New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for Indians
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 6–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $870
- Start preparing
- about 8 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 6–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa, valid up to five years. A common misconception: the median wage requirement was removed from the AEWV on 10 March 2025, so your pay must be the market rate for the role and at or above the adult minimum wage rather than a fixed threshold. The median wage — NZD $35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026 — still matters for Green List pay floors, supporting a partner, and qualifying later for residence, so aim above it if residence is your goal. Your employer must hold accreditation and complete a job check before you can apply. Three steps run in sequence: employer accreditation, job check, then your application. You also need at least two years of relevant work experience, or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework — so the AEWV is not open to applicants with neither.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 6–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $870. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Check whether your occupation is on the Green ListTier 1 qualifies for Straight to Residence with a job offer; Tier 2 gives residence after two years.
- Confirm the employer holds current accreditationOnly accredited employers can hire on this visa.
- Secure a job offer at genuine market ratePay must be market rate and at least minimum wage; NZD $35.00 median wage governs later residence.
- Employer completes the job checkThe employer shows the role is genuine and usually advertised locally; it must be approved before you apply.
- Obtain qualification and experience evidenceDegree certificates and reference letters showing duties and dates.
- Take an English test if requiredRequired for some roles depending on skill level and pay.
- Complete medical examinations with a panel physicianA full medical for stays over twelve months and a chest X-ray over six months, by an INZ panel physician.
- Obtain police certificatesFrom India, and any country lived in for twelve months or more in the past ten years.
- Submit your AEWV application onlineFiled on the INZ online portal with the job check reference; processing is six to sixteen weeks.
- Include partner and childrenPartners can apply for a work visa and children for student visas.
- Arrive and get an IRD numberNew Zealand's tax number, applied for online with a NZ address and bank account.
- Track your residence eligibilityGreen List Tier 2 gives residence after two years; otherwise Skilled Migrant Category.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) takes about 8 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 6–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $870. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in New Zealand is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other New Zealand visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
New Zealand visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.