Do Indians Need a Job Offer for a New Zealand Work Visa?

The rules below are as published on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. Several Immigration New Zealand (INZ) pages were read from archived captures of the official site taken in August to October 2026, because immigration.govt.nz was returning errors when we checked, so confirm fees on the live page before you pay. For visitor visas and the general process, see our New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

Is a job offer required for the AEWV?

Yes. The AEWV is New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa, and it exists only on the back of a specific job. An INZ-accredited employer first gets an approved job check, then offers you the job and sends you a link to apply online. Without that offer and link there is no AEWV application to make.

The visa can last up to 5 years depending on the job, and it can lead to residence. INZ's headline timeframe is 80% of applications decided within 5.5 weeks, and AEWV applications for Green List roles are prioritised without an escalation request.

What makes a job offer valid for the AEWV?

English is part of the deal for many jobs. Roles at ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5 need English evidence, such as a test result no more than 2 years old; skill level 1-2 jobs are exempt. Since 1 June 2026 the minimum of IELTS 4.0 or equivalent also applies to skill level 3 roles. If your overseas qualification is below a bachelor's degree, you also need an International Qualification Assessment from NZQA.

Which New Zealand work visas do not need a job offer?

The partner routes carry pay tests for the supporting partner. If your partner holds an AEWV in an ANZSCO level 1-3 job, they must earn at least NZD 28 an hour; in a level 4-5 job outside a sector agreement, at least NZD 52.50 an hour, or NZD 35 in a Green List job. The Post-Study Work Visa can be held only once and gives open work for up to 3 years depending on the qualification.

Can you go to New Zealand first and look for work?

Not on a dedicated visa. Working holiday visas are only for citizens of countries with an agreement, and India is not on INZ's list, so INZ cannot grant one to Indian citizens. A Visitor Visa (NZD 441) is for visits, and for business visitors INZ notes that working, training or performing may need a work visa instead. Students on a Fee Paying Student Visa can work up to 25 hours a week during study, but that is a study route, not a job search route.

What will the NZ-India FTA add?

The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement enters into force on 20 October 2026. New Zealand has committed to the equivalent of 1,667 three-year temporary employment entry visas a year, with no more than 5,000 at any time, split into 1,467 for 13 skilled Green List occupations and 200 for iconic Indian occupations such as yoga, music, chefs and ayurvedic practitioners. It has also committed to a working holiday scheme for up to 1,000 Indians a year. Regulations name the new India Skilled Work and India Iconic Work visas, but INZ had not published opening dates or criteria, including whether a job offer will be needed, when we checked.

How do you spot a job offer scam?

INZ is blunt about this. Employers or agents cannot charge you for a job or for recruitment costs. INZ declines applications where money was offered for a job offer, and it warns that job offer scams are common in India and South Asia.

• A real AEWV starts with the accredited employer's approved job check and a link from the employer to apply online.
• Anyone asking for a fee to secure the job is breaking the rules, and paying can sink your own application.
• On arrival, AEWV holders may need to show evidence of their job offer, so keep the employer's documents.

For a pre-move visit or an interview trip, Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters, from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for the full package. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Does a job offer guarantee an AEWV?

No. The offer is only the starting point; you must also meet the experience or qualification rule, any English requirement, and health and character checks such as a chest X-ray for stays over 6 months, since India is not a low-TB country.

How long can I stay in New Zealand on AEWVs?

The maximum continuous stay on AEWVs is 5 years for most jobs and 3 years for skill level 4-5 jobs. After that you normally need to spend 12 months outside New Zealand.

Can my partner and children come with me on an AEWV?

They cannot be included in your AEWV application. Depending on your pay and skill level, your partner may get a Partner of a Worker Work Visa and your children visitor or student visas.

Does a job offer lead to New Zealand residence?

It can. The Skilled Migrant Category and Straight to Residence visas both require a full-time job or job offer with an accredited employer, an age of 55 or younger and English; the resident visa fee starts at NZD 6,450.