New Zealand AEWV Skill Levels 1–5, IELTS, Salary & PR 2026
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of the main pathways for overseas workers who have a genuine job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
For applicants from Pakistan, one of the biggest areas of confusion is the skill level of the job. People commonly search for terms such as AEWV Level 1 jobs, Level 2 jobs without IELTS, Level 3 IELTS requirement, AEWV salary threshold, New Zealand jobs for Pakistanis, spouse visa, and AEWV to PR pathway.
This guide brings those questions together and explains the New Zealand AEWV Skill Levels 1 to 5, IELTS requirements, salary rules, job offers, family visas, length of stay and pathways to residence in 2026..
Important: New Zealand immigration rules can change. The information below reflects the rules available at the time of publication and should be checked against Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before submitting an application.
What Is the New Zealand AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows an eligible migrant to work in New Zealand for an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
A standard AEWV application generally requires a genuine full-time job offer from an accredited employer. The job normally needs to provide at least 30 hours of work per week, and the employer and position must meet the relevant accreditation and job-check requirements. (Immigration New Zealand)
The applicant must also meet relevant requirements relating to skills, qualifications or experience, health, character and English where applicable.
What Are New Zealand AEWV Skill Levels 1 to 5?
New Zealand uses occupational classification systems to group jobs according to their skill requirements.
Both ANZSCO and the newer National Occupation List (NOL) use skill levels from 1 to 5:
| Skill Level | General description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Most skilled |
| Level 2 | Highly skilled |
| Level 3 | Skilled |
| Level 4 | Lower-skilled |
| Level 5 | Less-skilled |
The classification describes the skill level normally associated with an occupation. It does not mean that a particular applicant personally has a specific skill level. (Immigration New Zealand)
Level 1 Jobs
Level 1 generally includes highly skilled professional and technical occupations.
Depending on the classification and occupation, examples may include:
- Software Engineers
- Accountants
- Registered Nurses
- Engineers
- Other professional occupations
The exact classification must be checked against the official occupation and duties rather than the job title alone.
Level 2 Jobs
Level 2 generally includes highly skilled vocational and technical occupations.
Examples can include certain:
- Electricians
- Automotive Technicians
- Skilled trades
- Technical specialists
- Supervisory roles
Level 3 Jobs
Level 3 covers skilled occupations that may require recognised qualifications, vocational training or relevant experience.
Examples may include certain:
- Chefs
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Technicians
- Skilled trade occupations
A major 2026 update is that AEWV English requirements were extended to Skill Level 3 occupations from 1 June 2026.
Level 4 Jobs
Level 4 generally represents lower-skilled occupations compared with Levels 1–3.
Some roles in hospitality, support services, labour-intensive work and other service industries may fall within this category.
Level 5 Jobs
Level 5 generally covers occupations with lower formal skill requirements.
Some basic service, operational and labour occupations can fall into this category.
However, being Level 4 or Level 5 does not automatically mean an AEWV will be approved. The employer, occupation, job offer and applicant must still satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
Which AEWV Levels Require IELTS?
This is one of the most frequently searched AEWV questions.
As of 2026:
| AEWV Skill Level | AEWV English requirement |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | No English requirement under the AEWV skill-level rule |
| Level 2 | No English requirement under the AEWV skill-level rule |
| Level 3 | English requirement applies |
| Level 4 | English requirement applies |
| Level 5 | English requirement applies |
From 1 June 2026, applicants applying for AEWV jobs classified at ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 3 also need to demonstrate that they can speak and understand English.
Is IELTS Required for Level 1 or Level 2 Jobs?
Generally, no.
Applicants applying for AEWV jobs classified at Skill Level 1 or 2 do not have to demonstrate English under this particular AEWV requirement.
However, this does not mean that IELTS is never relevant.
A profession may have its own professional-registration English requirement. For example, a nurse may need to satisfy the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s English requirements even though the AEWV itself does not require English evidence for a Level 1 or 2 occupation.
Is IELTS Required for Level 3 Jobs in 2026?
Yes, generally.
From 1 June 2026, AEWV applicants in ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 3 occupations must meet the English-language requirement, subject to applicable exemptions.
Therefore, applicants relying on information published before June 2026 should check whether that information is now outdated.
What IELTS Score Is Required for AEWV?
Where IELTS is used to satisfy the AEWV English requirement, the current minimum is:
IELTS overall: 4.0 or higher.
Other accepted English tests include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge B2 First and OET.
The IELTS requirement for the AEWV should not be confused with the English score required for professional registration or a residence visa. Those requirements can be different.
What Is the AEWV Salary Threshold in 2026?
This is another major search query:
“AEWV salary threshold kitna hota hai?”
There is currently no single universal AEWV salary threshold that every job must meet.
Immigration New Zealand states that AEWV jobs must be paid at least the market rate for the job and also comply with New Zealand employment-law requirements, including the applicable minimum wage.
The current adult minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD $23.95 per hour, effective from 1 April 2026.
So applicants should not assume that every AEWV job must pay a fixed immigration salary such as NZD $29.66 or NZD $35 per hour.
The correct salary depends on the occupation and applicable immigration rules.
Does the $35-per-hour Figure Still Matter?
Yes, but it should not be described as the general AEWV salary threshold.
The NZD $35 per hour figure is relevant to certain skilled residence and family-visa rules, rather than being a universal AEWV wage floor.
For example, under the Skilled Migrant Category, the skilled-employment wage threshold for ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupations is currently NZD $35 per hour, while certain Level 4–5 or unlisted occupations require NZD $52.50 per hour under the current SMC rules.
This distinction is extremely important when writing about AEWV salaries.
How Much Salary Do I Need for New Zealand Residence?
The answer depends on the residence pathway.
For the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), current rules use wage thresholds linked to the occupation’s ANZSCO classification.
The current thresholds are:
- ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3: NZD $35.00/hour
- ANZSCO Skill Level 4–5 or occupations not included in ANZSCO: NZD $52.50/hour
These are residence-related thresholds, not a universal AEWV salary threshold.
Green List roles can have their own qualification, registration and pay requirements, so applicants should check the exact occupation.
Can I Apply for an AEWV From Pakistan?
Yes.
Applicants who are physically in Pakistan can apply for an AEWV when they meet the visa requirements.
The key issue is not the applicant’s Pakistani nationality by itself. The applicant needs an eligible job offer and must satisfy the applicable employer, occupation, skill, English, qualification/experience, health and character requirements.
Applicants should be especially careful with job offers advertised through social media or private agents. A job advertisement is not proof that an employer is accredited or that the job qualifies for an AEWV.
How Do I Find an Accredited New Zealand Employer?
The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand for the AEWV process.
Applicants should verify the employer and position before paying recruitment or consultancy fees.
A legitimate process should allow the applicant to understand:
- Who the employer is
- Whether the employer is accredited
- What the exact occupation is
- What duties the applicant will perform
- How much the job pays
- How many hours are guaranteed
- Whether a job check has been completed or is required
- What qualifications or experience are required
A genuine AEWV job should never be presented as a guaranteed visa.
Do I Need a Degree or Work Experience for AEWV?
Not every AEWV applicant needs a bachelor’s degree.
The requirements depend on the occupation and job.
Depending on the role, an applicant may qualify through:
- Relevant qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Occupational registration
- A combination of qualification and experience
For regulated professions, registration can be mandatory.
This is why applicants should evaluate their actual occupation and job duties, rather than simply choosing a job because its title appears to be “high level.”
How Long Can I Stay in New Zealand on an AEWV?
The maximum continuous stay depends on the occupation and applicable classification.
Generally, a regular AEWV can provide up to 5 years of continuous stay for eligible ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 roles and certain other qualifying categories.
For many ANZSCO Skill Level 4–5 jobs, the maximum continuous stay can be 3 years, unless the role qualifies for one of the exceptions specified by Immigration New Zealand.
Once the maximum continuous stay is reached, a worker generally needs to leave New Zealand for 12 months before being eligible for another regular AEWV, subject to the relevant rules.
Can My Spouse Accompany Me on an AEWV?
Potentially, yes — but it depends on the job, skill level and income of the AEWV holder.
For example, under current rules, an AEWV worker in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 occupation who earns at least NZD $28.00 per hour can generally support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
Different rules apply to Level 4–5 occupations and other categories.
A worker earning at least NZD $52.50 per hour can support a broader range of partner and dependent-child visa options under the applicable rules.
Therefore, the question is not simply “Can every AEWV holder bring their spouse?” The answer depends on the individual employment situation.
Can My Children Study in New Zealand?
Eligible AEWV holders may be able to support visas for dependent children.
For relevant AEWV workers, a current income threshold of NZD $58,240 per year applies for certain dependent-child visa options.
The exact family benefits depend on the worker’s occupation, salary and the specific immigration category.
Can an AEWV Lead to Permanent Residence?
An AEWV is not itself a permanent-residence visa.
However, employment under an AEWV can potentially provide a pathway toward New Zealand residence if the applicant meets the requirements of an available residence category.
Current skilled-residence pathways include:
- Straight to Residence
- Work to Residence
- Skilled Migrant Category
- Care Workforce Work to Residence
- Transport Work to Residence, where applicable
Immigration New Zealand explains that the appropriate pathway depends on the applicant’s job, Green List status, qualification, registration, salary and New Zealand work experience.
Can I Apply for New Zealand Residence From Pakistan?
For some residence pathways, yes.
This is an important distinction.
You do not always have to enter New Zealand first and then apply for residence.
For example, Immigration New Zealand explicitly states that people who qualify for Straight to Residence can either come to New Zealand on a work visa and then apply, or apply for residence from outside New Zealand.
Therefore, a person living in Pakistan may be able to lodge a residence application from Pakistan when they already meet the requirements of the relevant residence category.
However, simply holding an AEWV job offer does not automatically make someone eligible for residence.
How Long After AEWV Can I Apply for PR?
There is no single “AEWV ke 2 years baad PR” rule.
The timeline depends on the residence pathway.
Straight to Residence
If you have an eligible Green List Tier 1 job and meet its requirements, you may be able to apply for the Straight to Residence Visa immediately. You do not necessarily have to spend two years on an AEWV first.
Work to Residence
For an eligible Green List Tier 2 role, the usual requirement is 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work experience before applying for the Work to Residence Visa.
Care Workforce and Transport Pathways
Some eligible care and transport occupations have residence pathways that require approximately 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work experience, subject to the exact rules of the pathway.
Skilled Migrant Category
The Skilled Migrant Category has its own eligibility and skilled-employment rules. It is not simply a fixed “work two years and receive PR” system. The applicant must meet the points and other requirements applicable at the time of application.
What Is the Difference Between Residence and Permanent Residence in New Zealand?
This distinction is important for Pakistani applicants.
People often use the term “PR” to describe any long-term New Zealand residence status. Technically, however, a Resident Visa and a Permanent Resident Visa are different.
For example, after obtaining an eligible resident visa, a person can generally apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after holding the resident visa continuously for at least 2 years, provided they meet the other requirements, including the commitment-to-New-Zealand requirements.
For some residence pathways, the sequence may therefore look like:
AEWV → Resident Visa → Permanent Resident Visa
But this is not a universal sequence because some applicants may qualify for residence directly from outside New Zealand or through a different category.
Is New Zealand PR Possible Directly From Pakistan?
It can be possible to apply for residence from Pakistan where the chosen residence category permits an offshore application and the applicant already meets its requirements.
For example, Straight to Residence specifically allows qualifying applicants to apply from outside New Zealand.
However, obtaining permanent residence is a separate step. A Permanent Resident Visa generally requires at least 2 years holding a resident visa continuously, along with the other PR requirements.
ANZSCO vs NOL: Which One Is Used for AEWV?
New Zealand is transitioning from ANZSCO to the National Occupation List (NOL).
The NOL also has skill levels 1 to 5.
As of 2026, some NOL occupations are already recognised for AEWV purposes, while ANZSCO remains relevant for other visa applications. Immigration New Zealand added 47 additional NOL occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 in March 2026.
This means applicants should check the current classification applicable to their particular AEWV application rather than relying on old lists found online.
Common AEWV Questions From Pakistani Applicants
Can I get an AEWV without IELTS?
Yes, potentially, particularly for Level 1 and Level 2 occupations because there is no AEWV English requirement for those levels. Level 3–5 applicants generally need to demonstrate English, subject to exemptions.
Is IELTS 4 enough for AEWV?
Where IELTS is being used for the AEWV English requirement, the current minimum is 4.0 overall.
Is IELTS 6.5 required for every New Zealand work visa?
No. The English requirement depends on the specific visa and occupation. Professional registration and residence applications can have higher standards.
What is the AEWV minimum salary?
There is no single universal AEWV salary threshold. The job must generally meet the market rate and applicable New Zealand wage laws. The adult minimum wage is currently NZD $23.95/hour from 1 April 2026.
Does earning NZD $35 per hour guarantee PR?
No.
NZD $35 per hour is relevant to certain Skilled Migrant Category skilled-employment requirements, but salary alone does not guarantee residence. Other requirements must also be met.
Can I bring my wife on an AEWV?
Possibly. Family eligibility depends on your occupation, skill level, income and applicable rules.
Can my children go to New Zealand with me?
Eligible children may qualify for dependent-child visas if the applicable income and employment requirements are met.
Can I apply for residence after working in New Zealand for two years?
Sometimes, but not always.
Two years of qualifying work experience is important for certain Work to Residence, Care Workforce and Transport pathways. Other pathways, such as Straight to Residence and SMC, have different requirements.
Can I apply for residence while still living in Pakistan?
For qualifying residence categories that permit offshore applications, yes. Straight to Residence is an example where INZ expressly permits applications from outside New Zealand.
Does AEWV automatically become PR after five years?
No.
The AEWV is a temporary work visa. Reaching the maximum AEWV stay does not automatically grant residence or permanent residence.
How to Find a Genuine New Zealand AEWV Job
Applicants should research jobs based on the actual occupation, employer and job conditions.
Before making payments, check:
Employer → Accreditation → Occupation → Skill Level → Job Check → Salary → Hours → Qualifications/Experience → English → Visa Eligibility
This approach is much safer than choosing a job based solely on an advertisement promising a “guaranteed New Zealand visa.”
Applicants should also be cautious about anyone claiming that paying a large amount of money guarantees an employer, job or visa approval.
Final Conclusion
Understanding New Zealand AEWV Skill Levels 1 to 5 is essential before applying for a work visa.
For 2026, one of the biggest changes is that the AEWV English requirement now applies to Skill Level 3 occupations as well as Levels 4 and 5. Level 1 and Level 2 AEWV occupations do not have an English requirement under the AEWV skill-level rule.
The AEWV does not have one universal salary threshold. Jobs must meet the applicable market-rate and employment-law requirements, while different salary thresholds can apply to residence and family-visa rules.
For Pakistani applicants, an AEWV can potentially be applied for from Pakistan when the applicant has a genuine eligible job offer and satisfies the relevant requirements.
An AEWV may also provide a pathway toward New Zealand residence, but the time required depends on the residence category. Some applicants may qualify for Straight to Residence without first spending two years on an AEWV, while Work to Residence and certain sector pathways commonly require qualifying New Zealand work experience.
Finally, “PR after AEWV” should not be understood as an automatic process. Residence and Permanent Residence are separate immigration stages, and a Permanent Resident Visa generally becomes available only after the required period of holding a resident visa and satisfying the additional PR requirements.
For the latest New Zealand immigration updates, AEWV information, study-abroad news and international career guidance, follow ConnectSaqib and always verify important visa requirements with official Immigration New Zealand sources before making financial or immigration decisions.
