Does the Accredited Employer Work Visa Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What is Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main work visa for skilled foreign workers who have a full-time job offer from an accredited employer. It replaced several earlier visa types to create a clearer, more regulated pathway for employer-sponsored work. The visa links the worker to a specific employer, role, and conditions, and allows them to stay for several years depending on skill level and pay.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Information Technology (Software Developer, Systems Architect, Network Engineer)
• Healthcare (Registered Nurse, Clinical Specialist, Allied Health Practitioner)
• Construction & Infrastructure (Project Manager, Civil Engineer, Electrician)
• Trades & Technical (Plumber, Carpenter, HVAC Technician)
• Hospitality & Tourism (Chef, Hotel Manager, Tour Operator)
• Logistics & Transport (Supply Chain Manager, Transport Planner)
• Engineering & Manufacturing (Mechanical Engineer, Quality Engineer)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa

To sponsor a worker under the AEWV, the employer must:

• Be accredited by Immigration New Zealand (standard, high-volume, or triangular accreditation).
• Apply for a job check, showing the role meets standards and that New Zealanders have been considered.
• Advertise the role appropriately (unless exempt) to test the local labour market.
• Offer a genuine, full-time job (at least 30 hours per week).
• Pay at or above the market or median wage unless exempt under specific criteria.
• Ensure the migrant meets skill, experience, qualification, English, health, and character requirements.
• Not charge the migrant for accreditation, recruitment, or operational costs tied to the visa process.

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Typical costs include:

Employers often cover accreditation and job check costs, though practices vary.

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring Accredited Employer Work Visa

• Employer accreditation: several weeks, depending on volume and application completeness.
• Job check approval: within days to a few weeks after accreditation and advertising.
• Visa processing: 80% processed within around five weeks under normal circumstances.
• Delays may occur due to incomplete documentation, extra checks, or sector reviews. Some applications take up to three months.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don’t Require Visa Sponsorship

Sponsoring an Accredited Employer Work Visa involves significant administrative effort, compliance obligations, and potentially lengthy wait times. For many companies, especially smaller ones or those hiring in multiple jurisdictions, these burdens can slow growth and increase costs.

Instead, employers can hire internationally without relocation. With Playroll’s Employer of Record solution, companies can onboard talent in over 180 countries while Playroll manages contracts, payroll, labour law compliance, benefits, and local taxation. This model avoids visa sponsorship, is faster to implement, legally compliant, and more cost-effective.