New Zealand remains one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals seeking high-paying overseas roles. With the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway, international workers can secure legally sponsored employment with government-approved companies offering salaries that exceed NZD $600,000+ annually in certain specialized industries.
What Is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV is a work visa that allows skilled foreign workers to work for accredited New Zealand employers who are approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). These employers can legally sponsor international talent based on genuine labour shortages.
Key Benefits of the AEWV
-
Employer-sponsored visa
-
Pathway to Residency (Green List roles)
-
Renewable and long-term
-
Family sponsorship eligibility
-
High earning potential in select industries
Are $600K+ Jobs Real in New Zealand?
Yes. While most AEWV roles pay between NZD $60,000–$200,000, a small group of elite, high-demand industries regularly offer NZD $300K–$600K+ salaries.
Industries With $600K+ Salaries
-
Medical Specialists
-
Surgeons
-
Anaesthetists
-
Psychiatrists
-
Cardiology & orthopaedic specialists
-
-
Senior Tech & AI Roles
-
Chief Technology Officers (CTO)
-
AI Scientists
-
Cybersecurity Directors
-
Senior Cloud Architects
-
-
Engineering & Infrastructure Executives
-
Project Directors
-
Senior Civil Engineers
-
Energy & Oil specialists
-
-
Finance & Executive Corporate Roles
-
CFOs
-
Senior Investment Managers
-
Risk Executives
-
-
Aviation & Maritime Captains
-
Senior airline pilots
-
Marine captains
-
These roles often fall under New Zealand’s highest shortage categories, making them eligible for immediate visa sponsorship.
Why New Zealand Pays $600K+ for Certain Positions
New Zealand faces:
-
Critical shortages in healthcare
-
Rapid digital transformation
-
Infrastructure expansion
-
Demand for global executive-level talent
To attract world-class professionals, accredited employers offer significant salary incentives and priority visa processing.
Eligibility Requirements for AEWV Sponsorship
To qualify for high-paying sponsored roles, applicants must meet:
1. Skills & Qualifications
-
Relevant degree or professional certifications
-
Proven years of experience (5–10+ years for senior roles)
2. A Job Offer From an Accredited Employer
The employer must be on the Accredited Employer List.
3. Health & Character Requirements
Standard New Zealand immigration checks.
4. Salary Threshold
For visas, jobs must meet:
-
Median wage requirements (updated regularly)
-
Higher salary bands for specialized roles
How Much Can You Earn Under AEWV?
| Category | Typical Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-Level Skilled Worker | $70K–$120K |
| Senior Specialist | $150K–$300K |
| High-Demand Medical/Tech | $300K–$600K |
| Executive Leadership | $600K+ |
Foreign experts with rare skills receive the highest compensation packages.
High-Paying Roles Eligible for Visa Sponsorship
✔ Medical & Healthcare
-
Orthopaedic surgeon
-
Cardiothoracic surgeon
-
Emergency medicine specialist
-
Anaesthetist
✔ IT & Cloud Technology
-
Senior DevOps Architect
-
AI/ML Lead Engineer
-
Cybersecurity Principal Consultant
-
CTO
✔ Engineering & Construction
-
Infrastructure Program Director
-
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
-
Energy Sector Specialist
✔ Financial Services
-
Chief Financial Officer
-
Senior Risk Manager
-
Investment Portfolio Director
Top New Zealand Accredited Employers Hiring Foreigners
Healthcare
-
Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ)
-
MercyAscot
-
Southern Cross Healthcare
Technology
-
Datacom
-
Xero
-
Spark NZ
Engineering & Construction
-
Fletcher Building
-
Beca
-
Downer NZ
Finance
-
ANZ
-
Westpac
-
Kiwibank
These employers are frequently recruiting skilled global talent and offering sponsorship.
Where to Find $600K+ AEWV Sponsored Jobs
1. Jobs.govt.nz
Official government job listings.
2. Seek.co.nz
Most updated employer listings with sponsorship filters.
3. Immigration NZ Accredited Employer List
Shows all approved companies.
4. LinkedIn Jobs
Best for executive-level and tech roles.
5. Kiwi Health Jobs
Dedicated platform for healthcare recruitment.
How to Apply for the AEWV (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find an accredited employer job
Use Seek or LinkedIn.
Step 2: Receive a Job Offer
Must meet salary and skill requirements.
Step 3: Employer Applies for a Job Check
Ensures the role meets immigration standards.
Step 4: Submit Your AEWV Application
Upload documents:
-
Passport
-
Qualifications
-
Work experience proof
-
Health & character records
Step 5: Receive Visa Approval
Processing time is typically 20–50 working days.
New Zealand is actively recruiting international professionals for highly paid positions through the Accredited Employer Work Visa program. With salaries reaching NZD $600K+, foreigners with specialized expertise—especially in medicine, tech, finance, and engineering—have major opportunities to relocate, earn exceptional income, and build a long-term future in one of the world’s safest and most beautiful countries.
