Top Occupations for AEWV Visa Sponsorship in New Zealand (2026)
176,664 AEWV Visa Grants — Top Occupations by Volume
Since the AEWV programme launched in July 2022, Immigration New Zealand has approved 176,664 work visa applications across hundreds of occupations. The data reveals clear patterns: construction trades, hospitality, healthcare, and primary industry dominate demand. With 24823 accredited employers, understanding which roles receive the most grants helps job seekers target their search effectively. All data is sourced from official Immigration NZ reports, tracked on our NZ visa sponsorship data page.
Top Occupation Groups
1. Construction Trades
Construction dominates NZ visa sponsorship, driven by housing shortages and major infrastructure projects:
- Builder's Labourer — 11,681 grants (the single most sponsored occupation)
- Carpenter — 8,159 grants
- Painting Trades Worker — 2,725 grants
Construction workers typically earn NZD 28-45/hour depending on experience and role. Many construction employers are actively seeking workers — browse construction employers in NZ. The sector has received over 57,000 AEWV grants in total, making it the largest single sector for visa sponsorship.
2. Hospitality and Food Services
New Zealand's tourism and hospitality sector is a major employer of AEWV workers:
- Chef — 6,292 grants
- Cook — 5,320 grants
- Fast Food Cook — 2,423 grants
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager — 2,416 grants
Chefs and experienced cooks are in high demand across the country. Managers in hospitality can earn NZD 55,000-80,000/year. Explore hospitality employers.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance
Healthcare roles are critical in New Zealand's ageing population:
- Personal Care Assistant — 5,612 grants
- Aged or Disabled Carer — 3,210 grants
Care roles are among the most consistently in-demand occupations. Registered Nurses and midwives qualify for the Green List, providing a direct path to residence. Browse healthcare employers.
4. Transport and Logistics
- Truck Driver (General) — 4,715 grants
NZ has a chronic shortage of truck drivers. Pay ranges from NZD 25-35/hour, with long-haul drivers earning more. A NZ heavy vehicle licence is required — some employers assist with conversion of overseas licences. See transport employers.
5. Agriculture and Primary Industry
- Dairy Cattle Farm Worker — 3,597 grants
- Meat Process Worker — 2,427 grants
Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the NZ economy. Farm workers are needed across the country, especially in Waikato, Canterbury, and Southland. Browse agriculture employers.
6. Retail and Management
- Retail Supervisor — 3,280 grants
- Retail Manager (General) — 2,384 grants
Retail management roles require experience and often NZ-relevant customer service knowledge. Browse retail employers.
7. Education
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher — 2,165 grants
ECE teachers are in high demand and qualify for the Green List, providing a residence pathway. A recognised teaching qualification is required, and registration with the Teaching Council of New Zealand is mandatory. Browse education employers.
Green List Occupations — Pathway to Residence
Some occupations qualify for the NZ Green List, offering a faster route to permanent residence:
| Occupation | Residency Pathway | ANZSCO Level |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Direct to residence | 1 |
| Software Engineer | Direct to residence | 1 |
| Civil Engineer | Direct to residence | 1 |
| Electrician | Work to residence (2 years) | 3 |
| Carpenter | Work to residence (2 years) | 3 |
| Chef | Work to residence (2 years) | 3 |
| Early Childhood Teacher | Direct to residence | 1 |
| Construction Project Manager | Direct to residence | 1 |
Green List occupations are reviewed periodically by Immigration NZ. Check the official list for the most current version.
AEWV by Sector — Total Grants
| Sector (INZ Classification) | Approved Grants | Browse Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 57,161 | View employers |
| Hospitality | 30,834 | View employers |
| Health | 21,252 | View employers |
| Primary Industry | 17,082 | View employers |
| Transportation | 15,261 | View employers |
| Retail | 14,664 | View employers |
| Education | 4,216 | View employers |
| ICT | 4,205 | View employers |
| Tourism | 1,012 | View employers |
Tips for Job Seekers
- Target accredited employers — only accredited employers can sponsor AEWV workers. Search 24823 NZ accredited employers on ApplyWave
- Check Green List eligibility — if your occupation is on the Green List, you have a clearer path to residence
- Prepare skills evidence — gather qualifications, references, and work history before applying
- Meet the median wage — ensure your salary offer is at least NZD 31.61/hour
- Consider regional demand — some regions have stronger demand for specific occupations. Auckland, Canterbury, and Waikato have the most employers
- Tailor your resume — use our AI resume builder to match your experience to NZ employer expectations
Related Guides
- Complete guide to the AEWV visa — requirements, process, and costs
- Which NZ industries hire the most foreign workers?
- Full list of accredited employers — search by industry
- NZ vs Australia: which country sponsors more?
- Compare all 6 countries for visa sponsorship
Take your job search to the next level
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