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New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa from Dubai, UAE

Employer-sponsored work with straight-to-residence and work-to-residence Green List routes.

Check My EligibilitySee the process
Processing time
Employer accreditation and job checks first, then several weeks to months for the visa
Indicative cost
Indicatively NZD 750 or more in AEWV fees and levy per applicant; verify current figures before applying
Family
Spouse & children included
Apply from
Dubai / UAE

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Green List

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Green List is one of the routes UAE residents use to reach New Zealand. This page sets out who the route is for, the eligibility criteria, the documents you will need, indicative costs and timelines, and the step-by-step process, so you can decide whether it fits your situation before you commit.

Employer-sponsored work with straight-to-residence and work-to-residence Green List routes. If you are applying from Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, The Migration Station can assess your profile honestly and prepare a complete, well-evidenced application.

Who the New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa is for

Qualified professionals whose occupation is in demand in New Zealand

Graduates and mid-career specialists with relevant experience

Applicants who can evidence their skills through an assessment

New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa: eligibility requirements

  • A job offer from an employer holding Immigration New Zealand accreditation
  • A role that passes the job check and meets the applicable wage threshold
  • For Green List roles, the qualifications or experience set out for that occupation
  • An occupation that appears on New Zealand's in-demand or skilled occupation list
  • A recognised qualification and, typically, relevant work experience
  • A positive skills or credential assessment where applicable
  • Language proficiency meeting the programme threshold

Documents usually needed

Valid passport and recent passport photographs
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies
Completed application forms for the chosen route
Educational certificates with credential assessment where required
Employment reference letters, contracts and payslips
Language test results (e.g. IELTS, PTE, CELPIP or English)
Police clearance certificates from relevant countries
Proof of settlement funds and bank statements

Exact requirements depend on your route and are confirmed at your assessment.

Benefits of the New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa

Key advantage

Green List Tier 1 roles offer a straight-to-residence pathway

Key advantage

Green List Tier 2 roles offer residence after a period of work in New Zealand

Built on your skills

Your qualifications and experience are the asset, with no large investment required for most routes.

Route to settlement

Skilled routes in New Zealand typically lead to permanent residency and citizenship over time.

Family included

Bring your spouse and dependent children, with rights to live, work and study in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa process, step by step

  1. 1

    Free eligibility assessment

    We evaluate your profile against every New Zealand skilled migration route and confirm the strongest, most realistic pathway for you.

  2. 2

    Strategy & document checklist

    Your case manager maps out the route, timeline and exact documents you need, tailored to your situation.

  3. 3

    Preparation & evidence

    We help you gather, organise and verify your evidence so your file is complete, consistent and compliant.

  4. 4

    Application & submission

    We complete and lodge your application, then track its progress and respond to any requests from the authorities.

  5. 5

    Decision & relocation

    On approval we support your biometrics, landing and first steps settling into New Zealand.

New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa: frequently asked questions

The Green List is Immigration New Zealand's list of in-demand occupations, split into two tiers. Tier 1 roles can lead straight to residence, while Tier 2 roles lead to residence after working in New Zealand for a set period. Being on the list is the fastest way to combine work and residency.

Other New Zealand visa routes

New Zealand Permanent ResidencyNew Zealand Student VisaNew Zealand Visit & Tourist VisaNew Zealand Business & Investor VisaSkilled Worker Visa in other countries →
Free tools

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Cost & Timeline Estimator

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Start your New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa with confidence

Honest assessment, careful preparation and professional support from our Dubai based team.

Free AssessmentWhatsApp +971 4 298 2899