New Zealand offers employment opportunities for overseas workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering, agriculture, hospitality, technology and skilled trades. For many foreign workers, the main employer-sponsored route is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
In 2026, applicants generally need a genuine full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer and must meet the skills, experience and immigration requirements for the position.
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to work for an approved New Zealand employer.
The job offer must usually be for at least 30 hours per week, and the employer must hold the appropriate accreditation and an approved job check for the position. Depending on the occupation and visa conditions, an AEWV can allow a worker to remain in New Zealand for up to 5 years.
The visa currently costs NZD $1,540, and Immigration New Zealand says it processes 80% of AEWV applications within about 6 weeks, although individual cases can take longer.
New Zealand Work Visa Requirements in 2026
The exact requirements depend on the occupation, but AEWV applicants normally need:
- A genuine full-time job offer from an accredited employer
- At least 30 guaranteed working hours per week
- Relevant skills and experience for the position
- Good health and character
- Occupational registration where required
- English-language ability for certain lower-skilled roles
- Supporting evidence for qualifications or previous work experience
For the standard AEWV skill requirement, applicants generally need either 2 years of relevant work experience or a qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above. A CV alone is usually not sufficient proof of work experience; Immigration New Zealand may require documents such as payslips, tax records, or employment certificates.
English Language Requirements
English requirements depend on the job’s skill level.
Applicants working in ANZSCO or NOL skill levels 3 to 5 may need to prove that they can speak and understand English. Jobs at skill levels 1 and 2 generally do not require separate English evidence for the AEWV.
Applicants should check their occupation’s classification before submitting a visa application.
Jobs in New Zealand for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers can look for opportunities across several industries, but actual vacancies depend on employer demand and immigration rules.
Common areas include:
- Healthcare and nursing
- Engineering
- Construction and skilled trades
- Agriculture and seasonal work
- Hospitality
- Information technology
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Technical occupations
New Zealand also maintains a Green List of occupations where qualified workers are particularly needed. Some Green List jobs can lead to a Straight to Residence pathway, while others may lead to Work to Residence after qualifying employment.
In March 2026, New Zealand also expanded the occupations recognized under its National Occupation List for AEWV purposes.
Salary and Minimum Wage in New Zealand
There is no single salary for New Zealand work visa holders. Pay depends on the job, experience, region and employer.
From 1 April 2026, New Zealand’s adult minimum wage is NZD $23.95 per hour before tax.
The previous general AEWV median-wage threshold was removed in 2025. Employers must still pay migrant workers at least the legal minimum wage and normally offer a rate consistent with the market rate for the role and location.
Some Green List and residence pathways can still have specific wage requirements.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa in 2026
The AEWV application process generally follows these steps:
- Find an accredited employer.
You first need a genuine full-time job offer from an employer accredited to hire migrant workers. - Employer completes the job check.
The employer must have an approved job check for the role before supporting your application. - Receive your employment documents.
The employer provides your job offer, job description, employment agreement, and a unique link to begin the visa application. - Prepare your documents.
Upload evidence of your passport, work experience, qualifications, registration (if needed), and English ability, where applicable. - Submit the application online.
Complete the online AEWV application and pay the required visa fee. - Wait for the decision.
Immigration New Zealand may request further evidence before making a decision.
If approved, the applicant receives an eVisa with the employment conditions.
How to Check an Accredited Employer
Before accepting a job, applicants can use Immigration New Zealand’s official accredited employer list to check whether a company is currently authorized to hire workers under the AEWV program.
This step matters because job scams targeting overseas workers are common.
Employers or recruiters acting for them cannot charge foreign workers fees for a job or recover recruitment costs from the worker.
Can a New Zealand Work Visa Lead to Residence?
Some jobs offer a pathway to residence.
Workers in qualifying Green List Tier 1 occupations may be able to apply through the Straight to Residence pathway. Workers in qualifying Tier 2 occupations may qualify for Work to Residence after completing the required period of eligible employment, generally 24 months.
Eligibility depends on the occupation, qualifications, registration and wage requirements.
Final Thoughts
A New Zealand work visa in 2026 can provide a route for qualified foreign workers to gain employment and international experience in New Zealand.
For most employer-sponsored applicants, the process starts with finding an accredited employer, securing a genuine full-time job offer, and meeting Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements.
Always verify the employer, check your occupation’s skill requirements, and use official Immigration New Zealand information before paying fees or submitting an application.
