South African applicants · New Zealand
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for South African citizens
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa — New Zealand's main route for skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
This page covers the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) specifically for South African applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to South Africa. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- Employer accreditation: 5–10 working days. Job check: 5–10 working days. Visa application: 10–20 working days.
- Government fees
- Employer accreditation NZD 740; job check NZD 610; visa application NZD 750 (verify on INZ).
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years (variable by occupation and pay).
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Pretoria (VFS)
Tourist entry vs. this route
South African nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), introduced in mid-2022, replaced the former Essential Skills, Work to Residence, and other employer-linked work visas. The system has three stages: (1) employer accreditation, (2) job check, and (3) worker visa application. AEWV holders in Green List occupations or earning above the median wage can transition to residence via the SMC. Significant reforms were implemented in 2023–24 including median wage thresholds and skills-matching requirements.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer from an employer with current INZ accreditation (Standard, High Volume, or Franchisee).
- ✓Job passes the job check: meets median wage (currently NZD 31.61/hour — verify on INZ) or is on the Green List, and labour-market test is satisfied.
- ✓Worker meets skill, qualification, and experience requirements for the role.
- ✓English-language requirement and health/character checks.
Common blockers
- !Employer not accredited or accreditation expired.
- !Salary below the median wage and occupation not on the Green List.
- !Failed job check — employer did not demonstrate labour-market test compliance.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer's accreditation number.
- ·Employment agreement specifying role, salary, and conditions.
- ·Qualification certificates and NZQA assessment where required.
- ·Police certificates and medical certificate.
Application pathway
Employer obtains accreditation
The employer must apply to INZ for accreditation (Standard, High Volume, or Franchisee) before sponsoring any worker.
Job check
The employer submits the job for a job check, demonstrating that the role meets the pay threshold and cannot be filled locally.
Worker applies for AEWV
The worker submits their visa application referencing the approved job check, with supporting documents.
Arrive and begin work
Once approved, the worker enters New Zealand and begins employment with the accredited employer.
Transition to residence
After meeting the qualifying period and criteria, workers in Green List roles or earning above the median wage can apply for SMC residence.
Other New Zealand routes covered for South African applicants
Not sure New Zealand is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that South African nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Republic of Ireland
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Federal Republic of Germany
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
- Portuguese Republic
South African applicants — work sponsored routes
Frequently asked questions
Are South African citizens eligible for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?+
Eligibility for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though South African applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do South African applicants typically file the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?+
Pretoria (VFS). Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do South African applicants need a tourist visa for New Zealand as well?+
South African nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
What replaced the Essential Skills work visa in New Zealand?+
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaced the Essential Skills visa, the Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa, and several other employer-linked categories in mid-2022. All employer-sponsored temporary work now goes through the three-stage AEWV process: employer accreditation, job check, worker application.
Can the AEWV lead to permanent residence?+
Yes, indirectly. AEWV holders in occupations on the Green List (either Straight to Residence or Work to Residence track) can apply for SMC residence after meeting qualifying periods. Workers earning above the median wage in other occupations can also apply for SMC with sufficient points.
What is the median wage for the AEWV job check?+
The median wage is set by INZ and updated periodically. As of the latest update, it is NZD 31.61 per hour. Jobs paying at or above the median wage are generally approved without additional labour-market testing. Jobs below the median wage face stricter requirements and may not lead to a residence pathway.
Can I change employer on an AEWV?+
The AEWV is tied to the employer and role specified in the application. To change employers, your new employer must be accredited, pass a fresh job check, and you must apply for a new AEWV. You cannot start working for the new employer until the new visa is granted.