How Much Does an Accredited Employer Work Visa Cost to Move to New Zealand?

If you’re a skilled professional dreaming of a better life, New Zealand remains one of the most attractive destinations. With its scenic landscapes, friendly communities, and strong demand for skilled workers, many migrants ask the same question before taking the leap: How much does an Accredited Employer Work Visa cost to move to New Zealand?

Understanding this cost is a crucial first step. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a key immigration pathway for foreign workers seeking employment in New Zealand through an accredited local employer. This article will break down the cost of the AEWV and the related expenses you’ll need to consider when planning your move to New Zealand.

What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in New Zealand, provided they have a valid job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The AEWV was introduced to ensure that migrants are employed under fair and lawful conditions and that local talent is prioritized where possible.

Employers must be officially accredited to hire workers from overseas. Once accredited, they can offer employment to migrants who meet job-specific and visa criteria. For many workers, this visa is also a step toward permanent residency, making it an essential part of the move to New Zealand.

Who Can Apply for the AEWV?

To qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa, applicants must have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The job must pay the required wage threshold and meet the skill level for the occupation.

Additionally, applicants must meet health, character, and identity requirements. Professions currently in demand include registered nurses, IT professionals, electricians, chefs, civil engineers, and aged care workers—among many others on the Green List or in shortage lists.

Whether you’re looking for long-term career growth or aiming for permanent residency, the AEWV is often the most accessible starting point for your move to New Zealand.

How Much Does an Accredited Employer Work Visa Cost?

Let’s answer the key question: How much does an Accredited Employer Work Visa cost in 2025?

Visa Application Fee

The base application fee for the AEWV is approximately NZD $735. This is the main fee paid directly to Immigration New Zealand. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, the amount may slightly vary due to local processing charges or currency conversion.

Immigration Levy

An immigration levy of NZD $55 is included in the AEWV fee. This levy helps support migrant-related services in New Zealand and is mandatory for most work visa types .

Medical Examination and Police Clearance

Applicants must be medically fit and of good character. This means you’ll likely need to undergo a chest x-ray, general medical examination, and provide police clearance from any country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years. These services can cost between NZD $300 and NZD $700 depending on your location and medical provider.

Document Translation and Certification Fees

All non-English documents must be officially translated. This includes qualifications, police checks, or work references. Translation costs depend on the language and volume of documents, typically starting at NZD $20–$50 per page.

Legal or Immigration Consultant Fees (if used)

Though not required, many applicants choose to use a licensed immigration advisor or lawyer. Professional assistance can cost between NZD $800 and NZD $3,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the advisor’s expertise.

When you total everything, the Accredited Employer Work Visa cost for most individuals ranges between NZD $800 and NZD $1,500—not including travel and relocation costs.

Additional Costs When You Move to New Zealand

While the AEWV application is a major expense, it’s just one part of the bigger financial picture. Here’s what else to budget for in your move to New Zealand:

Airfare and Travel

Flight costs depend on your departure country and time of year. On average, expect to pay NZD $1,000 to NZD $2,500 for a one-way economy ticket.

Initial Accommodation

Once you arrive, you’ll likely need temporary housing while you settle in. Short-term rentals, Airbnb, or hotels can range from NZD $80 to NZD $200 per night. Some employers assist with this cost, so check your job offer.

Permanent Housing Setup

Rental bonds (often 4 weeks of rent) and upfront payments are required for long-term accommodation. For example, in Auckland, average weekly rents for a two-bedroom apartment range from NZD $500 to NZD $650.

Daily Living Expenses

Groceries, transport, phone, and utilities will also add up. New Zealand has a moderate to high cost of living compared to many countries. A single person might spend NZD $1,500 to NZD $2,000 monthly, depending on lifestyle and location.

Family-Related Costs

If you plan to bring your spouse or children, factor in dependent visa fees, school enrollment (if children are school-aged), and healthcare. AEWV holders may be eligible to sponsor their family members, depending on their occupation and salary level.

How to Find an Accredited Employer in New Zealand

A crucial part of the AEWV process is securing a job offer from an employer who is already accredited. Immigration New Zealand maintains a public list of accredited employers, and job search platforms such as Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Indeed regularly post open roles from these companies.

Make sure your CV follows the New Zealand format, and highlight any qualifications that match those on the Green List or in-demand occupations list. Once you receive a job offer, your employer will complete a “Job Check” to confirm that the role is suitable to be filled by a migrant.

This is a great time to remind yourself that finding the right employer is a foundational step if you’re serious about your move to New Zealand.

Step-by-Step AEWV Application Process

Step one is to secure a full-time job offer from an accredited employer. Once the job offer is confirmed and the employer has passed the Job Check process, you can proceed with your AEWV application.

Next, gather all required documents including your passport, proof of qualifications, employment offer, police certificates, and medical reports. Upload these documents to the Immigration New Zealand online portal and pay the visa fee.

After submitting, processing times can vary, but most AEWV decisions are made within 20 to 30 working days. If approved, you will receive a visa label or eVisa and can begin preparing for your relocation.

Can the Accredited Employer Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes, and this is one of the main reasons the Accredited Employer Work Visa is so popular among skilled migrants. Many AEWV holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand after two years, especially if they work in roles listed on the Green List or meet income thresholds under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Some professions even offer a fast-tracked residence pathway, such as healthcare and construction roles. Having clear pathways to permanent residence makes the AEWV a solid long-term investment for your move to New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family on an AEWV?

Yes, you can sponsor your partner and children depending on your job type and salary. They may be eligible for work or student visas.

Is there an age limit to apply?

There is no strict age limit, but eligibility for residency pathways may be affected if you’re over 55 years old.

Can I change jobs on an AEWV?

You can, but the new employer must also be accredited, and you may need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a skilled worker thinking about making the leap, knowing how much an Accredited Employer Work Visa costs is an essential part of the process. Beyond the NZD $735 visa fee, applicants should budget for medical exams, police checks, document translation, and possible legal advice. And when planning your full move to New Zealand, factor in flights, housing, and the cost of living.

Despite the upfront costs, many applicants find the AEWV to be an incredibly rewarding investment. It offers not just job opportunities, but a high quality of life, family-friendly communities, and a potential path to permanent residency.

So if you’re ready to take your career global, the Accredited Employer Work Visa could be your ticket to a new life in New Zealand.