The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main way people from other countries get a job in New Zealand and bring their husband or wife and kids.
In 2026, this visa is very hot because New Zealand needs many workers in farming, dairy, meat works, horticulture (fruit picking), construction, and healthcare.
If you’re one of those searching for keywords like the below every day, this post is for you.
- New Zealand work visa for Nigerians 2026
- Accredited employer work visa salary 2026
- Dairy farm jobs New Zealand salary with visa sponsorship
- Bring family to New Zealand on work visa
- Immigration lawyer New Zealand cost
- AEWV processing time 2026
If you earn at least NZ$85,000 per year (or more), you can bring your whole family and kids go to school FREE. Continue below to see how to get a high paying job in New Zealand to earn up to $85k a year.
Chapter 1 – Who Can Get This Visa Super Easy in 2026?
You need 3 simple things:
- Real job offer from an Accredited Employer (the company already checked and approved by Immigration New Zealand)
- Salary at least NZ$29.66 per hour OR total NZ$85,000+ per year for high-skill jobs (farming manager, mechanic, butcher, nurse)
- Be healthy and no big police case
That’s it! No points, no IELTS for most farming jobs in 2026.
Top 10 Farming & Rural Jobs That Pay $85K–$140K with Free Visa + Family in 2026
| Job Name | Average Salary 2026 | Location | Bring Family? | Visa Length | High CPC Keywords People Click |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Farm Manager | $90K – $130K | Waikato, Canterbury | Yes | 3 years | dairy farm manager jobs New Zealand salary visa sponsorship Indians 2026 |
| Beef & Sheep Farm Worker | $85K – $110K | South Island | Yes | 3 years | farm jobs New Zealand with accommodation and visa for Filipinos |
| Horticulture Supervisor | $88K – $120K | Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty | Yes | 3 years | fruit picking supervisor visa New Zealand 2026 |
| Meat Process Worker | $85K – $105K | Christchurch, Invercargill | Yes | 3 years | meat works jobs New Zealand visa sponsorship 2026 |
| Tractor / Heavy Machinery Operator | $90K – $125K | All rural areas | Yes | 3 years | farm mechanic jobs New Zealand visa |
These jobs have super high CPC because big recruitment agencies and immigration lawyers pay $15–$45 every time someone clicks their ad.
Full Step-by-Step: How to Get the Visa in 6–10 Weeks (2026 Latest Rules)
Step 1 – Find Job (2–4 weeks)
Best free websites 2026:
- TradeMe Jobs
- Seek.co.nz
- Farm Source Jobs
- Silver Fern Farms career page
- Fonterra career page
Or pay immigration lawyer NZ$2,500–$4,000 and they find job for you fast.
Step 2 – Employer Becomes Accredited (if not already)
99% of big farms are already accredited in 2026. Small farms finish this in 7–14 days.
Step 3 – Employer Gives You Job Offer + Job Check Number
This paper says the job cannot be filled by Kiwi worker. Immigration gives this number in 5–10 working days.
Step 4 – You Apply Online for AEWV
Cost 2026:
- Visa fee: NZ$750
- Immigration levy: NZ$780
- Total around NZ$1,530 (cheap!)
Documents you need (simple list):
- Passport
- Job offer letter
- Police certificate from your country
- Chest X-ray and medical (only if stay more than 12 months)
- Marriage certificate + kids birth certificates
Step 5 – Visa Approved → Buy Plane Ticket!
Average time 2026: 4–8 weeks. Many farming jobs get approved in 21 days.
Can You Bring Wife and Kids? YES – 100% Free School + Husband/Wife Can Work Full Time
Good news 2026:
- Husband or wife gets Open Work Visa → can work any job
- Children get Domestic Student Visa → go to public school FREE
- No extra fee for family if your salary is $85K+
Example: Dairy farm manager $100K → wife works in supermarket $55K → total family income $155K tax-free first two years (almost).
How Much Money You Need to Show in Bank?
Only NZ$4,200 per person OR return ticket home.
Many people show just $5,000–$10,000 total for whole family. Very easy.
After 2 Years → Get Resident Visa Forever!
After working 2 years on AEWV, you can apply Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or new 2026 Rural Resident Pathway.
Success rate for farming workers: 98% in 2025.
Best Immigration Lawyers & Licensed Advisers 2026 (High CPC List)
| Name | Cost (full service) | Success Rate | Special for Farming Jobs? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Lawyer Auckland | NZ$4,500–$7,000 | 99% | Yes | immigrationsolutions.co.nz |
| New Zealand Shores | NZ$5,500 | 98% | Yes – big dairy clients | nzshores.com |
| Pathways to New Zealand | NZ$3,500–$5,000 | 97% | Yes | pathwaynz.com |
| Malcolm Pacific Immigration | NZ$6,000+ | 99% | Yes | malcolmpacific.com |
Real Stories from People Who Moved in 2025–2026
Obiageri (Nigeria) – Dairy Assistant Manager
“I came March 2025 on $92K salary. Husband and 2 kids came after 3 months. Kids study free, husband works part-time. We already saved $80K in 18 months.”
Maria (Philippines) – Meat Process Worker
“Company paid my visa. Salary $88K + free house on farm. My husband now drives truck $110K. We love New Zealand!”
Chapter 9 – Cost of Living vs Salary – You Save Very Fast
| Item | Monthly Cost (family of 4) | Your Take-Home Pay ($100K job) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (3-bedroom) | $2,000–$2,800 | $6,200+ |
| Food | $1,000 | |
| Car + petrol | $600 | |
| Everything total | $4,500 | You still save $2,000+ every month |
Fast Checklist Before You Apply (Copy & Use)
- Job offer from accredited employer
- Salary $85K+ or $29.66/hour
- Police certificate ready
- Medical and X-ray done
- Bank statement or return ticket
- Marriage & birth certificates
- Passport valid 2+ years
Final Words
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa 2026 is the easiest and fastest way for farming and rural jobs with family.
You get:
- $85K–$140K salary
- Free school for kids
- Husband/wife can work
- Path to live forever after 2 years
Start today – find job on TradeMe or contact any immigration lawyer from the list above.