New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for Filipinos

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. 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 Filipinos. For every nationality we track, see the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) overview.

Requirements for Filipinos

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 8–20 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 work to residence after two years.
• Verify the recruitment agency is DMW-licensedPhilippine law bars placement fees charged to workers for most destinations.
• Confirm the New Zealand employer holds accreditationOnly accredited employers can hire on the AEWV.
• Secure a job offer at genuine market ratePay must be market rate and at least the adult minimum wage; the median wage is NZD $35.00.
• Employer completes the job checkThe employer shows the role is genuine and, for most positions, advertised locally.
• Employer registers the job offer with POLO WellingtonDone through the Philippine Overseas Labour Office at the Embassy in Wellington.
• Obtain qualification, registration and experience evidenceCertificates, PRC registration for regulated professions, and detailed reference letters.
• Complete medical examinations with an INZ panel physicianFull medical for stays over twelve months, chest X-ray for over six; INZ panel clinics only.
• Obtain NBI clearance and other police certificatesPolice certificates for any country lived in twelve months or more in the last ten years.
• Submit your AEWV application onlineFiled through the INZ portal with the approved job check reference.
• Complete PDOS and obtain your OECThe OEC is valid 60 days and is checked at the airport.
• Arrive, get an IRD number and plan for residenceThe IRD number is needed for correct tax on your pay.

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Frequently 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 $870. 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

• Skilled Migrant Category Residence

Other destinations for Filipinos

• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia
• 🇸🇬 Singapore

New Zealand visas for other nationalities

• 🇮🇳 Indians