New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has become a central route for skilled professionals seeking lawful employment, predictable income, and long-term settlement options. Under this system, accredited employers recruit overseas workers for genuine roles that meet national wage and employment standards. Many approved positions offer annual salaries between NZD 60,000 and NZD 95,000, reflecting sustained demand in key sectors and a clear expectation of professional competence. Alongside salary, medical insurance and health coverage are an essential part of remaining compliant during residence and employment.
This pathway is designed for applicants who value transparency: a verified employer, a defined role, regulated pay, and clear obligations for both worker and company.
What the Accredited Employer Visa Represents
The Accredited Employer Work Visa links your right to work in New Zealand to an employer that has been formally approved by immigration authorities. Accreditation confirms that the employer meets standards around financial viability, employment practices, and compliance with labour law.
For the worker, this means the job offer is assessed for authenticity and wage alignment before a visa is granted. The visa is issued for a specific role, location, and employer, particularly at the initial stage, ensuring clarity and legal protection.
Salary Range: NZD 60,000–NZD 95,000
Annual salaries within this range are typical for skilled and semi-senior roles across multiple industries. Where you fall within the band depends on experience, responsibility, regional demand, and whether the role includes leadership or specialist functions.
Sectors where these salaries are common include information technology, engineering, construction supervision, healthcare support and technical roles, logistics management, manufacturing coordination, and professional services. In regional areas, similar salaries often provide stronger purchasing power due to lower housing and living costs.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is assessed against both the role and the applicant’s background.
A genuine job offer from an accredited employer is mandatory. Your qualifications and work history must align with the duties of the position. Some occupations require a skills or qualification assessment, particularly where licensing or safety standards apply.
English language ability sufficient for workplace communication and safety is expected. Health and character checks are part of the process, ensuring compliance with national entry standards.
Salary Structure and Living Standards
Salaries quoted are gross annual figures. Net income depends on taxation and any retirement contributions, but earnings in this range generally support a comfortable lifestyle across most regions.
Many workers prioritise housing, transport, utilities, and savings during the first months of settlement. Regional placements often provide a better balance between income and cost, even when salaries are similar to those in larger cities.
Medical Insurance and Health Coverage
Medical coverage is a key requirement for lawful residence and employment. While New Zealand operates a public health system, access and eligibility depend on visa status and length of stay.
During the initial period, workers are expected to maintain appropriate medical insurance that covers healthcare needs until full public eligibility applies, where applicable. Employers often assist by arranging compliant insurance or confirming coverage as part of onboarding.
In addition, all workers are protected under New Zealand’s ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) system, which provides no-fault coverage for injuries, including workplace incidents. ACC does not replace general medical insurance but forms part of the overall protection framework.
Continuity is essential. There should be no gaps in medical coverage during the stay.
Costs to Plan For
Even with a job offer in place, applicants should budget for visa application fees, document preparation and translation, medical exams, police certificates, and travel.
Housing setup costs are common, including rental bonds and initial living expenses. Some employers offer relocation support such as temporary accommodation or settlement assistance, but this varies and should be confirmed in advance.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The process begins with securing a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer. The role and salary are checked against immigration standards.
Once confirmed, the applicant prepares documentation covering identity, qualifications, work experience, and insurance readiness. The visa application is then submitted, followed by health and character checks.
After approval, the worker travels to New Zealand, completes local registration requirements, activates insurance arrangements, and begins employment.
Documents Commonly Required
Applicants typically provide a valid passport, employment contract, evidence of qualifications and experience, medical insurance confirmation, and health and character documentation. Accuracy and consistency across all records reduce delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Accepting offers from non-accredited employers is a frequent issue. Accreditation status must be verified before applying.
Another mistake is underestimating qualification alignment. If your background does not clearly match the role, applications may be delayed or refused.
Insurance gaps or reliance on short-term travel insurance that does not meet requirements can also create compliance problems.
Practical Tips for Strong Outcomes
Regional opportunities often provide faster hiring and better cost-to-income balance. Improving English communication skills enhances workplace integration and advancement.
Keeping organised records of contracts, payslips, and insurance documents supports renewals and future residence options.
Long-Term Benefits
Many workers on the Accredited Employer pathway progress to longer-term residence options after meeting employment and residence conditions. Stable work history and compliant insurance strengthen eligibility for extended stay and family options.
Over time, this pathway supports not only income growth but also professional credibility and settlement stability.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa offers a clear route to NZD 60,000–NZD 95,000 roles backed by verified employers and defined medical insurance requirements. With regulated wages, structured health coverage, and transparent obligations, it provides a dependable option for skilled professionals seeking lawful employment and long-term prospects. Success depends on alignment between role and experience, careful documentation, and continuous compliance with health and employment rules.