New Zealand remains an attractive destination for international professionals looking for employment, skilled migration opportunities, and a better work-life balance. From construction and engineering to healthcare, technology, hospitality, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure, employers across the country recruit workers with skills that are needed in the local labour market.
For overseas applicants, one of the most important terms to understand is Accredited Employer. New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows eligible migrants to work for an employer that has been accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). However, accreditation does not mean that every job at that company automatically comes with visa sponsorship.
An employer must generally have accreditation and an approved job check for the particular role before it can support an AEWV application. The job must also meet the visa’s requirements, and the applicant must have the required skills, qualifications, experience, and other eligibility criteria.
As of 30 June 2026, Immigration New Zealand reported almost 30,000 accredited employers and more than 93,000 AEWV holders, showing how significant the accredited-employer system has become for New Zealand’s international workforce.
New Zealand Visa Sponsorship Companies: Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Main Work Visa | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
| Employer Requirement | Employer must hold relevant accreditation and have an approved job check |
| Popular Industries | Healthcare, Construction, Engineering, IT, Transport, Infrastructure, Hospitality, Agriculture and More |
| Employment Type | Usually Full-Time |
| Minimum Job Offer | At least 30 hours per week for an AEWV |
| Career Level | Skilled, Professional and Selected Lower-Skilled Roles |
| Visa Duration | Up to 5 years, depending on the job and circumstances |
| Eligible Applicants | International workers who meet visa and job requirements |
| Important Note | Accreditation does not guarantee sponsorship for every vacancy |
What Is an Accredited Employer in New Zealand?
An accredited employer is a New Zealand business that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrants under the Accredited Employer Work Visa system.
The accreditation process is designed to make sure employers hiring overseas workers meet certain immigration and employment obligations.
For an overseas worker, this distinction is important. Simply finding a company with an “accredited” status does not mean you automatically qualify for a work visa.
The employer generally needs to have:
- Appropriate AEWV accreditation.
- An approved job check for the vacancy.
- A genuine position that meets New Zealand employment requirements.
- A job offer that meets the requirements for the applicable visa.
- A recruitment process that follows relevant immigration and employment rules.
INZ maintains an official accredited employer database, which is updated daily. Applicants can search by company name or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) to check whether an employer is currently accredited.
Companies to Research for New Zealand Visa-Sponsored Jobs
The following are examples of major New Zealand employers and organisations worth researching when looking for overseas opportunities. Their inclusion does not mean every current vacancy provides sponsorship. Always check the specific vacancy and the employer’s current accreditation status.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is one of the country’s best-known employers and recruits across aviation, engineering, technology, digital, corporate, airport operations, customer service, and other areas.
Its current careers portal shows vacancies across areas including airline operations, airports, corporate functions, digital, engineering, and pilots.
For international applicants, specialist positions may be more relevant than roles that explicitly require New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence.
For example, some current Air New Zealand vacancies specify permanent New Zealand work rights, demonstrating why candidates should carefully read individual job advertisements rather than assuming that a large company will sponsor every overseas applicant.
Fonterra
Fonterra is a major New Zealand dairy and food company with operations connected to agriculture, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, science, technology, and corporate functions.
International applicants with backgrounds in engineering, food technology, dairy science, manufacturing, supply chain management, data, IT, or business may find relevant opportunities.
Because vacancies and immigration eligibility change, candidates should verify current opportunities through the company’s official careers channels and the INZ accredited employer database.
Fletcher Building
Fletcher Building is a major company in New Zealand’s construction and building-products sector.
Its business activities make it relevant to professionals in areas such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Project management
- Building products
- Procurement
- Health and safety
- Manufacturing
- Skilled trades
- Business operations
Construction and infrastructure remain important areas for workers with recognised skills and relevant experience.
Downer New Zealand
Downer operates across infrastructure and related services, making it a company worth researching for professionals interested in construction, transport infrastructure, utilities, maintenance, engineering, and project-based work.
Its New Zealand operations provide career opportunities across a broad range of functions, although individual positions can have different work-right and qualification requirements. Downer directs job seekers to its careers resources and talent community for current opportunities.
Fulton Hogan
Fulton Hogan is another significant name in New Zealand’s infrastructure and construction industry.
Potential career areas can include:
- Civil construction
- Roading
- Infrastructure
- Engineering
- Plant and equipment
- Project management
- Surveying
- Health and safety
- Operations
Candidates with practical construction experience, engineering qualifications, or specialist infrastructure skills may find this sector particularly relevant.
What Types of Jobs Can Lead to Sponsorship?
New Zealand’s accredited-employer system covers many different occupations. Opportunities can change according to employer demand and immigration rules.
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals remain an important category for international recruitment.
Potential roles include:
- Registered Nurses
- Medical Professionals
- Allied Health Professionals
- Healthcare Specialists
- Aged Care and Support Roles
Some occupations may also have professional registration requirements.
Construction and Engineering
International workers with experience in infrastructure and construction may find opportunities in:
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Project Management
- Electrical Trades
- Mechanical Trades
- Welding
- Carpentry
- Heavy Equipment Operations
Information Technology
New Zealand’s technology sector can provide opportunities for professionals in:
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Data Engineering
- Systems Administration
- Business Analysis
- IT Management
Transport and Logistics
Depending on the occupation and employer, vacancies may include:
- Heavy Vehicle Drivers
- Fleet Operations
- Logistics Coordinators
- Supply Chain Specialists
- Mechanics
- Transport Management
Hospitality
Some hospitality roles can qualify under specific AEWV arrangements, although applicants should carefully check the current requirements.
Possible positions include:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Restaurant Managers
- Hospitality Supervisors
- Hotel Staff
New Zealand has also created specific arrangements for some lower-paid sectors and occupations, meaning eligibility should be assessed according to the exact position rather than the industry name alone.
Agriculture and Seasonal Work
Agriculture deserves special attention because not every farm job follows the standard AEWV route.
The AEWV cannot be used for planting, maintaining, harvesting, or packing crops in horticulture and viticulture. Separate seasonal immigration pathways may apply instead.
How the Accredited Employer Work Visa Works
The AEWV is the main temporary work visa used by many migrants working for accredited New Zealand employers.
To qualify, an applicant generally needs a full-time job offer from an accredited employer that has an approved job check.
The job offer must generally provide at least 30 hours of work per week. The applicant must also meet the relevant skill and qualification requirements.
For many jobs, applicants need either:
- At least two years of relevant work experience, or
- A qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
There are exceptions and special rules for certain occupations and sectors, so applicants should check the exact requirements applying to their vacancy.
How to Find Companies That Can Sponsor You
1. Start With the Official Accredited Employer List
Do not rely solely on social-media lists claiming that a particular company is “sponsoring workers.”
Use Immigration New Zealand’s official accredited employer database to check the employer.
The database can be searched using the company’s name or NZBN and is updated daily.
2. Search the Company’s Careers Page
After identifying an accredited employer, visit its official recruitment website.
Look for vacancies matching your:
- Occupation
- Qualifications
- Experience
- Location
- Professional registration
- Work rights
3. Check Whether the Specific Job Can Support an AEWV
Employer accreditation alone isn’t enough.
The employer must have an approved job check for the role before it can support an AEWV application.
4. Apply Directly
Where possible, apply through the company’s official recruitment portal.
Avoid paying people who claim they can “sell” you a sponsored job.
5. Receive the Employer’s Visa Information
If the employer is supporting an AEWV application, it provides the necessary job information and a unique link for the visa application.
The applicant then completes the immigration application through Immigration New Zealand.
Documents International Applicants Should Prepare
A well-prepared application can make the recruitment process easier.
Common documents may include:
- Updated CV
- Passport
- Employment certificates
- Reference letters
- Payslips or other evidence of employment
- Qualification certificates
- Professional registration documents
- English-language evidence where required
- Police certificates where applicable
- Medical information where required
Importantly, a CV by itself may not be enough to prove work experience for an AEWV. INZ states that applicants may need supporting evidence such as employment certificates, payslips, tax certificates, or appropriately supported references.
Who Has the Best Chance of Getting Sponsored?
There is no single occupation that guarantees sponsorship.
However, candidates may be more competitive when they have:
- Skills that match genuine employer demand
- Relevant qualifications
- Several years of documented experience
- Strong English communication
- Required occupational registration
- Experience in hard-to-fill specialist roles
- A CV tailored to the New Zealand market
Applicants should focus on skills and genuine vacancies, rather than searching only for jobs labelled “visa sponsorship.”
Important Warning About Visa Sponsorship Scams
International job seekers are often targeted by fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Be especially careful if someone:
- Guarantees a New Zealand visa.
- Promises a job without an interview.
- Requests large payments for a job offer.
- Claims to have special immigration connections.
- Uses a company name without providing verifiable employment information.
- Sends an offer from an unofficial email address.
- Asks for money in exchange for “accreditation.”
Immigration New Zealand states that accredited employers cannot pass their accreditation, recruitment, or operational costs on to migrant workers. Employers or agents also cannot charge migrants fees for a job or make them pay the employer’s recruitment costs.
Common Mistakes International Applicants Make
Choosing a Company Without Checking Accreditation
A company name appearing on a random internet list is not enough.
Check the official INZ database because accreditation status can change.
Assuming Accreditation Equals Sponsorship
A company can be accredited while a particular vacancy may not be available to overseas applicants.
Applying for Jobs Below Their Skill Level
Your experience should match the occupation and job description.
Sending an Unfocused CV
Use a targeted CV that highlights the experience directly related to the advertised position.
Ignoring Professional Registration
Some New Zealand occupations require registration before you can legally work.
Paying for a Job
Never assume that paying a recruiter guarantees a job or visa.
Related New Zealand Job Opportunities
If you are researching New Zealand employers that may hire international workers, you may also be interested in:
- High-Demand Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
- Construction Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
- Healthcare Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
These related topics can help international applicants identify industries where their existing qualifications and experience may be relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in New Zealand can sponsor foreign workers?
New Zealand has thousands of accredited employers that may be able to support migrant workers. Major employers worth researching include Air New Zealand, Fonterra, Fletcher Building, Downer, and Fulton Hogan, among many others. However, accreditation does not mean that every vacancy provides sponsorship. Applicants should verify both the employer and the individual job through official sources.
How can I check whether a New Zealand company is accredited?
Use Immigration New Zealand’s official accredited employer list. You can search by company name or NZBN. The database is updated daily, although some accredited employers may choose not to appear publicly, in which case applicants should confirm their status directly with the employer.
Does an accredited employer automatically sponsor my visa?
No. The employer must have an appropriate job check approved for the position, and you must satisfy the requirements of the relevant work visa. The AEWV generally requires a full-time job offer of at least 30 hours per week from an accredited employer with an approved job check.
How much does the Accredited Employer Work Visa cost?
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the AEWV application cost from NZD $1,540. This is the visa application fee and should not be confused with recruitment or employer costs, which employers cannot unlawfully pass on to migrant workers.
Can an AEWV lead to permanent residence?
It can, depending on the occupation, salary, qualifications, experience, and the residence pathway available to the worker. The AEWV itself is a temporary work visa, but Immigration New Zealand states that it can lead to a resident visa for eligible workers.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand companies that can sponsor visa jobs offer international workers an important pathway into the country’s labour market. The opportunities are not limited to one industry: healthcare, engineering, construction, infrastructure, technology, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, and other sectors can all contain relevant vacancies.
However, successful applicants need to understand the difference between an accredited employer and an actual sponsored job. A company may be accredited, but the specific position still needs to meet the applicable immigration requirements and, for an AEWV, generally have an approved job check.
The best strategy is to start with Immigration New Zealand’s official accredited employer list, identify companies that match your profession, visit their official careers pages, and apply only for vacancies that fit your qualifications and experience.