Accredited Employer Work Visa - information for migrant workers
Information for migrant workers for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Video subtitles are available in English.
Subtitles
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English transcript
Where no New Zealanders are available for a job, employers can hire a skilled migrant worker using the Accredited Employer Work Visa or AEWV.
Before inviting a migrant to apply for an AEWV, employers must become accredited with Immigration New Zealand and complete a job check for the role they want to fill. This means migrant workers can have more confidence about the role they are coming to New Zealand for.
To gain accreditation, an employer must be a genuine business in a good financial position and have no recent history of breaching employment or immigration law, or business standards.
The job check confirms that the job pays the market rate and the terms and conditions of the contract comply with New Zealand's employment standards.
Before applying for a job check, employers need to advertise most roles to check if New Zealanders are available.
After an employer's job check has been approved, they must check that the migrant they want to hire is suitably qualified for the role and meets the minimum skills requirement to be granted an AEWV.
Some migrant workers also need to meet English language requirements.
If the employer believes you are suitable for the job, you will be sent an email containing a link and a job check token.
This means you can access the online portal and apply for your visa.
The application process is all done online where you will fill in your details and upload supporting documentation.
Immigration New Zealand will check if you meet the requirements for the AEWV, and that you have the skills and experience the employer is seeking.
Once you are employed, your employer must provide you with information to help you settle into life in New Zealand and give you time to complete Employment New Zealand's online modules on employment rights while you are at work.
The AEWV is designed to ensure only good employers can hire migrant workers and helps prevent migrant exploitation.
More information about the AEWV is on our website.