New Zealand Work Visa 2026: AEWV, Green List and Residence

You've spotted a job in New Zealand, or you're wondering whether a working holiday could turn into something longer. New Zealand is short of skilled workers in many fields, but its visa system rewards people who plan the route to residence from day one.

This guide covers each New Zealand work visa option in plain English: the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the Green List, the Skilled Migrant Category, working holidays and partner visas. Figures are as of September 2026. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) changes settings often, so confirm everything on immigration.govt.nz.

Which New Zealand work visa is right for you?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) explained

The AEWV is New Zealand's main temporary work visa. It works in three stages: the employer gets accredited, the employer gets an approved job check for the specific role, and then you apply for the visa.

You need at least two years of relevant work experience or a relevant qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. INZ cut the experience requirement from three years to two in March 2025.

Jobs are classified by skill level from 1 (most skilled) to 5 under ANZSCO or the newer occupation list. For roles at skill levels 3 to 5, you'll need to meet English language requirements.

As of September 2026, the AEWV can be granted for up to five years for most roles. For jobs at skill levels 4 and 5 it's up to three years, extended from two years in March 2025.

What changed with the median wage in 2025

From 10 March 2025, employers hiring on the AEWV no longer have to pay the median wage. Instead, they must pay at least the minimum wage and the market rate, meaning what a New Zealander would earn in the same role and region. Sector agreements, which used to provide exemptions, were removed at the same time.

The median wage still matters elsewhere. It's used for partner visas and residence, and INZ set it at NZD $35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026.

The Green List: Straight to Residence and Work to Residence

The Green List names occupations New Zealand needs most. It has two tiers.

Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). If you have a job offer from an accredited employer in a Tier 1 role, you can apply for residence without first working in New Zealand, even from overseas. As of September 2026, you must be 55 or younger and paid at least NZD $35.00 an hour or the rate set for your occupation, whichever is higher. The fee starts at NZD $6,450.

Tier 2 (Work to Residence). You usually arrive on an AEWV, then apply once you've worked in a Tier 2 job for 24 months within the preceding 30 months.

Registration or qualification requirements apply to many Green List roles, including nurses and engineers. Check the exact rule for your occupation first.

The Skilled Migrant Category resident visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the main points-style route to residence. Since August 2026 it has three pathways:

• Points pathway. You need 6 points from occupational registration, a qualification or income, and you can add up to 3 points for skilled work in New Zealand. For example, a job paying three times the SMC wage threshold (NZD $105.00 an hour, as of September 2026) earns 6 points.
• Skilled Work Experience pathway. At least five years of directly relevant experience, including at least two years of skilled work in New Zealand.
• Trades and Technician pathway. A relevant qualification and at least four years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months of skilled work in New Zealand.

Working holidays and partner visas

Working holiday visas let young people from countries with an agreement work and travel, normally for up to 12 months. You'll usually need to be 18 to 30, or 18 to 35 for a few countries. UK citizens can stay up to 36 months and Canadians up to 23 months. You can only get a working holiday visa once.

Partner of a Worker Work Visa. You can't include your partner on your AEWV, but they can apply separately, with open work rights, if your job qualifies. As of September 2026, you must earn at least NZD $28 an hour in a skill level 1 to 3 role. In a skill level 4 or 5 role you must earn NZD $52.50 an hour, or NZD $35 in a Green List job. The partner visa costs from NZD $1,630.

Fees, the IVL, healthcare and insurance

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is NZD $100 as of September 2026. It's added to working holiday visas, Specific Purpose Work visas, and visitor and student visas, among others, but not to resident visas. It isn't refunded if your application is declined. Check whether it appears in your fee when you apply.

Healthcare. You can use publicly funded healthcare, like a New Zealander, only if your work visa is valid for two years or more, counted from your first day in the country. With a shorter visa, including most working holidays, you pay for medical care yourself. Accidents are covered by ACC, New Zealand's no-fault injury scheme, but illness isn't.

That makes private health insurance a practical necessity for many new arrivals, so check your visa's conditions for any insurance requirement. Also budget for flights, a rental bond, and a few weeks of living costs before your first pay day.

How to get an AEWV, step by step

Say you're an electrician from the Philippines with a trade qualification and six years' experience. Here's how the process would typically work.

1. Find an accredited employer. INZ publishes a list of accredited employers, and our guide to finding visa sponsorship jobs can help. Tailor your CV for employers abroad.
2. Get registered or start registration if your occupation requires it in New Zealand.
3. Wait for the job check. Your employer applies and must show the role pays the market rate.
4. Apply online for the AEWV using the job check details your employer gives you once it's approved.
5. Provide medical and police certificates where INZ asks for them.
6. Plan for residence. Check whether your role is on the Green List or could qualify under the SMC.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before the job check is approved. You can't lodge the AEWV without it.
• Assuming the median wage still sets AEWV pay. It now sets partner and residence thresholds instead.
• Letting your visa run short of two years. It could cost you access to public healthcare.
• Paying unlicensed advisers. Unlicensed advice is illegal and leaves you unprotected.
• Ignoring the age limit. Most residence visas require you to be 55 or younger.

Your next steps

Look up your occupation on the Green List and its ANZSCO skill level. Confirm your employer is accredited, then work out whether your pay would support a partner visa and a later residence application. Price private health insurance for your first months. If your case is complicated, speak to an IAA-licensed adviser, and always check the current figures on immigration.govt.nz before you apply.