New Zealand · work · guide
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements
This visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 20 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-11. Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/accredited-employer-work-visa/
Who can apply
You must have an offer of full-time work from an accredited employer. The job offer must be for at least 30 hours of work a week. Your employer must send you a link to the online application form.[1][2][3][4]
You need to have either 2 years of relevant job experience or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the NZQCF. If your job is ANZSCO or NOL skill level 3 to 5, you must show that you can speak and understand English.[5][6]
What you need to show
Your passport or certificate of identity must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. You must also include a signed copy of the job offer, your employment agreement, and your job description in your application.[7][8][9]
You must provide evidence of your work experience from someone other than yourself. If you need to show English skills, your English language test results must be no more than 2 years old when you apply.[10][11]
You must provide police certificates that are less than 6 months old if you are 17 or older and your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer. You must have a chest X-ray if you stay for more than 6 months and are a citizen of, or spent more than 3 months in, a country without a low incidence of TB. You must provide certified English translations of police and medical certificates that are not in English.[12][13][14][15]
Costs and money
You must pay a visa application fee. This fee starts from NZD $1540.[16][17]
Timing
You must expect a processing time of up to 5 weeks for 80% of applications. Your visa application will typically be processed within 5.5 weeks.[18][19][20]
Checklist
- An online application link sent to you by your employer[4]
- A signed copy of your job offer, employment agreement, and job description[8][9]
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand[7]
- Evidence of your work experience from someone other than yourself[10]
- Police certificates less than 6 months old if you are 17 or older and staying for 24 months or longer[12][13]
- Certified English translations for any police or medical certificates not in English[15]
Questions people ask
Do I need a job offer to apply for this visa?
Yes. You must have an offer of full-time work from an accredited employer. The job offer must be for at least 30 hours of work a week.[1][2][3]
How much does the Accredited Employer Work Visa cost?
You must pay an application fee starting from NZD $1540.[16][17]
How long does it take to process the visa?
Most applications (80%) are processed within 5 weeks, and the typical processing time is within 5.5 weeks.[18][19][20]
Do I need to take an English test?
You must show that you can speak and understand English if your job is ANZSCO or NOL skill level 3 to 5. Your English language test results must be no more than 2 years old when you apply.[6][11]
Do I need a police certificate?
You must provide police certificates if you are 17 or older and your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer. The certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application.[12][13]
Do I need a chest X-ray?
You must have a chest X-ray if you stay for more than 6 months and are a citizen of, or spent more than 3 months in, a country without a low incidence of TB.[14]
What qualifications or experience do I need?
You must have either 2 years of relevant job experience or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the NZQCF.[5]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.