - Be Proactive
Email companies directly, even if they haven’t advertised a job. - Include a Video Introduction
Some employers value seeing personality, especially in customer-facing roles. - Get Help From Professionals
Use resume writing services that specialize in the New Zealand market.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa offers a golden opportunity to skilled individuals worldwide. Whether you’re a tech expert, tradesman, healthcare worker, or even a delivery driver, there’s a place for you in New Zealand.
If you meet the requirements and follow the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll find relocating to New Zealand is not only possible—it might just be your smartest move yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apply for Permanent Residency?
Yes! After working in New Zealand for 2 years on the AEWV, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided:
- You have maintained continuous full-time employment.
- Your job still meets the wage and occupation requirements.
- You meet health and character requirements.
This is one of the most straightforward and secure pathways to permanent residency among developed countries.
Can I Relocate With My Family?
Absolutely! One of the AEWV’s biggest advantages is that it allows you to bring your family:
- Your spouse can work in New Zealand.
- Your children can attend school as local students (either free or at domestic rates).
Additionally, some employers may sponsor your flight tickets and help with accommodation
How Much Does the AEWV Cost?
The cost of applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa is $750 NZD.
Can I Switch Employers?
Yes, but only to another accredited employer. Use the same immigration tool to verify your new employer’s accreditation status before switching jobs.
