Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for International Graduates: A 2026 Guide

## Quick Facts - **Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) duration**: Level 7 bachelor's degree graduates receive 3 years; Level 4–6 diploma graduates receive 1–2 years depending on programme length (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). - **AEWV median wage threshold**: As of 2026, the median wage for AEWV applications is NZD $31.61 per hour (annual equivalent NZD $65,749 based on 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year). Some sectors have lower thresholds (e.g., tourism and hospitality at NZD $28.18 per hour) (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). - **Green List residence pathways**: Tier 1 roles (e.g., registered nurses, engineers, ICT professionals) offer straight-to-residence after 12 months in the role; Tier 2 roles require 2 years of skilled work experience before applying for residence (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). - **AEWV processing time**: 90% of AEWV applications are processed within 8 weeks (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). Job checks and accreditation checks add 2–4 weeks each. - **AEWV employer accreditation**: Employers must hold standard or high-volume accreditation, valid for 12 months. As of 2026, over 28,000 employers are accredited (Employment New Zealand, 2026). - **AEWV visa fee**: NZD $750 for the main applicant (as of February 2026), plus NZD $55 per dependent (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). - **Graduate starting salaries**: Median starting salary for a bachelor's degree graduate in New Zealand was NZD $55,000 in 2025 (Universities New Zealand, 2025). Engineering and IT graduates typically earn NZD $60,000–$70,000; arts and humanities graduates NZD $45,000–$52,000. ## Overview The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary work visa for international graduates who have completed a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) and wish to continue working in New Zealand under employer sponsorship. Introduced in July 2022, the AEWV replaced the Essential Skills Work Visa and is designed to align with New Zealand's labour market needs, particularly for skilled roles on the Green List and other high-demand occupations. For international graduates, the AEWV represents the second step in the post-study pathway: first, a PSWV (1–3 years depending on qualification level); then, an AEWV (up to 3 years, renewable) if the graduate secures a job offer from an accredited employer. From the AEWV, graduates can transition to residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Green List pathways. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the AEWV for international graduates in 2026, covering eligibility, application process, wage requirements, and how it fits into the broader immigration system. All data is drawn from official New Zealand government sources as of February 2026. ## Eligibility Requirements for the AEWV To apply for an AEWV, international graduates must meet several criteria set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). These requirements are designed to ensure that the visa supports genuine employment in skilled roles and that the applicant has a pathway to residence if they meet the conditions. ### Employment Requirements - The applicant must have a full-time job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) from an accredited employer. - The role must be on the Green List or meet the median wage threshold (NZD $31.61/hour as of 2026). For roles in specific sectors (e.g., tourism, hospitality, construction), lower wage thresholds apply: NZD $28.18/hour for tourism and hospitality, NZD $26.16/hour for care workforce roles (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). - The employment contract must be for a fixed term of at least 12 months (or permanent). Seasonal or casual work does not qualify. ### Qualification and Work Experience - For roles on the Green List (Tier 1 or Tier 2), the applicant must hold a qualification or have work experience that matches the occupation's requirements as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the relevant professional body. - For roles not on the Green List, the applicant must demonstrate that they have a qualification at Level 4 or higher on the NZQF, or at least 3 years of relevant work experience. - International graduates who have completed a Level 7 bachelor's degree or higher in New Zealand are generally considered to meet the qualification requirement for most skilled roles. ### Health and Character Requirements - Applicants must meet standard health requirements (a medical certificate may be required for stays over 12 months). - Police clearance certificates from countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years are required. - Previous visa compliance in New Zealand is taken into account. ### Key Changes for 2026 As of February 2026, Immigration New Zealand introduced several updates to the AEWV system: - **Wage threshold adjustments**: The median wage increased from NZD $29.66/hour in 2024 to NZD $31.61/hour in 2025, and remains at that level in 2026. Sector-specific thresholds were also adjusted. - **Green List expansion**: The Green List now includes over 85 occupations across health, engineering, ICT, trades, and agriculture. New additions in 2025–2026 include veterinary surgeons, environmental scientists, and several construction roles. - **Accreditation validity**: Employer accreditation is now valid for 12 months (previously 24 months). Employers must reapply annually, demonstrating compliance with employment standards and migrant worker obligations. ## The AEWV Application Process: Step-by-Step The AEWV application process involves three stages: employer accreditation, job check, and the work visa application. International graduates should understand each stage to avoid delays. ### Stage 1: Employer Accreditation The employer must hold a valid accreditation from Immigration New Zealand. There are two types: - **Standard accreditation**: For employers hiring up to 5 AEWV holders at any time. Cost: NZD $740 (as of 2026). - **High-volume accreditation**: For employers hiring 6 or more AEWV holders. Cost: NZD $1,220 (as of 2026). Employers must demonstrate compliance with employment law, pay the required wage, and have no history of exploitation. The accreditation process takes 2–4 weeks. ### Stage 2: Job Check Once accredited, the employer must submit a job check application for each specific role they wish to fill with an AEWV holder. This involves: - Proving the role is genuine and pays at least the median wage (or sector threshold). - Advertising the role to New Zealand workers (unless the role is on the Green List, which is exempt from labour market testing). - Cost: NZD $610 per job check application (as of 2026). Processing time: 90% of job checks are completed within 10 working days (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). ### Stage 3: Work Visa Application After the job check is approved, the graduate can apply for the AEWV. The application is submitted online through Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online portal. Required documents include: - Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond the intended stay). - Job offer letter and employment agreement. - Evidence of qualifications (e.g., degree certificate, academic transcripts). - Medical and police certificates (if applicable). - Payment of the NZD $750 visa fee. Processing time: 90% of AEWV applications are processed within 8 weeks (Immigration New Zealand, 2026). However, applications for roles on the Green List are often processed faster, within 4–6 weeks. ### Important Notes for Graduates - Graduates currently on a PSWV can apply for an AEWV while still holding their PSWV. The AEWV will take effect once the PSWV expires. - If the AEWV application is declined, the graduate may have to leave New Zealand unless they hold another valid visa. - The AEWV is tied to the specific employer and role. Changing employers requires a new AEWV application (including a new job check). ## Wage Thresholds and Sector-Specific Requirements The AEWV uses a tiered wage system to reflect different labour market conditions. Understanding these thresholds is critical for graduates negotiating job offers. ### Median Wage Threshold (General) - **NZD $31.61 per hour** (NZD $65,749 per year for 40 hours/week). - Applies to most skilled roles not on the Green List. ### Sector-Specific Thresholds (2026) - **Tourism and hospitality**: NZD $28.18 per hour (NZD $58,614 per year). - **Care workforce** (aged care, disability support): NZD $26.16 per hour (NZD $54,413 per year). - **Construction**: NZD $31.61 per hour (same as general median, but specific roles may have different requirements). - **Transport and logistics**: NZD $28.18 per hour for some roles (e.g., truck drivers, bus drivers). ### Green List Roles Roles on the Green List have no specific wage threshold for the AEWV itself, but the employer must still pay at least the market rate for the role. The key benefit is that these roles lead directly to residence: - **Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)**: After 12 months in the role, the graduate can apply for residence. Examples: registered nurse, software engineer, civil engineer, electrician. - **Tier 2 (Work to Residence)**: After 2 years in the role, the graduate can apply for residence. Examples: ICT support technician, early childhood teacher, motor mechanic. ### Practical Implications for Graduates - Graduates in high-demand fields (e.g., engineering, IT, health) can typically negotiate salaries above the median threshold. - Graduates in lower-paying fields (e.g., tourism, hospitality) may need to work in roles that qualify for the sector-specific threshold. - If a graduate's job offer is below the relevant threshold, the AEWV application will be declined. ## Transitioning from AEWV to Residence For many international graduates, the AEWV is a stepping stone to residence. New Zealand offers several residence pathways that align with the AEWV. ### Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — 6-Point System Introduced in 2023, the SMC uses a points-based system where applicants earn points for: - **Qualifications**: Level 7–8 (bachelor's or postgraduate diploma) = 3 points; Level 9 (master's) = 4 points; Level 10 (PhD) = 6 points. - **Skilled work experience in New Zealand**: 1 year = 1 point; 2 years = 2 points; 3 years = 3 points. - **Income**: NZD $1.5 times the median wage = 3 points; NZD $2 times the median wage = 4 points; NZD $3 times the median wage = 6 points. To apply for residence under the SMC, applicants need a total of 6 points. For example, a graduate with a master's degree (4 points) and 2 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand (2 points) would meet the threshold. ### Green List Residence Pathways - **Straight to Residence**: After 12 months in a Tier 1 role on the AEWV, the graduate can apply for residence. No additional work experience required. - **Work to Residence**: After 24 months in a Tier 2 role on the AEWV, the graduate can apply for residence. ### Practical Timeline - Graduate completes a Level 7 bachelor's degree (3 years of study). - Graduate receives a 3-year PSWV (allows 3 years of work). - Graduate secures a job offer from an accredited employer for a Green List role (e.g., software engineer). - Graduate applies for an AEWV (valid for 3 years). - After 12 months on the AEWV, graduate applies for residence under the Straight to Residence pathway. - Total time from graduation to residence: approximately 18–24 months. ## Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them International graduates face several common challenges when applying for the AEWV. Being aware of these can help avoid delays or rejections. ### Challenge 1: Employer Accreditation Many graduates assume that any employer can sponsor an AEWV. In reality, the employer must be accredited. As of 2026, approximately 28,000 employers are accredited, but this includes many small businesses. Graduates should verify accreditation status on the Immigration New Zealand website before accepting a job offer. ### Challenge 2: Wage Threshold Compliance Some employers may offer a salary below the median wage, especially in fields like hospitality or retail. Graduates should negotiate based on the role's market rate. Employment New Zealand's website provides salary data for specific occupations. ### Challenge 3: Role Genuineness Immigration New Zealand may reject an AEWV application if the role is not considered genuine (e.g., if the job description is vague or the employer has a history of non-compliance). Graduates should ensure that the job offer includes a clear role description and that the employer can demonstrate a genuine need for the role. ### Challenge 4: Visa Processing Times While 90% of AEWV applications are processed within 8 weeks, delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if the application is flagged for further verification. Graduates should apply at least 3 months before their PSWV expires to allow for processing time. ## University-Specific Support for Graduates New Zealand universities provide dedicated support for international graduates transitioning to work visas. Here are examples from three major institutions: - **University of Auckland**: The International Student Office offers workshops on job search strategies, CV writing, and visa applications. The university also maintains a list of accredited employers and hosts career fairs with employers seeking graduate talent. - **University of Otago**: The Career Development Centre provides one-on-one appointments for international graduates, covering AEWV requirements, Green List job matching, and salary negotiation. The university also partners with local employers in the health and tourism sectors. - **University of Canterbury**: The International Student Support team runs a "Visa to Work" programme that includes information sessions on the AEWV process, mock interviews, and networking events with accredited employers. ## FAQ ### Q1: How long does the AEWV take to process for a graduate who already has a PSWV? Processing times for the AEWV are typically 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application. If the role is on the Green List, processing may be faster (4–6 weeks). The job check stage must be completed first, which takes an additional 2–4 weeks. So, total time from job offer to visa approval is approximately 6–12 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your PSWV expires to avoid a gap in your visa status. ### Q2: Can I change employers while on an AEWV? Yes, but you must apply for a new AEWV for the new employer. This requires the new employer to be accredited and to submit a new job check application. You cannot start working for the new employer until the new AEWV is approved. The process takes 4–8 weeks. If you change roles within the same employer, you may need a variation of conditions (NZD $180 fee) if the role is substantially different. ### Q3: What happens if my AEWV application is declined? If your AEWV application is declined, you have the right to appeal the decision (within 14 days for some grounds). However, if you do not hold another valid visa, you must leave New Zealand. To avoid this, ensure your PSWV still has sufficient time remaining (at least 3 months) when you apply for the AEWV. If the decline is due to employer accreditation or wage issues, consider seeking a different job offer. ### Q4: Can I include my partner and children in my AEWV application? Yes. Your partner can apply for a work visa with open conditions (allowing them to work for any employer) if you are working in a Green List role or earning at least NZD $31.61 per hour. Dependent children can study as domestic students (free for primary and secondary school) if you hold a valid work visa. You must declare all dependents in your AEWV application and meet health and character requirements for each. ### Q5: What is the difference between the AEWV and the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)? The PSWV is a post-study work visa that allows graduates to work for any employer (no sponsorship required) for 1–3 years. The AEWV is an employer-sponsored visa that requires a job offer from an accredited employer and ties you to that employer. The PSWV is ideal for gaining initial work experience, while the AEWV is necessary for transitioning to residence through the Green List or Skilled Migrant Category. You can switch from a PSWV to an AEWV at any time if you secure a qualifying job offer. ### Q6: Are there any exemptions from the median wage requirement for the AEWV? Yes, for specific roles in the tourism, hospitality, care workforce, and transport sectors, lower wage thresholds apply (NZD $28.18/hour for tourism/hospitality, NZD $26.16/hour for care workforce). Additionally, roles on the Green List do not have a specific wage threshold, but the employer must pay at least the market rate. Some roles in the construction sector also have sector-specific thresholds. Check Immigration New Zealand's website for the most up-to-date list. ## Sources 1. Immigration New Zealand — Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requirements and fees (immigration.govt.nz) 2. Immigration New Zealand — Green List occupations and residence pathways (immigration.govt.nz) 3. Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category changes (immigration.govt.nz) 4. Employment New Zealand — Employer accreditation and compliance (employment.govt.nz) 5. Statistics New Zealand — Median weekly earnings data (stats.govt.nz) 6. Universities New Zealand — Graduate employment outcomes (universitiesnz.ac.nz) 7. University of Auckland — International student support services (auckland.ac.nz) 8. University of Otago — Career Development Centre for international graduates (otago.ac.nz) 9. University of Canterbury — International student visa support (canterbury.ac.nz) 10. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) — Qualification recognition and levels (nzqa.govt.nz)