🇳🇿 New Zealand Immigration Guide
New Zealand's main employer-sponsored temporary work route is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), with the Green List offering faster pathways to residence for in-demand roles.
General Information Only — Always Verify Officially
This guide summarizes publicly available government information current as of our last review. Immigration rules, occupation lists, fees, and processing times change frequently and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Nothing here is legal or migration advice. Always confirm current details on the official government links below, or speak with a licensed professional — see our Disclaimer and Partners & Verification pages.
Work Permit Options
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary temporary work visa route. It requires a genuine full-time job offer (generally at least 30 hours per week for a minimum 12-month term) from an INZ-accredited employer, and the role must pass a Job Check confirming it meets pay and labour market requirements.
Employer Sponsorship Overview
Sponsorship happens in three stages: (1) the employer becomes INZ-accredited (Standard or High-Volume accreditation), (2) the employer completes a Job Check for the specific role, showing it meets the median wage or sector threshold or appears on the Green List, and (3) the worker applies for the AEWV itself using the Job Check outcome. Each stage has its own INZ processing time and fee.
Permanent Residence Pathway
New Zealand's Green List identifies occupations facing skill shortages and splits them into two tiers: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence), allowing eligible workers with a qualifying job offer to apply for residence immediately, and Tier 2 (Work to Residence), requiring 24 months of qualifying work before a residence application. Workers not on the Green List may pursue residence through the points-based Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), which requires submitting an Expression of Interest.
Occupation Categories
New Zealand uses the shared ANZSCO occupation classification system (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). The Green List currently covers roughly 200-plus roles across sectors including:
- Healthcare (nurses, midwives, medical specialists)
- Construction and infrastructure trades (electricians, civil engineers)
- Agriculture, primary industries, and select technology roles
General Eligibility Factors
These are common, general factors — actual requirements vary by program and individual case.
- A genuine, full-time job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
- The role passing a Job Check (median wage or relevant threshold met, or on the Green List)
- Relevant qualifications, registration, or experience for the role
- Health and character requirements (medical exam, police certificates)
- For residence: meeting Green List tier requirements or Skilled Migrant Category points
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport and recent passport-style photos
- Employment agreement and Job Check confirmation from the employer
- Evidence of qualifications, registration, or relevant work experience
- Medical certificates and police clearance certificates
- For Green List/SMC residence: points calculation evidence (age, qualifications, work experience)
Approximate Processing Times & Fees
- Employer accreditation fee: roughly NZD $740–$1,280 depending on Standard vs High-Volume accreditation (paid by employer)
- Job Check fee: roughly NZD $610–$735 (paid by employer)
- AEWV visa fee: from roughly NZD $750 upward per applicant, depending on category and levy — always confirm the current fee on the INZ website
- Processing: INZ reports roughly 80% of AEWV applications processed within about 8 weeks; accreditation and Job Check stages typically take around 10 working days each
These figures change often. Always check the official government fee and processing-time pages linked below before budgeting or planning.
Employment Opportunity Context
New Zealand's Green List is reviewed periodically to reflect shortages in healthcare, construction, engineering, and primary industries. Regional New Zealand, particularly outside Auckland and Wellington, often has additional targeted demand. Actual opportunities vary by region, sector, and time — always confirm current Green List status and demand directly with immigration.govt.nz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 on the Green List?
Tier 1 roles allow eligible workers to apply for residence straight away with a qualifying job offer. Tier 2 roles require 24 months of qualifying work on an eligible visa before a residence application can be made.
Does my employer need to be accredited before I can apply for an AEWV?
Yes. Employer accreditation and a role-specific Job Check are required before a worker can apply for the AEWV.
What if my occupation isn't on the Green List?
You may still be eligible for New Zealand residence through the points-based Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), which considers age, qualifications, and work experience.
How long does AEWV accreditation and processing usually take?
INZ publishes current processing time estimates on its website; each stage (accreditation, Job Check, visa application) is generally assessed separately, so total time depends on how efficiently each stage is completed.
Official Government Sources
These are the primary official sources for New Zealand immigration information — bookmark them and check back often, as rules change.
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