Work Visas

Work in New Zealand

New Zealand has a strong demand for skilled workers across healthcare, construction, IT, engineering, and hospitality. If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, or have recently completed your studies here, we can help you get the right work visa in place.

Visa Options

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the main work visa in New Zealand, introduced in 2022. It replaced the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.

How it works

1

Employer accreditation

The employer applies for and receives accreditation from Immigration New Zealand.

2

Job check

A job check is completed for the specific role (required for most roles).

3

Worker visa application

You apply for the worker visa once the job check is approved.

We assist both employers seeking accreditation and workers applying for the AEWV.

Key Details

  • Valid for up to 3 years (up to 5 years for some occupations)
  • Tied to your accredited employer and role
  • Salary and conditions must meet INZ requirements
  • Can be a pathway toward residence for eligible workers

Post-Study Work Visa

If you have completed a qualification in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, giving you the freedom to work for any employer, in almost any role.

Your eligibility, and how long you can work for, depends on the level of qualification you completed and where in New Zealand you studied. We check your study record against current INZ settings before you apply, so there are no surprises.

How it works

1

Complete your qualification

Finish your programme at a New Zealand education provider and receive your official completion documentation.

2

Confirm your entitlement

Your qualification level and where you studied determine how long you can work for.

3

Apply for your visa

We help you gather the right evidence and submit a complete application before your student visa expires.

Key Details

  • Open work rights (any employer, almost any job)
  • Duration: 1, 2, or 3 years depending on your qualification level and where you studied
  • Can only be applied for once, unless you complete a second, higher-level qualification
  • Your partner may also qualify for a work visa
  • Your dependent children can study as domestic students (fee-free)

Partnership-Based Work Visa

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen, resident, or holds a valid work visa, you may be eligible to apply for a work visa based on your relationship.

This pathway is often the first step for couples before applying for Partnership Residence further down the track. We help you gather the right relationship evidence, from cohabitation records to joint finances, so your application reflects a genuine, stable partnership.

How it works

1

Establish your relationship

Gather evidence of your genuine relationship with your New Zealand citizen, resident, or work-visa-holding partner.

2

Confirm your partner's visa status

Your eligibility and visa duration are tied to your partner's current visa.

3

Apply together

We help you prepare a complete application, including your partner's supporting evidence.

Key Details

  • Open work rights
  • Duration tied to your partner's visa
  • Can be a stepping stone toward residence

Who Should Contact Us

Get in touch if:

  • You have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and need to understand whether they are accredited or how to get the work visa process started
  • You recently finished studying in New Zealand and want to apply for a post-study work visa
  • Your partner is in New Zealand on a visa and you want to work here too
  • You held an Essential Skills Work Visa previously and need to transition to the current AEWV system

Not sure which work visa applies to you?

Every situation is different. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment and we will explain your options clearly.

Get a Free Assessment