New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for Filipinos
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Overview
New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa, valid up to five years, widely used for care, construction and trades roles. There are two parallel processes to satisfy: the New Zealand side, where your employer must hold accreditation and pass a job check, and the Philippine side, where the Department of Migrant Workers requires your employer's job offer to be verified through POLO at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington before you can obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate. The OEC is a mandatory exit clearance — required even for direct hires with no agency involved — and without it you will not be allowed to leave. Note the median wage was removed from the AEWV itself in March 2025, so pay must be market rate, but the NZD $35.00 median wage still governs supporting a partner and qualifying for residence.
Requirements for Filipinos
| 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 8–20 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $450. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Check whether your occupation is on the Green List
- Verify the recruitment agency is DMW-licensed
- Confirm the New Zealand employer holds accreditation
- Secure a job offer at genuine market rate
- Employer completes the job check
- Employer registers the job offer with POLO Wellington
- Obtain qualification, registration and experience evidence
- Complete medical examinations with an INZ panel physician
- Obtain NBI clearance and other police certificates
- Submit your AEWV application online
- Complete PDOS and obtain your OEC
- Arrive, get an IRD number and plan for residence
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) take for Filipinos?
- Typical processing time is 8–20 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $450. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Filipinos 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 Filipinos
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New Zealand visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.