New Zealand work visas, with Australia alongside

Which visa fits a job offer in New Zealand, what an accredited employer does, how residence can follow, and when Australia’s employer-sponsored route is the better match.

Last updated: 2026-11-08.

Two countries, two employer-led systems

Both countries start with the employer. In New Zealand the business must be accredited and pass a job check before you apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. In Australia the business sponsors you and nominates the position for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).

Your own part is the same in both: show the skills, experience, English, health and character the visa asks for. Read each advert for who can apply; a few roles are open only to people already in the country with work rights.

AEWV and subclass 482 side by side

New Zealand: AEWVAustralia: subclass 482
Employer stepAccreditation, then a job checkSponsorship, then nomination
What you showTwo years of relevant experience or a relevant qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higherRelevant experience, qualifications, and a skills assessment for some occupations
EnglishRequired for skill level 3 to 5 rolesTest or exemption, set by Home Affairs
PayAt least the market rate for the jobMarket salary and the income threshold
FamilyPartner and child visas, with conditionsFamily can be included if eligible
Later residenceGreen List or Skilled Migrant CategoryEmployer Nomination Scheme (186)

Routes to New Zealand residence

Residence is a separate application. The Green List names roles New Zealand is short of: Tier 1 roles can lead straight to residence, Tier 2 roles after 24 months of work in the role in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Category uses points from qualifications, pay or registration, or a skilled work experience pathway.

Parents of New Zealand citizens and residents have their own options, including the Parent Boost Visa, a long-stay visitor visa. Our blog follows each change with its date.

Working holidays depend on your passport

Working holiday visas are bilateral, so the age limit, length of stay and number of places depend on the country of your passport. Check INZ’s working holiday list and the Australian Working Holiday Maker updates for your own country before planning a gap year around one. Seasonal Jobs Australia lists short-term work for visa holders who already have work rights.

Papers to prepare in your home country

Most delays come from evidence that is incomplete or does not match. Put your papers in order before the employer sends an application link, using your passport name throughout and explaining any change of name.

  • Proof of work: references on company letterhead with your dates, weekly hours and duties, backed by contracts, payslips or tax records. Immigration New Zealand treats a CV as a summary, not as proof.
  • Qualifications: the certificate and transcript under the exact name the institution used. Many overseas awards need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment for residence or registration; some are on NZQA's list of qualifications exempt from assessment.
  • Registration: regulated work such as nursing, electrical, plumbing and gasfitting needs New Zealand occupational registration before you can do the job, which is a separate process from the visa.
  • Police certificates: request them only when INZ or Home Affairs asks, and from every country the rules list for you. Follow INZ’s police certificate instructions.
  • English: a recent accepted test result or evidence of a listed exemption, where the visa or the registration board requires one.
  • Translations: documents not in English need a translation that meets INZ’s translation rules; you cannot translate your own papers.

Keep scanned copies in one folder with clear file names. It saves days when an employer, adviser or case officer asks for a document again.

Red flags in a job offer

Ask for the duties, location, hours, hourly or annual pay and the employer’s visa role in writing before you resign from anything. Compare what you are told with the New Zealand and Australian scam guidance. Applying through JobsAbroad New Zealand costs nothing; visa fees, tests, medicals and translations are separate official costs.

Getting ready to apply

A clear, honest English CV does most of the early work. Build AI CV helps you lay one out and Talent Tabloid has career reading. Practise for IELTS, PTE or OET on PractiseNow, rehearse answers with Interview Training, and read about Australian skills assessments on Skills Assessment Australia.

When a role fits, send us the job reference with your CV, and say which country you are applying from.

Frequently asked questions

Can people from any country apply?

Yes, unless an advert says otherwise. Each job states its requirements, and a few accept only applicants who already hold New Zealand or Australian work rights.

Do I need a job offer before applying for an AEWV?

Yes. An accredited employer must offer you the job, pass the job check and send you a link to apply.

Is New Zealand or Australia easier?

Neither is simply easier. The right choice depends on your occupation, experience, English, qualifications and family plans. Compare the two guides and the jobs on offer.

Will my qualification be recognised?

Not automatically. NZQA, the Australian assessing authority and the registration boards each make their own decision on the evidence you send.

Does applying through this site cost anything?

No. Government fees, English tests, medical checks and translations are separate and are paid to the bodies that provide them.

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