Dreaming of a new career and lifestyle in New Zealand? Thousands of skilled workers from Nigeria are doing exactly that, taking advantage of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to unlock new jobs and brighter futures. New Zealand’s 2025 rules are more welcoming and straightforward than before, making it easier for Nigerians with the right skills and experience to join the country’s workforce.
Recent changes mean employers must be officially accredited and only genuine, full-time roles are eligible. The process now moves faster and covers a wider range of jobs, especially in healthcare, IT, construction, and hospitality. If you’re ready for a new challenge, this guide will walk you through the steps, paperwork, and tips to set up your application from Nigeria.
Whether you’re seeking career growth, a safe community, or a fresh start, the AEWV could be your path. Here’s what you need to know to apply with confidence and get closer to working in New Zealand in 2025.
Understanding the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main work visa for skilled migrants. It connects Nigerian applicants directly with approved employers needing their skills across many industries. In 2025, this visa has become more open and easier to get, especially for those seeking real work opportunities and a stable life. The AEWV process is now faster, involves less red tape, and opens doors to more family members by simplifying paperwork and lowering barriers that previously held back Nigerian workers.
Key Changes to AEWV in 2025 for Nigerian Applicants
2025 brings sweeping updates to the AEWV. These reforms are designed to help Nigerian workers secure well-paid jobs, protect their families, and settle long-term in New Zealand. The main changes making headlines include:
- Removal of the Median Wage Rule:
- Employers must now pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage (NZD $23.50/hour), not the much higher median wage. This opens more jobs for applicants, especially those starting in industries like hospitality, trades, and care roles.
- Work Experience:
- The new rule requires just two years of relevant experience for ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 jobs, instead of three years. This allows younger and less-experienced Nigerians to qualify.
- Family Sponsorship:
- The minimum income needed to sponsor a family has risen to NZD $55,844 per year. While this is higher, it brings clearer criteria and better reflects real living costs, helping families plan with confidence.
- Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Jobs:
- Workers in lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) can now stay for up to three years per visa (previously capped at 1-2 years). This gives greater security and the ability to build a life in New Zealand.
- Less Paperwork, Faster Processing:
- Employers now only need to declare that jobs were advertised and suitable local candidates considered. There’s less need to submit recruitment records up front, speeding up the process and cutting down waiting times.
- Reclassification of Certain Jobs:
- Occupations like cooks and pet groomers have moved to higher-skilled categories. This means more Nigerians can qualify for residence and gain better pay and conditions.
- Interim Work Rights:
- From April 2025, Nigerians waiting for a visa decision can start working right away under interim rights. This reduces stress and keeps applicants earning.
These changes mean less waiting, lower barriers, and more chances to get ahead. Nigerian applicants now find it easier to meet requirements, support their families, and take on new roles across New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerians
Before starting your application, it’s smart to check all the essentials. Meeting each condition is key. Here’s what Nigerians need for the AEWV in 2025:
- Valid Job Offer from Accredited Employer
- The offer must be for genuine, ongoing work (minimum 30 hours per week).
- The employer must be officially accredited by New Zealand Immigration.
- Relevant Qualifications or Experience
- At least two years of recent, relevant work experience for most positions.
- For higher-skilled jobs, a relevant qualification (NZQCF Level 4 or higher) can also be used instead of work experience.
- English Language Ability
- For jobs at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, you must prove your English with results from tests like IELTS (minimum overall band score of 4.0). No English test is needed if your job is skilled (levels 1-3), unless the employer requests it.
- Health and Good Character
- You must get a clean bill of health. A medical exam and chest x-ray (if you are staying over 6 months) are standard, especially if coming from a country with high TB rates.
- Police certificates for all countries you’ve lived in for 5+ years since age 17. These must be recent (less than 6 months old).
- Financial and Family Requirements
- If bringing family, your pay must meet the new income threshold, and you’ll need proof of relationship for partners or children (birth/marriage certificates).
Practical Tips for Nigerian Applicants:
- Prepare all documents in advance. Upload PDFs or clear JPEG scans, and get any documents not in English translated by a certified translator.
- Be ready to show actual proof of experience—recommendation letters, contracts, pay slips, or tax documents make your case stronger.
- For English language tests, register early and keep your results handy as they must not be more than two years old at the time of application.
- Start your medical and police checks early, as they take time in Nigeria.
- Double-check if your employer is on the official government list of accredited companies before accepting a job offer.
By focusing on these key eligibility points and following the rules closely, Nigerian workers can make the AEWV process smoother and get closer to their New Zealand work and lifestyle goals.
Step-by-Step AEWV Application Process for Nigerians
Getting the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a multi-stage process. Each step matters, from landing the right job in New Zealand to submitting polished documents and tracking your progress. Use this guide as a roadmap—follow each stage carefully, avoid shortcuts, and take charge of your success.
Step 1: Securing a Job Offer with an Accredited Employer
To start, you need a genuine job offer from a New Zealand employer recognized as “accredited” by Immigration New Zealand. This is the gatekeeper step—no job offer, no visa application.
How to Find and Secure a Job:
- Search on official platforms like:
- New Zealand’s official jobs board (newzelandnow)
- Seek NZ
- Indeed NZ
- Check that your prospective employer is accredited via the official accredited employers list (New Zealand Immigration)
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to New Zealand standards—keep it clear, honest, and focused on relevant skills.
- Highlight your work experience, education, and align your profile with in-demand roles, especially in healthcare, tech, construction, and hospitality.
Preparation Tips:
- Research each employer. Know their values, work culture, and role requirements.
- Gather references and letters from previous employers—New Zealand companies value credible work history.
- Practice for online interviews; most first-round interviews are now virtual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Accepting a job from a non-accredited employer—double-check before you commit.
- Paying agents upfront without any genuine job offer—scams are common.
- Submitting a generic CV instead of one targeted to the position and industry.
Step 2: Employer Job Check and New Zealand Labour Market Test
Before you apply, your employer must clear the “job check.” This step proves there isn’t a suitable New Zealand citizen for the role and gives you the green light to proceed.
What Employers Do:
- Advertise the job locally to test the labor market.
- Send a request to Immigration New Zealand for a job check, proving the role can’t be filled by a local.
- Receive approval and a “job token,” which you need for your application.
What You Should Ask or Expect:
- Confirm the employer has completed their job check and holds valid accreditation.
- Ask for a copy of your employment agreement and the job token/link for your application.
- Make sure the job offer matches the agreed pay, hours (minimum 30/week), and job duties.
Insider Tip: Some jobs on the “Green List” or paying double the median wage may skip parts of the labor market test, helping speed up your process.
Step 3: Preparing and Submitting Your AEWV Application
With your job offer and job token in hand, it’s time to prepare your online visa application. Strong, organized paperwork increases your odds of approval.
Required Documents Checklist:
- Signed job offer/employment agreement from an accredited employer
- Passport (valid for your intended stay)
- Work experience letters or proof (at least two years for skill levels 4/5)
- Education certificates and professional qualifications (where required)
- Police clearance certificates (from Nigeria and other countries where you’ve lived)
- Medical certificate and chest x-ray report, if you plan to stay over six months
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests—minimum IELTS 4.0 if needed)
- Marriage/birth certificates if bringing family
- Certified translations for any document not in English
How to Prepare a Strong Application:
- Scan all documents clearly—preferably in PDF for papers, JPEG for photos.
- Double-check that translations are stamped by approved translators.
- Organize by document type; don’t upload in random order.
- Use names on documents that match your passport or explain differences with affidavits.
Extra Tips:
- Start police and medical checks early, as these take time in Nigeria.
- Save electronic and hard copies of all paperwork.
- Proofread your entries on the Immigration NZ application portal before submitting.
Step 4: Visa Processing Timeline and What to Expect
Once you submit, patience is important. Knowing what happens next (and how to respond if asked for more info) keeps stress low and helps avoid setbacks.
Typical Waiting Period:
- Most AEWV applications take 20–30 business days (about 4–6 weeks).
- Delays are possible if documents are missing, unclear, or if extra checks are needed.
What Happens During Processing:
- Immigration New Zealand checks the authenticity of your documents.
- They may email you for clarification or to request extra evidence. Respond quickly and politely.
- Your employer might be contacted to confirm job details.
How to Track and Adjust Your Application:
- Use your RealMe or Immigration account to check application status.
- If you make a mistake or need to update information, use the official “update” link or contact Immigration NZ directly—don’t open a new application unless advised.
- Keep your phone and email active; missed communications can delay approval.
If You Run Into Delays:
- Stay calm. Most issues are resolved by submitting requested documents on time.
- Contact Immigration NZ’s help desk if your application exceeds normal processing times.
By moving step by step and staying organized, you increase your chances of getting your AEWV approved and making your New Zealand work dreams a reality.