Accreditation
- Applicant
- Confirm the employer is accredited
- Employer
- Hold and maintain accreditation
Work visas
New Zealand work visa advice and AEWV support
From Accredited Employer Work Visa applications to renewals, employer changes and planning a longer-term pathway, we help you understand what is involved and prepare a complete, well-supported application.
Who we help
Work visa advice for applicants and the people who employ them
Whether you have a New Zealand job offer, already hold a work visa, or are weighing up your next step, we help you understand the realistic options for your situation.
- You have a job offer from a New Zealand employer
- You already hold a work visa and need to renew or vary it
- You want to change employers or employment conditions
- You are planning a pathway from work toward residence
- You want to bring family while you work in New Zealand
- You are an employer supporting a migrant worker's application
The AEWV
Understanding the Accredited Employer Work Visa
The AEWV usually involves an accredited employer and a checked role before a worker applies.
Employer accreditation
The employer must usually be accredited before hiring on an AEWV.
See how the three AEWV stages fit together. Read about AEWV support →
Renewals & changes
Renewing your visa or changing your circumstances
Work visa renewals
Plan ahead for renewal so your timing and evidence are considered before your current visa expires.
Changing employers
Moving to a new role or employer can affect your visa. We help you understand what may be required.
Varying conditions
Changes to your role, location or conditions may need to be addressed. We explain the implications.
Leaving a renewal or change until close to your visa expiry can limit your options. It is worth seeking advice early.
Pressure points
What can hold a work visa application back
Work visa matters often come down to how well the employer, role, timing and applicant evidence line up. We help identify these pressure points early so the pathway is clearer before you commit time and money.
Employer readiness
Accreditation, Job Check and role details need to line up before the worker application can stand properly.
Role settings
Pay, hours, location and duties should match the pathway and the evidence being presented.
Evidence gaps
Skills, experience and employment documents often need to tell a consistent story.
Timing pressure
Expiry dates, start dates and processing steps can create avoidable stress if left late.
Family
Bringing family while you work in New Zealand
Depending on your circumstances, your partner and dependent children may be able to join you. The options vary, and we can help you understand what may be possible alongside your own application.
Partner and children have their own options. Read about partner and family visas →
Looking ahead
Work-to-residence planning
For many people, a work visa is a step toward living in New Zealand permanently. Thinking about residence early can shape the choices you make now.
We help you understand how your current work situation may connect to residence options, so you can plan with the bigger picture in mind. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and can change over time.
Residence has several routes. Read about residence pathways →
Who does what
Applicant and employer responsibilities
Work visas often involve both an applicant and an employer. This is a simple split of the typical parts.
How we work
A typical work visa journey
1
Assess your situation
We review your job offer, current visa and goals.
2
Confirm the pathway
We explain the realistic options and what each involves.
3
Prepare evidence
We help gather and organise the documents likely required.
4
Lodge and follow through
We support the application and keep you informed.
Concerns
Common work visa concerns we hear
Will my role qualify?
You are unsure whether the position and pay meet what is expected.
What if I change jobs?
You want to move employers and are unsure how that affects your visa.
Is my renewal on time?
You are worried about leaving a renewal too late.
Can my family come too?
You want to understand options for your partner and children.
How does residence fit?
You are thinking about settling long term and want to plan ahead.
What evidence do I need?
You are unsure which documents to prepare and how to present them.
Questions
Work visa FAQ
Can you guarantee my work visa will be approved?
No. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and requirements can change. We help you understand your options, prepare a complete application and identify potential issues early.
Can I change employers on an AEWV?
It is often possible, but it can affect your visa and may require steps to be taken. We can explain what may be involved for your situation.
When should I start a renewal?
Earlier is generally better. Starting well before your visa expires gives more room to consider evidence and timing.
Can my partner work while I am here?
It depends on your circumstances. We can talk through partner options on our partner and family page.
Next step
Discuss your work visa options
Tell us about your role and circumstances, and we will help you understand the realistic pathway.