Work Visas in New Zealand
New Zealand has several work visa options, and the right one depends on your role, employer and plans. The most common pathways are the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa (SPWV). We help you understand which option fits your situation and what each pathway involves.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
AEWV is usually for people who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. It’s often used for ongoing roles where there is a genuine skills need. We help you and your employer check the role against current rules and prepare a strong, well‑supported application.
Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)
SPWV is for people coming to New Zealand for a particular role, project or event for a set time. It can suit specialists, senior staff or people with unique skills needed for a defined purpose. We work with you to show why your skills are needed and align the visa with the work you’ll do.
Other work visa options
There are also other work visa pathways, including options for young skilled people, working holidays and roles needing very specific skills, such as Thai chefs, Chinese chefs or Chinese martial arts instructors. In a consultation, we can look at your background in detail and discuss which work visa options may be realistic for you.
Visa Eligibility
AEWV – who this is usually for
- You have a genuine job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- The role meets current pay and skill requirements.
- There is a genuine need that cannot be easily filled locally.
SPWV – who this is usually for
- You are coming for a specific role, project or event.
- Your skills are needed for a defined period of time.
- Your role and stay are clearly limited in scope and duration.
Other work visa options
- You are a young skilled person or on a working holiday.
- You have very specific skills (for example, Thai chef, Chinese chef or Chinese martial arts instructor).
- You want to explore whether a niche or alternative work visa may apply.
In a consultation, we can look at your situation in detail and discuss which work visa options may be realistic for you.