New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has become one of the country’s primary pathways for skilled foreign workers to live and work temporarily. Designed to connect international talent with local labour-market needs, the AEWV ensures that employers hire only from a pool of verified candidates, maintaining a balance between local employment priorities and skilled migration.
Key Takeaways
Overview of New Zealand’s AEWV and National Occupation List
Central to this system is the National Occupation List (NOL), which defines which roles are eligible for AEWV sponsorship. In 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) took a significant step by adding 91 new occupations to the NOL, updating the framework to better match current economic and sectoral demands. This expansion replaces the older shared Australia-New Zealand occupational classification (ANZSCO) and allows for more precise targeting of high-demand skills.
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What the 2025 Update Means for Foreign Workers
The inclusion of 91 new roles in the AEWV list is a game-changer for foreign applicants. Previously, skilled professionals in certain trades, healthcare specialisations, and technical sectors were either ineligible or had limited options for visa sponsorship.
With the updated NOL, more occupations now meet INZ’s skill-level requirements, widening eligibility for potential applicants. This means higher chances of approval, more pathways to enter New Zealand, and improved opportunities for career growth.
For international job seekers, it’s a clear signal that New Zealand is actively looking to attract the talent needed to fill skill shortages and boost key sectors of the economy.
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Key Occupations Newly Recognized in the AEWV Scheme
Among the 91 newly added roles, several sectors stand out:
- Healthcare: Nurses, aged-care professionals, medical laboratory technicians, and allied health specialists are now better represented.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Civil engineers, building supervisors, electricians, plumbers, and project managers in construction have increased eligibility.
- Information Technology: Software developers, network engineers, IT project managers, and cybersecurity specialists are newly recognised.
- Skilled Trades: Welders, metal fabricators, automotive technicians, and other hands-on roles are now included.
- Hospitality and Service Sectors: Certain chef specialisations and food service managers have been added to meet rising tourism demands.
This expansion reflects New Zealand’s focus on both technical expertise and essential services, ensuring employers can fill critical roles efficiently.
How Employers Can Benefit from the Expanded List
The updated NOL is not just advantageous for foreign workers; it also offers significant benefits to New Zealand employers. Companies struggling to fill critical vacancies can now access a larger pool of qualified international candidates. By aligning with INZ-approved AEWV sponsorship procedures, employers can hire efficiently, reduce project delays, and meet labour shortages without compromising on skill quality. Additionally, the expanded list simplifies recruitment planning, enabling businesses to anticipate workforce needs across sectors like healthcare, construction, and IT, where talent demand is consistently high.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process Under the Updated AEWV
To apply for the AEWV under the 2025 rules, candidates must meet specific requirements:
- Secure a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer for a role listed on the updated NOL.
- Demonstrate skills, qualifications, and experience matching the advertised role.
- Meet English language proficiency standards where applicable.
- Submit a complete application with required documents, including a signed employment contract, CV, qualification certificates, and identification.
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The process generally involves the employer submitting an AEWV request to INZ, followed by the worker lodging their visa application once the position is approved. Processing times can vary depending on the occupation and the applicant’s country of origin, so early preparation is key.
Tips for Maximizing Your Chances of Approval
To make the most of this opportunity, applicants should focus on preparation and accuracy:
- Match your skills precisely to the occupation on the NOL, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
- Complete documentation is essential—omissions or discrepancies can lead to delays or refusal.
- Coordinate with your employer to ensure that all accreditation and sponsorship paperwork is in order.
- Stay updated on INZ guidance, as minor procedural changes may impact eligibility or processing times.
- Consider professional advice or consultation if your occupation is newly added, ensuring compliance with skill-level requirements.
By following these steps, foreign workers can significantly improve their chances of obtaining an AEWV and begin their career in New Zealand without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
The 2025 AEWV update, with 91 new occupations added to the National Occupation List, marks a major shift in New Zealand’s approach to skilled migration. For foreign workers, it opens doors to previously inaccessible opportunities across healthcare, IT, construction, and skilled trades.
Employers, meanwhile, gain access to a wider talent pool to meet pressing workforce demands. The key takeaway: those considering a move to New Zealand should act quickly, ensure their skills match the new NOL criteria, and submit thorough, accurate applications to take full advantage of this expansion.
