New Zealand 5-Year Work Visa 2025 – Accredited Employer

The New Zealand 5-Year Work Visa offers an incredible opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. With this visa, you can apply for jobs across industries that typically pay between NZD 55,000 and NZD 90,000 per year, depending on your skills and role. While many positions require relevant qualifications or prior work experience, New Zealand also values practical expertise and on-the-job learning.

Most roles are on-site, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Kiwi lifestyle, though some employers may offer hybrid or remote options. Whether you’re pursuing a career in healthcare, construction, IT, or hospitality, this visa provides a stable and rewarding pathway to build your future in New Zealand while enjoying its welcoming culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Accredited Employer Work Visa:

Foreign nationals can work for accredited firms in New Zealand using the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Employers can obtain accreditation to hire foreign workers if they are proven to adhere to labor regulations, follow fair work practices, and strive to acquire skilled personnel. The AEWV aims to give foreign workers equity while also improving the employment practices of businesses.

In the past, the AEWV allowed stays of three years. However, in 2025, workers in certain highly skilled occupations or those making the median income or more can now receive up to five years under the AEWV scheme.

Who Needs the AEWV:

If their employer has been successfully accredited, foreigners who want to work in New Zealand for longer than a seasonal or temporary period of time must apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Numerous industries, including healthcare, IT, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and engineering, are eligible for this visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

The candidate must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible under the New Zealand AEWV five-year term:

• Possess a verified offer of employment with a New Zealand-accredited company on a full-time basis.
• At the very least, the job should pay the median wage, or more for certain roles.
• The role should be genuine and fit the candidate’s qualifications and expertise.
• having fulfilled the health and character standards set by immigration to New Zealand.
• Have the credentials, licenses, or work experience required to fill the role.
• Adhere to the employment and visa regulations of New Zealand.

Requirements:

A comprehensive list of the documents needed for the application should be supplied by the applicants:

• A suitable and enough valid passport.
• Legal work for a reputable company.
• Contract outlining the terms, position, and compensation.
• Proof of training or professional experience.
• The applicant’s police clearance certificate from their native country and any country they have lived in for more than a year in the last ten years.
• Results of medical examinations when required.
• Proof of earning a wage.

Step by Step AEWV 2025 Application Process:

To obtain the visa, take the actions listed below.

Step 1:Employer Accreditation.

The New Zealand employer must be accredited before an applicant may submit an application. Additionally, accreditation assists the employer in meeting the requirements set forth by Immigration New Zealand and in upholding fair labor standards. Only after the employer is accredited can employees apply.

Step 2: Job Check

The job seeker gives Immigration New Zealand an application called Job Check. This process aids in ensuring that the job offered has met the pay standards, is authentic, and aligns with the employment criteria. The company is free to offer a foreign worker a position when this has been approved.

Step 3: Job Offer

The employer provides the job seeker with a written employment agreement and job offer following the approval of Job Check. The job description, compensation, and working circumstances must adhere to AEWV.

Step 4: Submission of Application.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa application is completed on the official immigration portal by the applicant. This entails publishing documents such as employment offers, skill demonstrations, passport details, and certifications.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The visa application fee must be paid at the time the application is submitted. The value varies depending on the applicant’s location and type of position.

Step 6: clinical and character assessments.

In order to confirm that the candidates are similar in terms of fitness and character, Immigration New Zealand may require police clearance certificates, scientific tests, and chest x-rays.

Step 7: Visa Processing

Once the software satisfies all requirements, Immigration New Zealand evaluates it. The duration of the processing varies, and candidates can use their immigration account to access updates.

Step 8: get hold of Visa Approval

Once approved, a successful applicant receives an authorized agency work visa, which may be valid for up to five years as long as they meet certain requirements (such as pay degrees).

Step 9: Travel and Begin Work

Following receipt of the visa, the applicants are permitted to work in New Zealand if their accredited employer extends an employment offer to them, according to the terms of the employment contract.

Conditions of the 5 Years AEWV

• Work only for the employer listed on the visa.
• Maintain your employment in the authorized role.
• Pay and requirements of employment must always be met.
• Excluding dependent family members, who ought to apply for their own visas.
• Abide with the labor and immigration laws of New Zealand.

Check More: New Zealand Work Visa 2025 – Application Process

Benefits of New Zealand 5-Year Work Visa:

• Extended Stay for Skilled Workers: This visa allows eligible applicants to live and work in New Zealand for up to five years, providing stability and long-term opportunities.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After gaining sufficient work experience and meeting the requirements, many visa holders can transition to permanent residency.
• Job Offer Requirement from Accredited Employers: Applicants must secure a valid job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer in an approved sector before applying.
• Opportunity to Bring Family Members: Visa holders can include their spouse or partner and dependent children in the application, ensuring family support and togetherness.
• Access to Healthcare and Education Benefits: With this visa, eligible dependents may access New Zealand’s high-quality healthcare and education systems.
• Work Flexibility Across Sectors: The visa allows individuals to work in various industries experiencing labor shortages, creating diverse career opportunities.
• Clear Application Process and Support: Applicants benefit from a straightforward online application process, with guidance available from Immigration New Zealand and accredited employers.

Drawback of the 5 Years AEWV.

• Because the visa is employer-specific, workers cannot switch employers without submitting a new application.
• Each member of the family must apply for a dependant visa separately.
• The employee may need to apply for a new visa if they are laid off.
• The industry and wage rates will determine whether or not the five-year timeframe applies to all employment.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

If the worker meets the requirements of the Skilled Migrant Category or other residency schemes, the AEWV may provide the path to permanent settlement. When applying for a job in New Zealand, some work experience is frequently quite helpful.

Typical Visa Rejections.

Applications may be turned down if there are:

• The job position does not align with the capabilities and salary.
• The employer’s level of accreditation is inadequate.
• The applicant fails to provide accurate and complete documentation.
• Needs for character or health are not satisfied.
• The position is not regarded as authentic by Immigration New Zealand.

Application tips to Success.

• Before applying, be sure the employer is accredited.
• Make that the median wage is paid at the position.
• Present complete and accurate paperwork to prevent delays.
• Determine processing times in advance.
• With an eye toward long-term residency, work on the AEWV.

Conclusion:

New Zealand 5-Year Work Visa provides skilled professionals with an excellent opportunity to build a stable career while enjoying the country’s high quality of life and welcoming culture. With its long duration, pathway to residency, and the option to bring family members, this visa is an attractive choice for those seeking both professional growth and personal fulfillment. By preparing the required documents and meeting eligibility criteria, applicants can take a confident step toward a rewarding future in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions: