Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Overview for Nigerians ₦1,486,094
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to New Zealand. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,207,697 (~$884 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦278,398 (~$204 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦1,486,094 (~$1,088 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦1,486,094 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦1,207,697: Paid to the New Zealand immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Language test — ₦278,398: IELTS Academic or General, TOEFL, or country-equivalent test. Book your slot in Lagos or Abuja well in advance — popular centres fill 6–8 weeks ahead.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2–6 weeks (median 20 working days)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦1,486,094 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2–6 weeks (median 20 working days).
Expert tip
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The AEWV is the main work visa for New Zealand — your employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand and offer a job paying at least the median wage (NZD $35.00/hour or ~$65,750/year as of 2026). No points system needed. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. The visa is granted for up to 3 years and can lead to residence. You need a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.0 (or equivalent). Health and character checks are mandatory — get your medical exam ($300) and police certificate before applying. Sectors with the most AEWV approvals: construction, healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
Where Nigerians settle in New Zealand
Once your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is approved, most Nigerians head to Auckland or Wellington. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Auckland: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,643,722/month · Lagos–Auckland flights from ~$1,200 · Nigerian community: Small-Medium
- Wellington: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,614,706/month · Lagos–Wellington flights from ~$1,250 · Nigerian community: Very Small
- Christchurch: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,164,565/month · Lagos–Christchurch flights from ~$1,250 · Nigerian community: Very Small
Life in Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city (1.7 million people, a third of the country) and where most immigrants settle. A 1-bed apartment in the center costs NZD $1,800–2,200/month ($1,100–$1,350), dropping to NZD $1,400–1,700 in suburbs like Henderson, Manukau, or Papakura. Auckland has the strongest job market, especially in IT, construction, and healthcare. The Nigerian community is the largest in New Zealand, with churches, cultural events, and a growing professional network. Flights from Lagos are long — typically 30+ hours with 2 stops (Dubai/Singapore or Doha/Sydney). Auckland is expensive but offers the most opportunities.
1% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose New Zealand as their destination. Average Japa Score: 56/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1.5M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost for Nigerians moving to New Zealand?
- Total government fees for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are ₦1,486,094 (about $1,088). This covers the visa application fee, language test of ₦278,398, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is 2–6 weeks (median 20 working days). Apply from the New Zealand High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility. A language test result (IELTS or equivalent) is required — budget ₦278,398 and book early as test centres in Lagos and Abuja fill up fast.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to New Zealand?
- Auckland is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to New Zealand. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦1,643,722 per month. The Nigerian community in Auckland is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into New Zealand.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02