Work in New Zealand: where to find jobs and how to apply
Check your work rights first, then search for jobs that match your experience. If you need AEWV, the offer must come from an accredited employer and meet INZ requirements. Family and student visas have separate conditions; a savings reserve is not work permission.
Contents
Where should I start looking for work?
Check your work rights first, then search for jobs that match your experience. If you need AEWV, the offer must come from an accredited employer and meet INZ requirements. Family and student visas have separate conditions; a savings reserve is not work permission.
Where to search
Use Seek, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn, employer websites and specialist agencies. Search jobs.govt.nz for public-sector roles. Compare duties, location, pay and required work rights.
Do not pay for a job offer. Check the official accredited-employer list and verify contact details against the company’s own website.
Source: Accredited Employer Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).
Prepare the application
Use your CV to show relevant duties, tools and results. Explain why this particular role fits you in the cover letter.
State your location, visa status and possible start date honestly. International experience may help your application, but does not replace visa eligibility.
English and evidence
AEWV roles at ANZSCO or applicable NOL skill levels 3, 4 and 5 have an INZ English requirement. The IELTS option requires an overall score of at least 4. Levels 1 and 2 have no formal INZ English requirement; check official evidence options and exemptions.
Employer communication and professional registration requirements are separate. Prepare independently verifiable work records: a CV alone is insufficient AEWV experience evidence.
Source: English language requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).
Track applications
Record the employer, role, application date, contact and next step. Use responses to identify requirements that need clarification or skills you need to demonstrate.
Compare gross pay with housing, transport and household costs before accepting. Residence eligibility must be assessed separately.
Related reading
- CV for New Zealand: prepare an application for the role
- Cost of living in New Zealand: rent, groceries, transport and first-month budget
- Where to live in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other cities
FAQ
Where should I start looking for work?
Check your work rights first, then search for jobs that match your experience. If you need AEWV, the offer must come from an accredited employer and meet INZ requirements. Family and student visas have separate conditions; a savings reserve is not work permission.
Sources for independent verification
A check date is shown beside sources reviewed for this update.