Are you looking to advance your career internationally while earning a six-figure income?
New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) could be your gateway to professional success and financial freedom.
This visa is not just another work permit — it opens doors to high-paying jobs, permanent residency pathways, and world-class living standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can land a $600K+ job in New Zealand through accredited employer sponsorship, what sectors offer such salaries, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process.
Why Choose New Zealand for Career Growth?
New Zealand is ranked among the top countries for quality of life, work-life balance, and economic stability.
The country is actively looking for skilled professionals, and with the Accredited Employer Work Visa, it’s easier than ever for qualified individuals to gain employment and migrate legally.
Key Benefits:
- Tax advantages with moderate income tax rates
- High-paying job opportunities in tech, healthcare, construction, finance, and executive roles
- Access to permanent residency through skilled migration pathways
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Global exposure and professional development
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV is a temporary work visa that allows overseas professionals to work for New Zealand employers who are officially accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
This visa replaces the Essential Skills Work Visa and is now the primary route for foreign workers seeking employment in NZ.
Basic Requirements:
- A job offer from an accredited employer
- The role must be listed in the Green List or meet local labor market test criteria
- Proof of relevant qualifications or experience
- Clean criminal and medical records
What Jobs Offer $600K+ Salary in New Zealand?
While $600,000 NZD+ may sound like a dream, several high-level roles in New Zealand do offer this level of compensation, especially when bonuses and equity shares are included.
Top High-Income Professions
| Industry | Roles | Estimated Annual Package |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Surgeons, Anesthetists, Medical Directors | $350K – $650K+ |
| IT & Tech | CTOs, AI Architects, Cloud Engineers | $250K – $600K+ |
| Finance | Investment Bankers, CFOs, Fund Managers | $300K – $700K+ |
| Legal | Senior Partners, Legal Consultants | $400K – $600K+ |
| Construction & Engineering | Project Directors, Civil Engineers (Mega Projects) | $250K – $500K+ |
How to Find Accredited Employers Sponsoring Work Visas
Finding a job is not just about applying randomly. You need to target companies that are accredited and actively hiring international talent.
Where to Look:
- New Zealand Immigration Accredited Employer List
- Job portals like Seek.co.nz, TradeMe Jobs, and LinkedIn NZ
- Recruitment agencies specializing in international placements
- Industry-specific headhunters
Pro Tip:
Many recruiters filter candidates by immigration readiness. Mention that you are AEWV-eligible in your resume headline to increase visibility.
Visa Sponsorship: What You Need to Know
Visa sponsorship means the employer is willing to support your work visa application. They need to prove to the government that they couldn’t find a suitable local candidate and that you meet the job criteria.
Documents Required from Employer:
- Accredited Employer Status Certificate
- Job offer letter
- Job description aligned with ANZSCO codes
- Salary offer (must meet median wage threshold)
Documents Required from You:
- Valid passport
- Educational credentials
- Work experience letters
- Police clearance
- Medical certificate
- Proof of English proficiency (in some cases)
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Approximate Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| AEWV Application Fee | $750 – $860 |
| Immigration Adviser (optional) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Medical + Police Clearance | $200 – $500 |
| Airfare & Relocation | Varies |
How to Maximize Your Chances
Here are expert tips to boost your chances of getting a high-paying job and AEWV sponsorship:
Build a NZ-Ready Resume
Use a New Zealand-style CV, which highlights your achievements, experience, and relevant skills. Avoid long paragraphs; use bullet points.
Get Your Qualifications Assessed
Use NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) to assess your foreign qualifications. Some jobs require this validation.
Network Strategically
Join LinkedIn groups, attend virtual job fairs, or connect with New Zealand professionals in your field.
Improve English Communication
Even if you’re fluent, working on professional-level English can make you more competitive, especially in client-facing roles.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the best parts of the AEWV is that it can lead to residency.
Residency Pathways:
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa (for Green List roles)
- Work to Residence Visa (after 2 years on AEWV)
Avoid Scams: Work Only with Accredited Employers
Unfortunately, the rise in international migration has led to scams and fake job offers. Always verify the employer’s accreditation on the official INZ website.
FAQs
- What is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa?
- It’s a visa for foreign workers sponsored by accredited employers in New Zealand for long-term employment.
- Who can apply for this visa?
- Individuals who have received a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
- What is the minimum salary requirement?
- The job offer must be for a position that pays at least $600,000 NZD per year.
- How does an employer become accredited?
- Employers must meet specific criteria set by Immigration New Zealand, including demonstrating a genuine need for foreign workers.
- What documents are needed for the application?
- Required documents typically include a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, work experience, and health and character requirements.
- How long is the visa valid?
- The visa is usually granted for a duration of up to three years, depending on the employment contract.
- Can I bring my family with me?
- Yes, visa holders can include their partner and dependent children in the application.
- Is it necessary to have a job offer before applying?
- Yes, a job offer from an accredited employer is mandatory for applying for this visa.
- Can I change jobs while on this visa?
- Changing employers is possible, but you will need to apply for a new visa if the new employer is not accredited.
- What is the processing time for the visa?
- Processing times can vary, but it generally takes several weeks to months.
- Do I need to meet English language requirements?
- Yes, applicants typically need to demonstrate proficiency in English, often through tests like IELTS.
- Can I apply for residency after obtaining this visa?
- Yes, this visa can lead to residency options after meeting certain criteria.
- What happens if my employer loses their accreditation?
- If your employer’s accreditation is revoked, your visa may be affected, and you may need to find another accredited employer.
- Are there any age restrictions for applicants?
- There are no specific age restrictions, but younger applicants may have an advantage in some cases.
- How can I get help with my application?
- Consider consulting with an immigration advisor or lawyer who specializes in New Zealand immigration processes.
If you have specific questions or need additional information about any of these points, feel free to ask!
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa is more than a permit — it’s a launchpad for a better life, a higher income, and global career growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a tech innovator, or a healthcare specialist, your dream job could be just one application away.