AEWV cost: worker fees and employer fees
An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) costs $1,540 for the worker, wherever they apply from. That is an INZ fee of $480 plus an immigration levy of $1,060. The employer pays separately: $775 for standard accreditation and $735 for each Job Check.
Fees as at 7 November 2026, checked against INZ.
What INZ charges, by where you apply from
| Where you apply from | Application fee | Immigration levy | Visitor levy (IVL) | INZ total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I'm in NZ | $480 | $1,060 | $0 | $1,540 |
| Overseas, Pacific passport | $480 | $1,060 | $0 | $1,540 |
| Overseas, other passport | $480 | $1,060 | $0 | $1,540 |
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Checked 7 November 2026. Fees aren't refunded if an application is declined.
Those employer fees come from the Fees Guide. They are charged to employers, not visa applicants. INZ says employers and agents cannot charge a worker fees for a job or make them pay recruitment costs, and accredited employers must not pass on their accreditation, recruitment or operating costs (INZ).
Work out your own total
This calculator covers the worker's INZ cost. Add one adult per worker.
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Full cost guides
Each guide has worked examples, when you pay what, and legal ways to pay less.
Every INZ fee, levy and IVL in one table
Three examples
- One worker applying from the Philippines or anywhere else: $1,540. The table above shows the same worker cost in every band.
- A new employer hiring one worker pays $775 for accreditation and $735 for the Job Check, and the worker then pays $1,540.
- A team of two hired into the same job, pay and location. INZ says one Job Check can cover several positions like that, but each worker applies and pays. See one worker's total, which each of the two pays.
When you pay each part
The employer pays for accreditation when they apply for it, and for each Job Check when they apply for it (INZ). Once the Job Check is approved, the employer offers the job and sends the worker a link. The worker pays the applicable fees when they submit the online application (INZ).
Initial accreditation lasts 12 months before renewal, and a Job Check is valid for 6 months or until accreditation ends.
Legal ways to pay less
- There is no cheaper band for the worker, so the saving is on the employer side. One Job Check can cover multiple positions for the same job, pay, location and minimum requirements.
- If the job was advertised, INZ wants the Job Check within 90 days of the advert closing. Missing that can mean re-advertising and paying again.
- A worker cannot include a partner or children on the AEWV. Their own visas are separate costs.
- An employer must not pass its accreditation or recruitment costs to the worker, so a worker who is asked can check with INZ.
Mistakes that cost money
- Sending a CV as proof of experience. INZ says a CV is not enough, and a reference letter alone may not be either without payslips or tax records.
- Offering less than 30 hours a week. INZ requires at least that.
- Employment terms INZ will not accept, such as trial periods or unacceptable bonding clauses.
- Police certificates more than 6 months old at submission.
- Paying anyone for a job offer. INZ warns that offering money for a job leads to a decline, and that job offer scams are common in India and South Asia.
Extras for this visa
A chest X-ray is needed for stays over 6 months from some countries (INZ's health rules), and police certificates are needed from age 17 when total time in NZ is 24 months or more (INZ's police certificate rules). Estimates:
- Police certificates: $44–$72 each.
- Chest X-ray, if INZ asks: $130–$205 per adult.
- Medical examination, if INZ asks: $200–$290.
- Certified English translations of non-English certificates: $62–$95 per document.
Quick answers
How much does an AEWV cost?
$1,540 for the worker, in every band. Employers pay $775 for standard accreditation and $735 for each Job Check. Source: INZ Fees Guide.
Can an employer charge me for my AEWV?
INZ says employers and agents cannot charge fees for a job or make you pay their recruitment costs. Source: INZ AEWV page.
Can my partner and children be on my AEWV?
No. They can apply for their own visas, depending on your earnings and job skill level. Source: INZ AEWV page.
What order do the steps go in?
Employer accreditation, then a Job Check, then the worker applies. Source: INZ employer process page.
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