Work Permit Guide for Foreigners in New Zealand

To work legally in New Zealand, most foreigners require a job offer from an accredited employer and must obtain a specific work visa like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), with key requirements including meeting health, character, and skill thresholds, and for many roles, being paid at or above the median wage of NZD $31.61 per hour.

New Zealand Work Visa System Overview

New Zealand's work visa system is designed to address skill shortages while protecting the domestic labor market. The system is primarily employer-led, meaning a job offer is a prerequisite for most visas. The introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in 2022 consolidated many previous visa categories into a single framework with a three-step process: Employer Accreditation, Job Check, and Migrant Worker Visa Application.

Visa Type Key Eligibility / Access Level Typical Cost (NZD) Primary Use Case Recent Grant Numbers (Annual)
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Job offer from accredited employer, meet skill/wage thresholds. $750 - $1,050 Long-term skilled, semi-skilled, or lower-skilled work where no NZers available. ~45,000 (2023/24)
Working Holiday Visa Citizen of a partner country, aged 18-30/35, for holiday & temporary work. $245 Short-term work to fund travel, typically for 12-23 months. ~65,000 (2023/24)
Essential Skills Work Visa (Legacy - Phasing out) Job offer, labour market test, meet skill/wage level for role. $440 - $580 Temporary work for roles not yet transitioned to AEWV system. ~15,000 (Declining)
Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa Invitation for specific event/project with defined end date. $440 Film crew, sports personnel, specialized project teams. ~2,500
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa In a genuine & stable relationship with a NZ citizen/resident. $490 Partners wanting to work while in NZ. ~8,000

⚠️ System in Transition

The AEWV is replacing older work visa categories. Always check the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website for the most current visa types and rules, as policies change frequently. Applying under a closed category will result in rejection.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The standard process for the dominant AEWV involves three distinct stages, each with its own set of requirements and approvals.

Stage 1: Employer Accreditation (Employer's Responsibility)

Your prospective employer must first become accredited with Immigration NZ. This involves proving they are a genuine operating business, financially stable, and have sound workplace practices. Accreditation can take 2-4 weeks. You cannot proceed without an accredited employer.

Stage 2: Job Check (Employer's Responsibility)

The employer must submit details of the job offer for approval. They must demonstrate the role meets market rate (at median wage unless an exemption applies) and, for some roles, that they have attempted to recruit New Zealanders. Approval is role and location specific.

Stage 3: Migrant Worker Visa Application (Your Responsibility)

Only after Stages 1 & 2 are approved can you, the worker, apply. You must prove your identity, skills, experience, meet health and character requirements, and that you are a genuine applicant for the approved role. Do not apply before the job check is approved.

Visa Type Analysis & Choosing the Right One

Selecting the correct visa is critical. The wrong application leads to delays, extra costs, and refusal. Below is a comparative analysis of key long-term work pathways.

Pathway Pathway to Residence? Typical Duration Skill/Wage Threshold Best For
AEWV (Above Median Wage) Yes, after 2 years for eligible roles. Up to 3 years, renewable. Must meet or exceed NZ median wage ($31.61/hr). Skilled professionals in long-term demand (IT, Engineering, Healthcare).
AEWV (Green List Role) Yes, often straight-to-residence or work-to-residence. Up to 3 years, pathway specific. Role on Tier 1 or Tier 2 Green List, relevant qualifications/experience. Highly skilled workers in targeted sectors (Construction, ICT, Health).
AEWV (Sector Agreement) Possible, depends on specific agreement. Varies by sector agreement. Pay and conditions per the sector agreement (e.g., care, tourism). Workers in industries with approved workforce shortages.
Working Holiday Visa No 12-23 months (country-dependent), non-renewable. Low threshold, but work is secondary to holiday purpose. Young adults seeking a cultural experience with casual work.

💡 The "Green List" Advantage

The Green List is a critical tool. It specifies 85+ high-demand roles across construction, engineering, health, and tech. If your occupation is on Tier 1, you may qualify for Straight to Residence. Tier 2 roles offer a Work to Residence pathway after 2 years. This list is regularly reviewed.

Special Considerations & Industry Rules

Specific industries and circumstances have additional layers of regulation beyond the standard visa rules.

🩺 Health & Social Services Sector

Healthcare workers must have their qualifications assessed and registered with the relevant professional body (Nursing Council, Medical Council) before a visa can be granted. This process can add 3-6 months to your timeline.

🏗️ Construction & Infrastructure

Many construction roles are on the Green List. Employers must also comply with the Construction Sector Agreement, which may have specific wage and accommodation requirements.

🌾 Agriculture & Horticulture (Recognised Seasonal Employer - RSE)

This is a separate limited visa scheme for workers from Pacific islands for seasonal work (up to 7 months). It is not a general work visa and has its own quota and employer list.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Partners & Dependents

Your partner's ability to work on a dependent visa depends on your own visa conditions. For example, if you hold an AEWV for a role paid at twice the median wage, your partner gets an open work visa. If paid below twice the median, your partner gets a visitor visa or a work visa for a specific employer.

Understanding Employer Accreditation

Since the employer is your gateway to an AEWV, verifying their status and understanding the accreditation types is crucial for your application's success.

Accreditation Type Maximum Workers Validity Period Key Obligations for Employer Due Diligence For You
Standard Accreditation Up to 5 new AEWV hires in 24 months 24 months Pay at least median wage, ensure genuine job, comply with employment law. Ask for the employer's accreditation number and verify it on the INZ employer list.
High-Volume Accreditation Unlimited (but each job requires a Job Check) 24 months All standard obligations, plus higher scrutiny on recruitment and settlement support. Confirm the specific Job Check for your role has been approved before applying.
Franchise Accreditation Per franchise agreement 24 months Head franchisor manages accreditation for franchisee network. Confirm both the franchisor and the specific franchise location are accredited.

⚠️ Red Flags: Protecting Yourself

Be wary of employers who ask you to pay for your job, your visa, or their accreditation. This is illegal. Report such requests to Immigration NZ. Always sign a written employment agreement that matches the Job Check approval before you apply for your visa. A genuine employer will not pressure you to bypass official channels.

Complete Document Checklist

Prepare these documents meticulously. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the leading cause of application delays and rejections. All non-English documents require certified translations.

  • Identity & Travel: Passport bio-data page (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay). Recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Job Offer Evidence: Copy of your signed employment agreement. The employer's accreditation number and Job Check approval number.
  • Skills & Qualifications: Relevant qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates) with official transcripts. Detailed CV/work history. Evidence of relevant work experience (references, payslips, tax records). Professional registration evidence (if applicable for your occupation).
  • Health: Medical certificate (INZ 1007 or 1206) if you intend to stay >6 months, or are from a high-risk TB country. Chest x-ray certificate (INZ 1096) if staying >6 months.
  • Character: Police certificates from any country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (takes weeks to obtain, start early).
  • English Language: Test results (e.g., IELTS overall score of 6.5) if required for your visa type or occupation.
  • Financial Support (if applicable): Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your initial settlement (e.g., NZD $4,200 for 3 months for a single person) or evidence your employer will provide support.

Meeting Health & Character Requirements

These are mandatory, non-negotiable requirements designed to protect public health and safety in New Zealand.

Health Requirements: You must be of an acceptable standard of health. This generally means your health condition won't impose significant costs (over NZD $81,000 over 5 years) or demands on New Zealand's health services. You will be referred for a medical examination if you have a condition likely to impose costs, are applying for a residence pathway visa, or are from a designated high-risk country. Conditions like active tuberculosis can lead to decline.

Character Requirements: You must be of good character. You will be asked to declare any criminal convictions. Applications will be declined if you have been convicted of an offense that resulted in imprisonment for 5+ years, or in the last 10 years resulted in imprisonment for 12+ months. Even minor offenses must be declared; non-disclosure is grounds for visa cancellation.

Example Case: An IT professional's AEWV application was delayed by 4 months because a minor police matter from 15 years ago was not initially declared. After voluntary disclosure and providing court documents, the visa was granted, but the delay was costly.

Visa Costs, Fees & Processing Times

Budgeting accurately is essential. Costs vary by visa type, application method (online vs. paper), and whether you include family members.

Fee Category Typical Cost (NZD) - Online Typical Cost (NZD) - Paper Who Pays Notes
AEWV Application Fee $750 $1,050 Worker (or employer by agreement) Includes $480 levy. Non-refundable if declined.
Job Check Fee (Employer) $610 $810 Employer Required before worker can apply.
Employer Accreditation Fee $740 (Standard) $1,220 (Standard) Employer Initial cost for business.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) $35 $35 Worker Added to most visa applications.
Medical Examination / Police Certificates Varies by country ($150 - $400+) Varies by country ($150 - $400+) Worker Paid directly to clinic/police authority.

⏱️ Realistic Processing Time Expectations

INZ publishes current processing times. As of early 2025, 90% of online AEWV applications are completed within 30 working days, but complex cases (e.g., requiring further health or character checks) can take 3-6 months. Paper applications are significantly slower. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is granted and in your passport.

Final Application Preparation Checklist

Use this interactive checklist to ensure you are fully prepared before submitting your visa application.

Months 3-6 Before: Research & Preparation

  1. Confirm your occupation's status (Green List, sector agreement, etc.) on the INZ website.
  2. Begin researching and contacting potential accredited employers in New Zealand.
  3. Start gathering old employment records, qualification documents, and birth certificates.
  4. Book an English language test if you know you will need one.

Month 2 Before: Job Offer & Employer Steps

  1. Secure a formal job offer from an employer. Verify their accreditation status online.
  2. Ensure your employer has completed the Job Check for your specific role and received approval.
  3. Obtain a signed employment agreement that matches the Job Check details.
  4. Apply for overseas police certificates from all required countries (this can take 8+ weeks).

Month 1 Before: Final Documentation

  1. Complete your medical examination with an INZ-approved panel physician.
  2. Get certified translations for any document not in English.
  3. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
  4. Create a RealMe account and gather all digital documents for the online application portal.

Application Day & After

  1. Double-check all answers in the online form for consistency with your documents.
  2. Pay the application fee and IVL online. Save the receipt and application number.
  3. Submit the application. Monitor your email (and online account) for any requests from INZ for further information.
  4. DO NOT finalize travel plans or resign from your current job until the visa is physically granted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main types of work visas for New Zealand?

A. The system is now centered on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Other major types include Working Holiday Visas (for young people from partner countries), Specific Purpose or Event Work Visas, and Partner of a New Zealander Work Visas. Older categories like the Essential Skills visa are being phased out in favor of the AEWV.

How long does it take to get a New Zealand work visa?

A. For online AEWV applications, the published service standard is 20-30 working days for 90% of cases, provided all documents are correct. However, if your application requires additional verification (health, character, employer checks), it can take 3-4 months. Always check the latest processing times on the INZ website before applying.

Can I bring my family on my work visa?

A. Yes, in most cases for the AEWV. Your partner and dependent children (aged 19 or under) can be included in your application. Their ability to work or study depends on your wage level. If you earn at least twice the median wage (currently $63.22/hr), your partner gets an open work visa. If you earn between 1.5x and 2x the median, they get a work visa for a specific employer. Below 1.5x, they get a visitor visa.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a work visa?

A. Absolutely yes for the AEWV and other main work visas. The job offer must be from an employer who is accredited with Immigration NZ and the specific role must have an approved Job Check. The only common work visas without a job offer are the Working Holiday Visa and the Partner Work Visa.

What is the median wage requirement?

A. As of February 2025, the median wage is NZD $31.61 per hour. For most AEWV applications, you must be paid at or above this rate. Exceptions exist for roles on the Green List, under Sector Agreements, or where a skills shortage list applies, but the pay must still be at least the market rate for that job in that region.

What happens if I work outside my visa conditions?

A. It is a serious breach of immigration law. Consequences can include:

  • Immediate visa cancellation.
  • Deportation from New Zealand.
  • A prohibition on re-entering NZ for a set period (up to 5 years).
  • Potential prosecution which may include substantial fines.
Always check the specific conditions on your visa label or eVisa.

How do I prove my English language ability?

A. You may need to provide test results from an approved test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET) taken within the last 2 years. The required score varies. You may be exempt if you are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK, USA, or have studied for a qualification comparable to a NZ Level 7 Bachelor's degree, taught in English, for at least 2 years.

Can I apply for residence from a work visa?

A. Yes, a work visa is often the first step towards residence. The main pathways are:

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): A points-based system (revamped in 2023). You need a job offer and must meet points thresholds for skills, experience, and salary.
  • Green List Pathways: If your role is on the Green List Tier 1, you can apply for Straight to Residence immediately. Tier 2 allows you to apply for residence after working for 2 years in NZ in that role.

Official Resources & Government Links

Always refer to these primary sources for the most accurate, up-to-date, and legally relevant information. Policies change frequently.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, and requirements are subject to frequent change by Immigration New Zealand. Always consult the official Immigration New Zealand website or a licensed immigration adviser (licensed by the IAA) for advice specific to your personal circumstances before making any decisions or applications. The author is not liable for any actions taken based on the information in this guide. Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, only licensed advisers can provide immigration advice unless exempt.