Accredited Employer Work Visa
Apply for this visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer. The employer must send you a link to the online application form.
Apply online-
Length of stay
Up to
5 years based on the job offered
-
Cost
From
NZD $1540
-
Processing time
80% within
4.5 weeks
-
Residency option
Can lead to a residence visa
Yes
To apply you must:
- have an offer of full-time work from an
- meet work experience and/or qualification requirements depending on your job
- meet other requirements depending on the skill level required for your job
- have spent the required time outside New Zealand, after staying for the maximum time allowed, if applying for another Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- show you can speak and understand English, if your job is on the ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 list and not exempt
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
This visa lets you:
- work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who has offered you at least 30 hours work a week
- study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period, or do any study required as part of your employment
- stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years — depending on your job, skill level, how much you are paid and when you applied for your visa.
This visa links you with the employer who offered you the
If your situation changes and you want to change your employer, job, location or a combination of these, you must apply to vary the conditions of your visa or apply for a Job Change, or apply for a new visa.
Check or change your work visa conditions
You may be able to support a visitor or work visa for your partner, and a visitor or student visa for your dependent children.
Bringing family if you have an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
New Zealand employers or agents cannot charge you fees for a job or make you pay any of their recruitment costs.
How long you can stay
The total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand (also called your maximum continuous stay) on 1 or more Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs) depends on:
- when you applied for your first AEWV
- the skill level of your job on the
, and - how much you are paid.
The total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand can be 5 years for most jobs, or 3 years if your job is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5.
How long you can stay on an AEWV
If the length of your visa is less than the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand (your maximum continuous stay), you can apply for further AEWVs to be able to stay for that maximum time.
When you have stayed for as long as you can, you must leave the country for a period of time before you can come back to New Zealand on another AEWV.
Note
Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) grades jobs according to skill level. ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.
Who can apply
To apply for this visa, you must:
- have an offer of full-time work from an accredited employer
- meet our skill requirements
- meet the requirements of your job's ANZSCO skill level and qualifications
- have the skills and experience your employer requires
- have occupational registration, if your job requires it to work in New Zealand
- have spent the required time outside New Zealand if applying for another Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) after staying for as long as you can on previous AEWVs
- speak and understand English, if your ANZSCO job skill level is 4 or 5 and not exempt
- not include your partner and dependent children
- be in good health
- have a good character
- have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand.
New Zealand job offer
You must have an offer of full-time work from an accredited employer.
Your job offer must be:
- current at the time you apply for your visa
- for at least 30 hours of work a week
- from an employer who is accredited to hire migrants for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and has an approved job check for your job
- paid at least the
for your job.
AEWV employer accreditation and job check process
Alert
Job offer scams are common in India and South Asia. Make sure your job offer is genuine.
We will decline an application for an AEWV if we consider you or your agent has offered or promised money to the employer (or their agent) in exchange for a job offer.
In your visa application you must include:
- a copy of the employment agreement and job description
- a signed copy of the job offer.
The employment agreement must include:
- your employer's name, address and phone number
- your name and address
- your job title
- the address for your place of work
- the kind of work you will be doing and your responsibilities at work
- details of any necessary qualifications or experience of working in that type of job
- information about whether you need New Zealand registration to do the job
- what hours you will work and how long the job will be for
- how long you have to take up the job offer
- pay and job conditions that comply with New Zealand employment law.
Your employment agreement must be with an accredited employer who has a history of compliance with immigration and employment law.
Employers on stand-down — Employment New Zealand
Your job offer cannot be for:
- planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture or viticulture industries
- foreign crew of fishing vessels, or
- self-employed work.
You must apply for a different work visa for these types of jobs.
Minimum AEWV skill requirements
You must show you meet the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) job skill requirements that we set.
You must have either:
- 2 years or more of relevant job experience, or
- a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
Your qualification or job experience must be in the same field or industry as the job you have been offered. If you have a Bachelor's degree or higher, your qualification can be in any field or industry.
Job experience evidence
You must provide evidence that you have work experience — evidence that you have worked in the job before. The evidence must be from someone other than yourself, and can include:
- letters of reference from a former employer
- certificates of employment
- pay slips
- tax certificates.
Providing a CV or resume is not sufficient.
Employment certificates should be on the employer's official letterhead. They must be complete and be independently verifiable. The certificate must show as a minimum: the positions you held, the periods of your employment, your employer's address and contact details.
Your 2 years of work experience does not need to be consecutive, and it does not have to be full time. It must amount to a total of 2 years equivalent full-time work experience. You must provide evidence of the number of hours you have worked.
Citizens of Brazil applying from Brazil
If you are a citizen of Brazil you should provide your work book as evidence of your work experience.
Applicants from Eastern Europe
If you are from
Applicants from Europe applying from within Schengen member states
If you need to provide evidence of work experience in a European country but are not a citizen of a
Evidence of your right to work is a copy of your Schengen visa for the time you were working.
Filipino citizens applying from within the Philippines
Evidence of work experience includes employment certificates, employment contracts, payslips, Social Security System (SSS) records, PhilHealth records and income tax returns (with receipts).
If you have worked overseas, you should provide a copy of your work visa and POEA Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or e-Receipt, along with a copy your job descriptions.
Note
If you are claiming work experience based only on a reference letter or a certificate of employment, without other supporting evidence such as payslips or tax certificates, you may not be able to satisfy us that you meet this requirement.
Qualifications evidence
You must provide copies of your qualifications with your application.
You also must provide an
- below a Bachelor's degree, and
- from outside of New Zealand.
This is to check if your qualification is comparable with a level 4 New Zealand qualification or higher.
Apply for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) – NZQA website
When evidence is not required
You do not need to provide any additional evidence to show you meet our minimum skill requirements if:
- your job is on the Green List of jobs in demand in New Zealand, and you provide evidence that you meet the Green List requirements for that job
- you have occupational registration for your job, which required evidence of job experience or qualifications to get, and you provide this evidence to us
- you are paid at least NZD $59.32 an hour (2 times the February 2023 median wage), or
- you have already given us evidence of your level 4 or higher qualification, or that you have worked in a similar job for 2 or more years on a previous visa application.
Green List roles — jobs we need people for in New Zealand
Check if you need occupational registration for your job
If your job is paid less than $29.66 an hour
You may not need to provide evidence showing you meet our minimum skill requirements if your job is paid less than the $29.66 an hour (the February 2023 median wage) and was part of the:
- meat processing sector agreement
- seafood processing sector agreement
- care workforce sector agreement, or
- tourism and hospitality wage exemption.
To find out if your job is exempt from meeting minimum skill requirements, check the list of AEWV jobs that were part of a sector agreement or wage exemption. You can filter by sector agreement, job title, or use keywords.
ANZSCO skill levels and qualifications
We use the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to check:
- the skill levels of jobs
- the qualifications and experience you need to work in those jobs.
There may be other skill and qualification requirements to meet depending on the ANZSCO level of your job.
Find your ANZSCO skill level list
If your job is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5:
- you must show that you can speak and understand English
- you may have a shorter total time you can stay in New Zealand of 3 years instead of 5 years.
Employer's requirements of skills and experience
You must show you have the job skills and experience your employer has asked for.
These requirements may include evidence of your:
- job experience
- skills
- qualifications
- registration for your job, known as occupational registration.
If you are providing this evidence for other Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) criteria, you do not need to provide it again.
However, it may include other evidence such as:
- additional qualifications specific to the role, or
- certifications specific to the role.
Occupational registration
In New Zealand you have to be registered to work in some jobs — this is called occupational registration.
If you need occupational registration, you must provide either:
- a
of your full or provisional New Zealand registration - confirmation from the appropriate registration body that your job is eligible for New Zealand registration.
Time required outside New Zealand
If you have stayed in New Zealand for as long as you are allowed on 1 or more Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs), you must leave New Zealand for a required amount of time — normally 12 months in a row — to be eligible for another AEWV.
The total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand (also called your maximum continuous stay) can be
- 3 years, if your job is level 4 or 5 on the
- 5 years in most cases, if your job is level 1, 2 or 3 on the ANZSCO list.
How long you can stay on an AEWV
If you have an AEWV with a visa length that is less than the total time you can stay in New Zealand, you can apply for another AEWV before your current AEWV expires without leaving New Zealand for 12 months.
English language
If your job skill level is 4 or 5 on the
There are 2 ways to show us you speak and understand English – either through:
- your citizenship, where you studied and the qualifications you gained, or
- English language tests.
The results of your English language test must:
- meet the minimum score we set, and
- be no more than 2 years old when you apply.
If your job skill level is 1 to 3 on ANZSCO, you do not need to show you can speak or understand English.
f your job is recognised as ANZSCO skill level 3 you do not have to show that you can speak and understand English.
ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level
Find out about the citizenship requirements, the evidence needed for study and qualifications, or the test results required.
If you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at
What is ANZSCO and how to find your skill level You can meet our English language requirements through: There are no English language requirements if you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO level 1 to 3. There are 3 scenarios where your citizenship, work and study gives us confidence that your English language ability is at the level we require. You are a citizen of 1 of these countries: You have spent at least 5 years working or studying in person in 1 of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand. You have a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand
You studied for at least 2 years in any of these countries while being physically located there to get that qualification. You have a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand postgraduate qualification at level 8 or above gained in: You studied for at least 1 year in any of these countries while being physically located there to get that qualification. We can see evidence of your citizenship through the passport details you supply. You do not need to provide any more evidence of citizenship or where you have lived, unless we specifically ask for it. For evidence of your qualifications and where you studied, we need a copy of your qualification certificate and academic transcript. Another way to show your English language ability is through getting an acceptable result in an English language test. Your result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply and must be obtained by sitting the test in person at a test centre. Tests taken remotely outside of a test centre, such as ‘at home’ tests are not acceptable. In 2023 the International English Language Test System (IELTS) provider introduced a One Skill Retake option for both their Academic and General Training tests. The IELTS One Skill Retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test date. The Cambridge English: First (FCE) is now called B2 First. The Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is now called B2 First for Schools. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT) Grade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. If we have already assessed that you meet the minimum standard of English language ability as part of a previous Immigration New Zealand application, this may be acceptable to meet English language requirements for your current application. It cannot be an application where the English language was assessed by a third party, such as an education provider.
English language requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa
Find out how you can meet our English language requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), if you have been offered a role at ANZSCO level 4 or 5.
Meeting our English language requirements for the AEWV
ANZSCO levels 1 to 3
English ability from citizenship, working and studying
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
How to provide evidence
English ability by language tests
English language test results required
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
Cambridge language assessments
Test
Minimum score
4 overall
31 overall
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE academic)
29 overall
Cambridge English B2 First
142 overall
Cambridge English B2 First for Schools
142 overall
Occupational English Test (OET)
If you have provided evidence that you speak English before
Note
When we assess your application, we may ask for more evidence of your ability to speak and understand English. If we do, you may have to sit a test and send us the results.
Partner and dependent children
You cannot include your partner and dependent children in an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). However, if you have an AEWV you may be able to support:
- a visitor visa for your partner
- a work visa for your partner
- visitor visas for your children
- student visas for your children.
Supporting a visa for your partner or dependent children depends on how much you earn and your job skill level on ANZSCO.
Bringing family if you have an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Health
To get an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you need to have good health. After you submit your application, we will check any medical information you have submitted and contact you if we need new medical information.
If staying for more than 6 months
If you will stay in New Zealand for more than 6 months, you must have a chest X-ray if you:
- are a citizen of a country that does not have a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), or
- have spent more than 3 months in the last 5 years in a country that does not have a low incidence of TB.
You must provide a new chest X-ray certificate, even if you have provided one to us previously, if you:
- have spent 6 months in a row in a country that does not have a low incidence of TB since the date of your last X-ray certificate, and
- are now coming to New Zealand for more than 6 months — if you are in New Zealand this includes any time you have already spent here.
If you are applying for a visa to come to New Zealand for 6 months or longer, you must have a chest X-ray if you: You may not need to have a chest X-ray if you: Countries with a low incidence of TB Aland Islands Albania American Samoa Andorra Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Bermuda Bonaire Bosnia and Herzegovina Bouvet Island British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Bulgaria Cabo Verde Canada Cayman Islands Chile Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Estonia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Germany Gibraltar Greece Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Heard and McDonald Islands Honduras Hungary Iceland Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Maldives Malta Martinique Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Montenegro Montserrat Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Norfolk Island North Macedonia Norway Occupied Palestinian Territory Oman Panama Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Saint Barthelmy Saint Eustatius & Saba Saint Helena, Ascencion and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Serbia Seychelles Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turks and Caicos United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America United States Virgin Islands Uruguay Vanuatu Vatican City Wallis and Futuna Islands
Countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis
You must have a chest X-ray if you have been living in a country that does not have a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB).
When you need to have a chest X-ray
Check the list of countries with a low incidence of TB
Character
You may need to provide police certificates as proof of your good character.
If you have a criminal conviction, or are a security risk to New Zealand, we might not give you a visa.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
You must provide police certificates that are less than 6 months old when you apply, if:
- you are aged 17 or older, and
- your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer — this includes time you spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas.
Police certificates must be from:
- countries you are a citizen of, and
- countries you have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.
You do not need to provide police certificates if you provided them with an earlier visa application and they were issued in the last 24 months.
If we ask for a new police certificate when processing your application, you will need to send us a new one.
Depending on the visa you want, and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand, you may need to provide a police certificate as evidence of your good character. Police certificates are documents issued by the police or a government agency. They: If we ask you to provide a police certificate, you must: Providing English translations supporting documents You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then. Provide police certificates from any country you: If you are aged 16 or younger, you do not need to provide police certificates. If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to grant you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements. You must provide police certificates if you are aged 17 or older. Provide police certificates from: Police certificates must show any criminal records you have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years. If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to give you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements. If you apply for a visa as the partner of a New Zealander or a New Zealand visa holder, your partner is known as the 'supporting partner'. Your supporting partner must be able to show us they are of good character. They may need to provide police certificates for proof. If your supporting partner is a New Zealand citizen or has a resident visa, they: If your partner needs to provide police certificates, the police certificates must be from countries where they have spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years, since they turned 17 — even if the 12 months were not all in one stay. Police certificates must show any criminal records they have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years. Note Your partner does not need to provide a New Zealand police certificate, as we will get one directly from the authorities. If your supporting partner has a work or study visa, we may ask your partner to provide police certificates, if you are applying for a temporary visa. Your partner will not meet our character requirements if they have any convictions for
If your supporting partner cannot prove they are of good character, we may give them a
If your partner has any convictions for domestic violence or sexual offences, they cannot support your application. For all types of visa applications, we still may request police certificates from your partner to make sure they meet our character requirements. You may not need to provide police certificates if you have provided them in a previous visa application. Check the character requirements of the visa you are applying for. Some of the authorities that issue police certificates (the police and other government agencies) may require a set of fingerprints when you request a police certificate. If you do need a set of fingerprints to get a police certificate, check in your region for a fingerprinting service. There are many private businesses who offer fingerprinting services. If you cannot find a fingerprinting service in your region, you can contact the New Zealand Police to see if they can help. They only offer this service in some regions and on specific days. Contact them to check availability before going to a police station.
Police certificates
When you apply for a visa, you may need to provide us with a police certificate to show that you are of good character.
About police certificates
Find out how to get a police certificate
If your supporting partner has a temporary visa to work or study
If your partner cannot prove good character
If you have provided police certificates before
Fingerprinting for police certificates
Note
If you provide a police certificate that is not in English, you must provide an
This includes police certificates that record no convictions.
Applicants from the Philippines
The acceptable character certificate for the Philippines is the NBI clearance.
Genuine intentions
You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa.
When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we will consider all the information that:
- you provide to support your application
- we have about your personal circumstances
- you have previously given to us.
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
Documents you need
When you apply
When you apply, you will need to provide:
- a signed copy of a New Zealand job offer
- copy of the employment agreement and job description
- a scan of your passport or
- 1 acceptable photo
- evidence of job experience, skills and qualifications
- evidence of occupational registration, if applicable
- evidence you can speak and understand English, if applicable
- police certificates, if required
- a chest X-ray certificate, if required
- a medical certificate, if required
- translated versions of all your documents if they are not in English.
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo. If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused. Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements. Alert Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only. Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms. Note You can only apply for an NZeTA online. The photo you submit with an online application must be: Alert We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size. If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera. If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera. Your photo must be: If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted. If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them. Your photo must: It may be easier to remove them.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Meeting our photo requirements
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Using a professional photographer
Paper applications for visas
Online applications for visas
Online requests for NZeTAs
Online photo error messages
Taking your visa photo
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
You do not need to send us a physical copy. You must send us a high-quality scan of your passport. Provide a scanned copy of your current and recent passports, including: File formats for uploading documents and photos If you are including your partner or dependent children in your application, you must send us high-quality scans of their passports too. If you are applying for a: You must upload a high-quality scan of your current passport or travel document information page when you start your application. This is the page with your photo, name, date of birth and document details like passport number, expiry and issuing authority. Make sure your scan also includes the MRZ code — the string of characters on the bottom of the information page of your passport. If you are including a partner or dependent children in your application, you will also need to upload a high-quality scan of their passport information page. Immigration Online will read the identity and document details in your scanned copy and fill in these fields for you on the form. Check the details in the form are correct and fix any mistakes. If all the information is correct you do not need to do anything and can continue with your application. If Immigration Online could not upload your document, rescan your document and try again. Make sure the document: You can upload any other pages with visa records, entry and exit stamps in the 'Identity evidence' fields in the 'Supporting documents' section of your application form. If you are applying for another type of visa online, we will email you if we need your physical passport to confirm your identity. You may not need to send us your passport if you are: If you renew your passport before you travel, you must transfer your eVisa or the visa label to your new passport. Transferring a visa to a new passport You may not be able to come to New Zealand if your visa and passport do not match in our system. If we need to see your physical passport to confirm your identity, we will: Most people do not need to provide their physical passport. If you are not sure if you need to send your passport, check the final page of your completed visa application in your Immigration Online account. Warning If you do not send your passport within the time we specify, we may delay processing your application or decline it. If you are applying from outside New Zealand, send your passport to your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office. We must receive it within 20 working days from when we ask for it. Most people use a courier or postal tracking service to send us their passports. Offices outside of New Zealand (Visa Application Centres) Postal addresses for sending paper documents We will contact you with instructions about where and how to send your passport if you: Check our postal addresses page for where to send your passport in New Zealand. Use a signature-required courier service so it arrives quickly. Postal addresses for sending paper documents You may have to pay a fee to send your passport to a VAC. You can find the handling fee on the website of your nearest VAC. Fill in the filters and select the tab called ‘Passport handling for online application’. VFS Global for individuals — VFS Global If you sent your passport to a VAC, they contact you with the tracking details after they send your passport back to you. If you have any questions or concerns about the return of your passport, contact the VAC directly. Note The VAC may not send your passport back to you until after we have made a decision about your visa application. If you sent your passport to an INZ office, you receive a tracking number after we send it back to you. Contact the courier company if you have any questions about delivery. For any other questions or concerns, contact us. If you need your passport urgently, contact the INZ officer processing your application. When you contact them, include:
Providing your passport for an online application
How to provide a digital copy of your passport or send us your original passport so we can verify your identity.
If you are applying for a visitor, student or work visa
Resident and transit visas
You must upload a high-quality scan of your passport or travel document when you apply online. You do not need to send us a physical copy.Upload the passport or travel document information page
File formats for uploading documents and photosUpload other passport or travel document pages
Other online applications
Transfer a visa to a new passport
Providing your physical passport
Sending your passport from outside New Zealand
Countries that cannot use a VAC
Sending your passport in New Zealand
Sending your passport to a VAC
Getting your passport returned from a VAC or INZ office
Urgent return of passports
Your passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
- passport from Hong Kong
- Hong Kong document of identity
- Hong Kong British National Overseas passport (HKBNO)
- passport from Macao.
If you are not a French national, also provide a copy of your carte d'assuré.
Also provide a copy of your livret de famille.
If you are not a French national, also provide a copy of your carte d'assuré.
If you are a citizen of Indonesia, also provide your
Filipino citizens departing the Philippines must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after the intended date of departure. This is to meet the exit requirements in the Philippines.
You must also provide a completed supplementary form giving more details of your background and intentions.
You may also provide your Hukou household registration book as an additional form of identity.
If you are applying within China, Hong Kong or Macao, you must also provide a completed supplementary form if you are applying with a:
After you apply
After you apply, we may contact you and ask for:
- your original passport or certificate of identity
- evidence of a medical examination or chest X-ray
- police certificates as proof of your good character
- more evidence of your ability to speak and understand English — you may have to sit a test and send us the results.
When you arrive
When you arrive, you may need to show evidence of a job offer.
How to apply
Follow these steps to complete your application online.
Note
An application containing all the documents we need will be processed faster.
-
1
Step 1: You are offered a full-time job in New Zealand
An accredited employer who has been approved to hire a migrant for this job can offer you the job. The employer will email you and ask you to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. They need to give you:
- a job offer
- a job description
- an employment agreement for the job you are applying for under this visa, and
- a unique link (also called a
) to the online visa application form.
-
2
Step 2: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for this visa and what you will need as proof.
Get documents translated
For your application you must provide:
- certified English translations of police and medical certificates that are not in English, if required
- scanned copies of the original documents.
Note
If your other evidence is not in English, you can provide a translated copy to help us to process your application faster.
Documents must be translated by someone who meets our requirements for providing English translations.
Providing English translations of supporting documents
Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Provide certified translations of your documents to avoid delays processing your application.Check the visa application requirements
Residence visa applications
All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include an English translation.
Visitor visa applications
Visitor visa requirements are changing
From 26 May 2025, supporting document translations for visitor visa applications will no longer need to be certified.
Changes to certification requirements for translations of visitor visa supporting documentsExamples of documents that require full translation include:
- proof of funds — such as bank statements, pay records (proof of funds must be fully translated, partial translations may not be accepted)
- flight itineraries including return tickets
- proof of employment in your home country
- leave of absence documentation
- identity documents other than passports — for example, Hukou for Chinese nationals.
All other visa applications
You must provide us with full certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions.
Note
If your other evidence is not in English, you should provide a translated copy, as this will help us to process your application faster.
Our requirements for translated documents
Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents on behalf of visa applicants. You must pay for certified translations.
Who can complete a certified translation
You can provide certified translations completed by:
- reputable private or official translation businesses
- community members known for their accurate translations.
We do not accept translations completed by the applicant, family members, or the immigration adviser assisting with your application.
We will accept translations from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) who is:
- a trustworthy person within the community
- known to translate documents accurately
- not an adviser on the application.
Using the English spelling of the name in your passport
Check your passport to see if it has your name written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents.
If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, then include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form.
Include your 'other names' in the application form
We need to know if you have used other names that are in your translated documents.
For example, if:
- you have a different birth name, or name from a marriage or adoption
- you have other passports with a different name
- the translator used a different name or spelling when translating your documents into English.
In your visa application form, enter all other names that you have used in the section called 'other names'.
Check your translated document
Each translation must:
- be on the translation business’s official letterhead, if possible
- certified as a correct translation by the translator
- stamped or signed by the translator or translation business.
Submitting your original foreign language documents
When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the:
- original document in a foreign language, and
- a certified English translation of the document.
How you provide the documents depends on if you are applying online or on a paper form.
If applying online, make sure all scanned copies are clear and readable.We may not need an original document or its certified copy in the following situations:
- if we asked for uncertified copies in our form or guide
- if you submitted a legible scan of the original document in the online form
- if you submitted a legible copy of the original document for a temporary entry visa.
When we process your application, we will contact you if we need you to send us a document.
File formats for uploading documents and photos
All documents uploaded must be PDFs and all images must be JPEG or JPG.Documents must be in PDF format
All documents you upload must be in a PDF format and as a single file. For example, if your bank statement is 4 pages, it must be uploaded as a single file and not 4 separate files. Try to avoid uploading multiple copies of the same document.
To merge pages, you can paste documents into a Microsoft Word document and save it as a PDF or use an online PDF merging tool.
Alert
Password protected or compressed files will be rejected by Immigration Online.
Creating PDF documents — wikihow.com
Reducing PDF document file size — wikihow.com
Merging PDF documents — wikihow.com
Passports and travel documents
If you are uploading a copy of your passport or travel document, it should clearly show your information page. This is the page with your photo, name, date of birth and document details such as your passport number and issuing location.
If you are applying for a Permanent Resident Visa, Second or Subsequent Resident Visa, Transit Visa or a variation of travel conditions for a resident visa
Each person included in your application will be asked to upload a scan of the information page of their passport or travel document at the beginning of the application.
The scan should only include the passport information page. You can upload a separate scan of any other required passport pages in the 'Supporting documents' section of the application.
Make sure the scan of the passport information page:
- is high-quality
- can be easily read including all your personal details
- includes the MRZ code - the string of characters on the bottom of the information page of your passport
- does not have any glare or discolouration.
Document size
Check the document file size requirements in the form you are completing. Make sure the documents you upload are not larger than what is allowed.
Photographs must be in JPG or JPEG format
You need to upload a photo of yourself showing a full-front view of your face as part of your application. Visa photos have specific requirements such as no smiling and no hair covering your face.
Face image
You are required to upload a photo showing a full-front view of your face as part of the application.
If you need to convert your photo to the JPG or JPEG format before you upload it, read the instructions on the wikiHow website.
Organise proof of identity
If you need a new passport, allow yourself enough time to get it.
When you apply, make sure you enter your identity details exactly as they appear on your passport or certificate of identity.
Alert
If there are any mistakes in your identity details, your application will be delayed. We may also decline your application or refuse you entry to New Zealand.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for a New Zealand visa.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Book medical appointments, if required
If you apply online, whether you need an X-ray or medical examination will depend on the health information you give us. We will contact you if we need you to organise a medical appointment.
If they are needed, evidence of a chest X-ray or medical examination must be less than 3 months old when we receive them.
Allow yourself enough time to get these.
How to get an X-ray or medical examination
If you need a chest X-ray or medical examination for your visa application, you will need to make a doctor's appointment and take any relevant documents with you. You will need to provide evidence of your medical results in your application.Process overview
- Prepare your visa application as much as you can — check if you need an X-ray or medical examination and when.
- If you need an X-ray or examination, make an appointment.
- Get all the things you need for your appointment ready.
- Go to your appointment. The doctor may need you to take other tests — that can take more time.
- Provide evidence of your X-ray or medical examination results in your application.
- Get your results. You can share them with your immigration advisor.
Note
Your chest X-ray and medical examination results must be no more than 3 months old when we get your application.1. Check if you need a chest X-ray or medical examination
You can check the situations where you need an X-ray or medical examination, and the different types of examinations.
Who needs an X-ray or medical examination
If you need a medical examination, you normally get a 'general medical examination' unless you need a limited medical examination. A general medical examination is sometimes called a 'full medical examination'.
For some visas, you must have a chest X-ray, a medical examination or both before you apply.
For an Accredited Employer Work Visa or a Visitor Visa, we will let you know after you submit your application if you need a chest X-ray or medical examination.
2. Make an appointment
If you need a chest X-ray or medical examination, you must visit a doctor or radiologist from our list of 'panel physicians' — unless there are no panel physicians in your country.
Panel physicians are doctors and radiologists approved to complete chest X-rays and medical examinations for New Zealand visa applications.
Check if there is a panel physician in your country.
Doctors who can do examinations
If there is a panel physician in your country
You must visit a panel physician.
- Contact a panel physician to make an appointment for your chest X-ray or medical examination.
- Tell them it is for an Immigration New Zealand application and what visa you are applying for.
- Tell them the type of medical examination you need.
- You can ask the clinic about the costs when you make your appointment.
If there is no panel physician in your country
You can use any registered doctor.
- Contact your doctor to make an appointment for your X-ray or medical examination.
- Tell them it is for an Immigration New Zealand application.
- Tell them the type of medical examination you need.
- You can ask them about the costs when you make your appointment.
- Make sure you have a printed medical certificate form for the examination you need, and 3 passport sized photos.
If you are in New Zealand and only need a chest X-ray
You must visit a panel medical clinic who will refer you to a panel radiology clinic.
- Find a panel medical clinic from the list of approved panel physicians.
- Tell the clinic what type of visa you are applying for, and that you need a chest X-ray only.
- You will normally need to visit the clinic. Bring an identity document.
- The clinic will create a case for you and refer you to a panel radiology clinic.
Note
If there are other people on your application, they will each need an appointment.
If you are menstruating (having a period), you need to wait until your period finishes before having your medical examination. You cannot have your medical examination during your period because the blood can affect your urine test.
For an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Visitor Visa, if we need you to have a chest X-ray or medical examination, we give you an Immigration New Zealand health case reference number (NZHR). Give the NZHR to the clinic when you make your appointment.
Finding your eMedical and INZ health case reference numbers
Bringing someone with you to the appointment
You can bring a family member, support person or interpreter to your appointment.
Let the clinic know when you make your appointment if you are bringing someone with you.
If you are having a physical examination, you can ask the clinic for a chaperone. The clinic must have chaperones available.
3. Get what you need for your appointment
Have the following ready to bring to your appointment:
- an identity document
- your glasses or contact lenses if you use them
- a list of any medication you are taking, including dosage
- any relevant medical reports or X-rays
- other documents you need if you are not visiting a panel physician, or if you are using an immigration adviser.
Identity documents for X-rays and medical examinations
Note
If you are 17 years or under, you need your parent or legal guardian to come with you.
If you are visiting a doctor that is not a panel physician
If you are visiting any registered doctor because there are no panel physicians in your country, you need to also bring:
- 3 recent passport-sized photos less than 6 months old — you only need 1 photo if you are having a chest X-ray and not a medical examination, and
- a printed copy of the required medical certificate form for your doctor to complete and send to us.
Get the medical certificate form you need:
If you are using a licensed immigration adviser
You need to also bring a completed 'Immigration Adviser Details' form to give to the clinic.
4. Go to your appointment
Authority to collect medical information
At your medical appointment, you must sign a form to allow the doctor to send your medical information to us.
If you are 17 or younger, your parent or guardian must sign the form for you.
If your doctor is using eMedical, they will give you an eMedical client consent and declaration form to sign. You can read the form before your appointment:
What happens at the medical examination
There are 3 parts to the medical examination:
- medical history and physical examination
- urine and blood tests
- chest X-ray, if required.
The doctor checks your height, weight, mental state, hearing and vision, listens to your heart and lungs, feels your abdomen and checks your reflexes and other parts of your nervous system.
A nurse or health care assistant may complete parts of the examination.
You will need to:
- remove some items of clothing for the physical examination
- provide a urine sample during the medical examination
- get blood tests, and possibly a chest X-ray or other tests if needed — the clinic will tell you if you need these, and you may need to go to different places to get some tests done.
Paying for your medical examination
You must pay any costs related to your X-ray and medical examinations.
Note
Ask the clinic about the costs when you make your appointment.
5. Provide evidence of your results in your application
In your visa application, you need to provide evidence of your X-ray or examination results.
To show you had an examination you can either:
- tell us the eMedical reference code from your panel physician — we will get your results electronically (this is the quickest way)
- tell us the name of the clinic where you had the medical examination, or
- give us a copy of the completed medical certificate, if you did not visit a panel physician — the doctor will normally send your medical certificate to us, but you can ask them for a copy.
6. How to get your results
To get a copy of your results you can ask the doctor when you have your examination, or any time afterwards.
You can ask for email notifications. If you do, you will receive an email when your physician sends us your results. You cannot reply to this email.
If you have any questions about your results, discuss these with your doctor.
If you need a copy of your results
You can ask the clinic for a copy of your medical examination results.
Once we receive your results you can also contact us if you want a copy of them.
Sharing your medical information with an immigration adviser
If you have an immigration adviser, and would like them to be able to see and ask questions about your medical information, you need to:
- complete an ‘Immigration Adviser Details’ form and take it with you to your medical examination
- ask for copies of your results at your examination and give these to your immigration adviser when you receive them.
Your privacy
The panel physicians who use eMedical must agree to protect your personal information to meet New Zealand privacy laws.
Your information is sent to us using a secure online channel and is available only to us and the clinic where you were examined.
If you have any privacy concerns, you can contact us.
Apply for police certificates, if required
Check what you will need to include for a work visa.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.Being of good character
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements.
When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been:
- involved in criminal or human rights abuse activities, or
- removed or deported from another country.
If there is an issue, we may:
- decline your application, or
- give you a
or a which waive (remove) the requirements.
You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements.
Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances.
Providing police certificates
You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
When we process your application, we will contact you if we require police certificates from you.
Police certificates
When you apply for a visa, you may need to provide us with a police certificate to show that you are of good character.About police certificates
Depending on the visa you want, and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand, you may need to provide a police certificate as evidence of your good character.
Police certificates are documents issued by the police or a government agency. They:
- provide information about any criminal record you have
- are based on official records and checks
- are also sometimes called criminal checks, police clearance certificates or penal records.
If we ask you to provide a police certificate, you must:
- make sure the police certificate is less than 6 months old when you submit your visa application
- provide us with a translation, if it is not in English.
Providing English translations supporting documents
Find out how to get a police certificate
- are a citizen of, and
- have lived in for more than 5 years since you turned 17.
- any country you are a citizen of
- any other country where you spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years — even if those 12 months were not all in one stay.
- must provide police certificates, if you are applying for a resident visa
- may be asked to provide police certificates, if you are applying for a temporary visa to work or visit.
Applying for a visitor, student or work visa You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.
Provide police certificates from any country you:
If you are aged 16 or younger, you do not need to provide police certificates.
If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to grant you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements.
Applying for a resident visa You must provide police certificates if you are aged 17 or older.
Provide police certificates from:
Police certificates must show any criminal records you have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years.
If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to give you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements.
Partners supporting your application If you apply for a visa as the partner of a New Zealander or a New Zealand visa holder, your partner is known as the 'supporting partner'.
Your supporting partner must be able to show us they are of good character. They may need to provide police certificates for proof.
If your supporting partner is a New Zealand citizen or has a resident visa, they:
If your partner needs to provide police certificates, the police certificates must be from countries where they have spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years, since they turned 17 — even if the 12 months were not all in one stay.
Police certificates must show any criminal records they have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years.
Note
Your partner does not need to provide a New Zealand police certificate, as we will get one directly from the authorities.
If your supporting partner has a temporary visa to work or study
If your supporting partner has a work or study visa, we may ask your partner to provide police certificates, if you are applying for a temporary visa.
Your partner will not meet our character requirements if they have any convictions for
or sexual offences in the last 7 years, whether in New Zealand or in other countries. If your partner cannot prove good character
If your supporting partner cannot prove they are of good character, we may give them a
. This would mean your partner would still be able to support your visa application. If your partner has any convictions for domestic violence or sexual offences, they cannot support your application.
For all types of visa applications, we still may request police certificates from your partner to make sure they meet our character requirements.
If you have provided police certificates before
You may not need to provide police certificates if you have provided them in a previous visa application. Check the character requirements of the visa you are applying for.
Fingerprinting for police certificates
Some of the authorities that issue police certificates (the police and other government agencies) may require a set of fingerprints when you request a police certificate.
If you do need a set of fingerprints to get a police certificate, check in your region for a fingerprinting service. There are many private businesses who offer fingerprinting services.
If you cannot find a fingerprinting service in your region, you can contact the New Zealand Police to see if they can help. They only offer this service in some regions and on specific days. Contact them to check availability before going to a police station.
Note
Your police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. Allow yourself enough time to get these certificates.
Organise proof of job offer
Make copies of your:
- signed job offer
- employment agreement, and
- job description.
Organise evidence of job experience, skills and qualifications
You must provide evidence of your:
- job experience
- skills
- qualifications
- registration of your job, known as occupational registration, if applicable.
Organise proof of English language ability
If you need to show us that you can speak and understand English, organise proof of your ability or book English language tests.
English language requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa
Find out how you can meet our English language requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), if you have been offered a role at ANZSCO level 4 or 5.Meeting our English language requirements for the AEWV
If you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at
level 4 or 5 you must show that you can speak and understand English. What is ANZSCO and how to find your skill level
You can meet our English language requirements through:
- your citizenship, where you studied and the qualifications you gained
- English language tests.
ANZSCO levels 1 to 3
There are no English language requirements if you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO level 1 to 3.
English ability from citizenship, working and studying
There are 3 scenarios where your citizenship, work and study gives us confidence that your English language ability is at the level we require.
Scenario 1
You are a citizen of 1 of these countries:
- Canada
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States.
You have spent at least 5 years working or studying in person in 1 of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand.
Scenario 2
You have a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand
bachelor's degree gained in: - Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States.
You studied for at least 2 years in any of these countries while being physically located there to get that qualification.
Scenario 3
You have a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand postgraduate qualification at level 8 or above gained in:
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States.
You studied for at least 1 year in any of these countries while being physically located there to get that qualification.
How to provide evidence
We can see evidence of your citizenship through the passport details you supply. You do not need to provide any more evidence of citizenship or where you have lived, unless we specifically ask for it.
For evidence of your qualifications and where you studied, we need a copy of your qualification certificate and academic transcript.
English ability by language tests
Another way to show your English language ability is through getting an acceptable result in an English language test.
English language test results required
Your result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply and must be obtained by sitting the test in person at a test centre. Tests taken remotely outside of a test centre, such as ‘at home’ tests are not acceptable.
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
In 2023 the International English Language Test System (IELTS) provider introduced a One Skill Retake option for both their Academic and General Training tests. The IELTS One Skill Retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test date.
Cambridge language assessments
The Cambridge English: First (FCE) is now called B2 First.
The Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is now called B2 First for Schools.
Table 1: English language test results we accept Test Minimum score International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
4 overall Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT)
31 overall Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE academic) 29 overall Cambridge English B2 First 142 overall Cambridge English B2 First for Schools 142 overall Occupational English Test (OET) Grade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
If you have provided evidence that you speak English before
If we have already assessed that you meet the minimum standard of English language ability as part of a previous Immigration New Zealand application, this may be acceptable to meet English language requirements for your current application. It cannot be an application where the English language was assessed by a third party, such as an education provider.
-
3
Step 3: Submit your application and pay the fee
Complete an online application using the link in your email asking you to apply. You must open the link and accept the request before you can begin applying.
Once you start the application, you can come back to it by logging in from the usual Apply button or log-in screen.
Apply online, upload your documents and pay the applicable fees.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees.
-
4
Step 4: Wait for our decision
We will let you know if we need more information to process your application.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
Note
If you are already in New Zealand, you must have a valid visa. If your current temporary visa is going to expire while you are waiting for our decision, we will normally issue you an interim visa to let you stay in New Zealand lawfully.
-
5
Step 5: Check your application status
Log in to your account to check the status of your application.
Checking your visa application status
We will email you when we make a decision.
If we approve your application, we will give you an eVisa and send you a copy.
Check the 'While you are in New Zealand' section to find out what you can and cannot do when you come to New Zealand.
How to pay and submit
We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details.
Enter your details so we can show information that is relevant to you.
When you get your visa
Your visa is valid from:
- the date you enter New Zealand, if you are outside New Zealand, or
- the date you get your visa, if you are already in New Zealand.
You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
When you arrive
Entry permission
You must apply for permission to enter New Zealand. You do this by completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form.
You can start your digital declaration any time, but the earliest you can submit it is 24 hours before starting your travel to New Zealand.
A paper declaration form is available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
Alert
You can be refused entry permission if you:
- do not meet our character requirements
- have had a change in circumstances since we issued your visa
- refuse to let us take your photo, fingerprints or an iris scan.
If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice. You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again. Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
Alert Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand. Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel. We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if: We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you: We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you: Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa. You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if: You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Your identity and travel documents
Information you provide to us
Meeting the conditions of your visa
Your character and health
Arriving in New Zealand
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
While you are in New Zealand
Your visa conditions are recorded in your eVisa.
Travel
If you are travelling in and out of New Zealand, your visa must have a valid
Check or change your work visa conditions
Alert
If your visa does not have a multiple-entry travel condition and you leave New Zealand, your visa will expire.
Work
Your employer must offer you at least 30 of hours of work a week.
You may work only in the job, for the employer and in the location stated on your visa. If these conditions change, you must apply to vary the conditions of your visa or apply for a Job Change.
You cannot work a second job while on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Apply for a Job Change or a variation of conditions if you have a work visa
To be accredited, your employer has committed to:
- giving you specific work-related settlement information and support
- not passing on their accreditation, recruitment or operational costs to you, and
- complying with New Zealand employment and immigration laws.
What your employer must do when they hire you on an AEWV
Your employer must also continue to pay you the amount that you were offered in your job offer, throughout your employment. This amount will be listed in your visa conditions.
Note
Migrant workers have the same rights as New Zealand workers. If you think your employer is mistreating you or your workplace is unsafe, report them. Reporting them will not affect your visa.
Study
You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.
If you want to study longer than 3 months, you can apply for a variation of conditions to your work visa.
Apply for a Job Change or a variation of conditions if you have a work visa
Note
You may be able to do other study if it is required by your employer as part of your employment. Your employer must pay for any work-related study you need to do.
Staying longer
If the length of your visa is less than the total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand (your maximum continuous stay), you can apply for further Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs) to be able to stay for that maximum time.
You may be able to apply for a resident visa and live in New Zealand as a resident depending on the skill level of your job.
Find out if you are eligible to apply for residency.