How to Sponsor a Work Visa in New Zealand: Accredited Employer Guide (AEWV 2025)
Finding the right workers in New Zealand is getting harder. Many industries—like construction, healthcare, and hospitality—are facing skill shortages, and local talent just isn’t enough. That’s why more employers are turning to New Zealand job visa sponsorships to fill the gap.
In 2024, over 155,000 migrants arrived in the country, and over 24,000 businesses became accredited to hire them through the employer-sponsored visa New Zealand process. Tools like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) make it easier to bring in skilled workers and grow your team when local hiring isn’t working.
It all sounds intimidating, but this guide will take you through the process step by step. Read more below.
What is an Employer-Sponsored Visa in New Zealand?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is currently the main New Zealand work visa application route for hiring foreign workers. This type of visa allows you to sponsor skilled overseas workers for jobs that meet local pay and job standards.
Unlike working holiday or open work visas, the AEWV is based on a genuine, full-time job offer that meets local labour market standards—including pay, job duties, and skill level. For most applicants, that means earning at least the median wage and having qualifications or experience that match the role.
To apply for an AEWV, your candidate must have:
• A full-time job offers from an accredited employer
• The right skills or qualifications for the job,
• Good health and character (including police clearance)
• A passport valid for the visa duration
Once approved, the visa is typically valid for up to five years, depending on the role and wage offered. It also allows your new hire to live and work in New Zealand legally—but unless otherwise arranged, their family can’t automatically join them on this visa.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring an Employee Visa
The New Zealand work visa process can feel complex, but sponsoring an overseas employee is easier when you know the steps. Note:
Become an Accredited Employer
Before you can sponsor anyone, you need to become an accredited employerwith Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You prove that your business is genuine, financially stable, and committed to hiring fairly.
You can apply online through the INZ portal. They processed most standard accreditations within 10 working days and are valid for 12 months (longer for larger employers). The application fee for the immigration NZ employer accreditation starts at NZD $740.
Submit a Job Check Application
The Job Check confirms that the role you’re offering meets pay, skill, and market standards. You’ll need to prove the job pays at least the market rate and that you advertised it fairly for at least 14 days—unless it’s exempt.
The job must also match an ANZSCO occupation at skill level 1–3 (or approved exemptions for level 4–5). Job Checks are valid for six months or until the role is filled.
Hire a Suitable Migrant Worker
Once we approve your Job Check, you can start recruiting. Your candidate must meet AEWV criteria, including relevant qualifications, work experience, good health, and character. You’ll need to provide a formal job offer that aligns with what they sent in the Job Check. They can issue only one visa per approved job token, so each role requires its own Job Check and offer.
Employee Applies for Their Visa
Your chosen worker applies for the AEWV using the job token you provide. They must upload their employment agreement, passport, qualifications, and medical certificates if needed. Visa fees start at NZD $750. INZ aims to process most AEWV applications within 20–25 working days, though this can vary depending on documentation and demand.
Post-Visa Responsibilities for Employers
After they approve the visa, you’re responsible for supporting your employee’s integration. This includes providing settlement info, fair working conditions, and wage payments that match your offer.
You must also keep records, report any job changes to INZ, and renew your accreditation as needed. Not meeting these obligations can cause penalties or loss of your accreditation status.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Since the New Zealand work visa process is structured and time-sensitive, even small mistakes can cause Immigration New Zealand to delay or reject your application. Don’t fall for:
• Errors in Job Checks or accreditation applications: Mistakes in forms or missing documents are common. Review all requirements carefully and double-check that your business meets INZ’s eligibility criteria before applying.
• Incomplete or inconsistent information: Your job offer must exactly match the details given during the Job Check, including job title, pay, and hours. Any discrepancies may raise red flags and cause processing delays.
• Misunderstanding labour market tests: If a role isn’t exempt, you must advertise it publicly for at least 14 calendar days. Not meeting advertising rules or using vague job ads often leads to rejections.
• Missing deadlines: Visa and Job Check approvals are time-bound. Keep a clear timeline and give your documents early to avoid last-minute issues or the end of approved checks.
Benefits of Partnering with a Recruitment and Visa Sponsorship Specialist
Immigration policies can shift with little notice. Keeping up—and keeping compliant—is a lot to manage, especially if this is your first time sponsoring.
• Faster results – They know how to navigate job checks, documentation, and visa submissions
• Reduced compliance risks – Mistakes can be costly and time-consuming—experts prevent them before they happen
• Pre-vetted candidates – They already have access to qualified, ready-to-work talent
• Ongoing support – They can guide you through changes in Immigration NZ employed accreditation rules or policy updates
Final Tips and Reminders
To make the most of the New Zealand work visa process, stay up to date with any changes in immigration policy—bookmark the INZ website or follow a licensed agency for prompt updates. Also, review your workforce plan at least once a year to ensure it aligns with the AEWV requirements.
Focus on building long-term relationships with your overseas hires, as retention adds real value. Keep your records organized and up to date. Good documentation is your best defence during audits.
Finally, consider working with a trusted recruitment partner to make the process faster, more efficient, and far less stressful.
Work with Staffhouse to Simplify Your Visa Sponsorship Process
At Staffhouse, we help New Zealand employers find and sponsor top overseas talent without the usual headaches. As a recruitment agency in New Zealand for foreigners with over two decades of experience, we offer end-to-end service:
• Accreditation help
• Job check and documentation support
• Talent sourcing from a global pool
• Visa processing coordination
We’re also trusted by employers across healthcare, construction, hospitality, and more. Whether you need one worker or one hundred, we’ll make your New Zealand job visa sponsorship process seamless.
Contact us now to learn how we can support your next overseas hire.
