New Zealand visa routes

Timeline

Immigration New Zealand lists AEWV processing as 80% within 7 weeks on the visa page; monthly published processing data can differ by recent workload and case complexity.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

83%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

Source-backed New Zealand work route for Afghan citizens who have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The AEWV is employer-linked: the employer must be accredited, the job must have an approved job check, and the applicant must meet the job's skill, qualification, registration, English, health and character requirements. The visa can allow work for the named employer and limited study, and the maximum continuous stay depends on job skill level and pay.

Open pathway

Timeline

INZ lists AEWV cost from NZD 1,540 and 80% of decisions within 7 weeks; employer accreditation and job check happen before the worker uses the employer link to apply.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

70%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

New Zealand AEWV route for Bhutanese workers with a job offer from an accredited employer. The job must meet INZ rules, normally be at least 30 hours a week, and be linked to the employer’s approved job check or unique application link.

Open pathway

Timeline

80% within about 7 weeks after a complete application

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

74%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

For Maldivian workers offered full-time employment by a New Zealand accredited employer with an approved job check. The employer sends the applicant a unique link to the AEWV application.

Open pathway

Timeline

Employer completes accreditation and job check, then sends the worker a unique application link. Immigration New Zealand currently states 80% are processed within about 7 weeks.

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

97%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

Accredited Employer Work Visa route for a Nepal worker with a genuine full-time job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer and an approved job check.

Open pathway

Timeline

Employer completes accreditation and job check, then sends the worker a unique application link. Immigration New Zealand currently states 80% are processed within about 7 weeks.

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

97%

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

Accredited Employer Work Visa route for a Bangladesh worker with a genuine full-time job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer and an approved job check.

Open pathway

Timeline

Employer completes accreditation and job check, then sends the worker a unique application link. Immigration New Zealand currently states 80% are processed within about 7 weeks.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

Accredited Employer Work Visa route for a Pakistan worker with a genuine full-time job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer and an approved job check.

Open pathway

Timeline

Employer completes accreditation and approved job check, sends the unique application link, applicant uploads contract, skills, health and character evidence and pays NZD 1,540. Immigration New Zealand publishes 80% within 7 weeks.

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

NZD 1,540

AEWV for an Indian worker offered at least 30 hours/week by an accredited employer with approved job check. Route is employer/job/location-linked and can allow up to 5 years depending on skill level, pay and application date.

Open pathway

Timeline

Several weeks to several months

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

50%

Cost signal

Not calculated

A practical route overview for Sri Lankan applicants exploring New Zealand work visa pathways, covering employer sponsorship, work authorisation, documents, costs, travel planning, risks, and official-source checks.

Open pathway