Employee Visas
What Employers Need to Know When Supporting Migrant Workers
Most New Zealand workplaces include a mix of New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visa holders. Some migrants hold visas with open work rights—such as student visas, working holiday visas, partnership-based visas, or post-study work visas. Others hold employer-assisted visas, which require direct support from the employer.
From 4 July 2022, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaced the Essential Skills, Talent (Accredited Employer), and Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) work visas. Any employer who wants to support a worker on an AEWV must now be accredited.
Because policy settings continue to evolve, employers and HR teams need to manage staff visas carefully and stay aware of:
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policy changes and category closures
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income threshold updates
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accreditation and job-check requirements
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visa expiry dates and processing timeframes
New Zealand’s work visa system is now fully employer-led. The previous major visa categories for skilled temporary workers—
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Essential Skills Work Visa
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Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
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Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
—are closed for new applications.
They have been replaced by the AEWV, which is the final step in a three-stage process:
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Employer Accreditation
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Job Check
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Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application by the worker
An AEWV cannot be submitted until the employer is accredited and the job check has been approved by Immigration New Zealand.
Any New Zealand employer who wants to support a non-citizen or non-resident for an employer-assisted work visa must hold Employer Accreditation. Accreditation applications are now open, and the cost is paid by the employer.
Accreditation is not required when hiring migrants who hold visas with open work rights, meaning they can work for any employer in almost any role. These visas include:
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Partnership-based work visas
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Student visas (with work rights)
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Working Holiday visas
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Post-Study Work visas
Employers only need accreditation when they intend to support a worker for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or any other employer-assisted visa.
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In addition to accreditation, employers must also apply for a Job Check. The Job Check confirms that:
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The role is paid at least the market rate
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The employment terms and conditions meet New Zealand employment law
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A labour market test has been completed, where required
A labour market test shows that the employer has genuinely advertised the role to New Zealanders and that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the position.
An employer can only hire a migrant worker on an AEWV if the Job Check is approved. Job Check applications are now open.
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The migrant worker check is the final stage of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process. It can only be completed after the employer is accredited and the Job Check has been approved.
At this stage, the migrant worker submits their visa application and must demonstrate that they:
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Meet Immigration New Zealand’s identity, character, and health requirements
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Are bona fide (genuinely intend to work in the role and comply with visa conditions)
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Have the skills, qualifications, and experience specified in the employer’s approved Job Check
The application fee for this stage can be paid by either the migrant worker or the employer.
A migrant can only apply for an AEWV once the employer is accredited and the job has successfully passed the Job Check.
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