New Zealand Work Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & In-Demand Jobs

Maximum stay: 5 years ·
Visa cost: from NZD $1,540 ·
Processing time (80% of applications): 6.5 weeks

Here is a summary of key facts about the AEWV visa.

How can I get a work visa in New Zealand?

What are the different types of work visas?

New Zealand offers several work visa pathways, but the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most common for skilled migrants who have a job offer. Other options include the Working Holiday Visa for young travellers, the Specific Purpose Work Visa for short-term assignments, and Green List residence pathways for roles in chronic shortage.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): For skilled workers with an offer from an accredited employer.
• Working Holiday Visa: For people aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries) to work and travel for up to 12 months.
• Specific Purpose Work Visa: For short-term, event-based work.
• Green List Residence: For occupations on the Green List, leading directly to residency.

How to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The AEWV process has three rigid stages. First, your employer must become an accredited employer — a status that lasts 12 months initially (Pathways NZ immigration consultancy). Then, the employer must apply for a Job Check, which involves advertising the role to New Zealand citizens and residents (Immigration New Zealand news centre). Only after the job check is approved can you apply for the visa.

1. Employer applies for accreditation (valid 12 months initial).
2. Employer submits a Job Check, including advertising the role.
3. Migrant worker applies for the AEWV after the job check is approved.

When you apply, you need to include a copy of the employment agreement and job description (Immigration New Zealand official visa page). You must also show at least 2 years of relevant job experience or a NZQCF level 4 qualification (Immigration New Zealand).

“The AEWV process requires employer accreditation first, then a job check, then the migrant worker’s visa application.” — Immigration New Zealand news centre

“Standard employer accreditation is for up to 5 migrant workers on AEWVs at one time.” — Pathways NZ immigration consultancy

Can I get a NZ work visa without a job offer?

Which visas do not require a job offer?

For most standard work visas, the answer is no — a job offer is essential. However, a few exceptions exist. The Working Holiday Visa lets you enter New Zealand and look for work once you arrive. Additionally, the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa was phased out; currently, no major work visa for skilled migrants operates without a pre-arranged job.

• Working Holiday Visa: No job offer needed before you apply.
• Specific Purpose Work Visa: May not require a standard job offer if you are brought in for a specific event or assignment.

If you want a residence pathway, the Green List has several roles that can lead directly to residency, but you still need an employer to sponsor you.

What is a Working Holiday visa?

The Working Holiday Visa is temporary (up to 12 months) and does not require a job offer. It is designed for young people (usually 18–30) to fund their travel through casual work. It is not a long-term work solution but can be a foot in the door for networking and finding an employer willing to sponsor an AEWV later.

The catch: for most skilled migrants, a job offer is unavoidable.

How much money is required for a New Zealand work visa?

Visa application fees

The AEWV application fee is NZD $1,540 as of 2026 (Immigration New Zealand). This covers the visa processing fee and is non-refundable. Additional costs include medical examinations (approximately NZD $300–$500) and police certificates (varies by country, typically NZD $50–$200). If you are applying from offshore, you may also need to pay courier and translation fees.

Financial evidence requirements

Immigration New Zealand may ask you to show that you can support yourself while your visa is being processed. Some third-party sources suggest you need to show at least NZD $4,200 in available funds (NZ Immigration Info informational guide), but official policy does not set a fixed minimum — it depends on your circumstances.

The pattern: costs add up quickly, so budget for the full amount.

Which jobs are in demand in New Zealand?

Top in-demand jobs in 2026

New Zealand’s skill shortage list, known as the Green List, includes roles like registered nurses, civil engineers, ICT professionals, electricians, and construction project managers. The demand is driven by an ageing population and major infrastructure projects. While no official 2026 update has been published yet, the health and construction sectors consistently top the need list (Immigration New Zealand Green List).

• Health: Registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, surgeons
• Construction: Project managers, quantity surveyors, structural engineers
• ICT: Software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, network administrators
• Trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders

How to check Green List occupations

The official list is maintained on the Immigration New Zealand website. You can search for your occupation by title. Jobs on the Green List have a faster path to residence and often do not require a labour market test.

What is the easiest job to get in New Zealand?

Jobs with low experience requirements

Entry-level roles in hospitality, retail, and agriculture are the easiest to secure. For example, vineyard work, fruit picking, barista positions, and retail sales associates typically require no more than basic English and a willingness to work. These jobs pay the minimum wage (NZD $23.15 per hour in 2026) and are common in tourist regions like Queenstown and Rotorua.

Seasonal work opportunities

New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme brings in workers for horticulture and viticulture. While these are primarily targeted at Pacific Island nations, other seasonal work (like ski resort jobs) is open to Working Holiday visa holders. Seasonal work rarely leads to long-term residency, but it can help you save money while you look for a skilled role.

Can Irish citizens work in New Zealand?

Visa options for Irish citizens

Irish citizens have a special advantage: the Working Holiday Visa for Ireland allows stays of up to 12 months (or 23 months if you do specified work). You do not need a job offer beforehand. After that, you can apply for an AEWV if you find an accredited employer.

Working Holiday visa for Irish nationals

The visa is open to Irish citizens aged 18–30 (inclusive). The application fee is approximately NZD $420. You can work in any job, but you cannot take up permanent employment. Many Irish expats start with this visa and later transition to a skilled work visa or residence.

Where do most Irish live in New Zealand? Auckland and Wellington are the top destinations for Irish migrants, followed by Christchurch and Queenstown. The Irish community in Auckland is large and well-connected, with social groups and networking events.

Frequently asked questions

For an Indian applicant with three years of IT experience, the AEWV pathway is clear: find an accredited employer (many tech companies in Auckland hold accreditation), let them pass the job check, and then apply with your NZQCF-level 4 equivalent qualification. For an Irish Working Holiday holder eyeing long-term residence, the smart move is to switch to an AEWV before your 12 months expire. The decision is not about whether New Zealand wants workers — it does, deeply — but about how well you match the three-step process. Get the employer part right, and the rest falls into place. For anyone starting from scratch, the first action is to check if your occupation is on the Green List, then approach a licensed immigration adviser.