Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Straight to Residence faster to get?

The Straight to Residence (STR) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 2–4 months for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the AEWV or the STR?

The Straight to Residence (STR) costs more, about $4,300 in official fees, versus $900 for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Straight to Residence?

The AEWV leads to permanent residency in roughly 3 years, while the STR offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do the AEWV and STR need a job offer?

Yes. Both the AEWV and the STR require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.

Accredited Employer Work Visa vs Straight to Residence

New Zealand · AEWVvs New Zealand · STR

Quick answerUpdated 2026-06-10

The STR is the faster route (1–3 months), the AEWV is cheaper on official fees ($900), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

Both routes are employer-sponsored, but the difference is whether your occupation sits on New Zealand's Green List. Straight to Residence (STR) grants permanent residency immediately on arrival for Green List roles, with no temporary stage and processing in 1-3 months. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) covers any role at an accredited employer, costs far less (NZD ~$1,540 vs ~$6,450 for STR), but is temporary and only converts to residence after about 3 years. The decision is almost entirely about your job title.

Further reading: AEWV and work-to-residence guide

Section 01

At a glance

AEWV

STR

Processing time

2–4 months

1–3 months

Application fee

$900

$4,300

Initial validity

5 yrs

Path to PR

Yes, ~3 yrs

Yes

Points-based

Employer sponsor

Required

Minimum salary

—

$48,000/yr

Language test

Not required

Required

Verified

2026-06-10

2026-05-11

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Is your occupation on the Green List?
Pick AEWV
No, AEWV covers any accredited-employer job
Pick STR
Yes, a Green List role unlocks STR
02
Residence timing
Pick AEWV
Temporary first, residence after ~3 years
Pick STR
Permanent residence on arrival
03
Requirements
Pick AEWV
Job offer at market rate, no fixed salary floor or language test
Pick STR
Job offer, 2 years' experience, ~USD 48k salary, English test

Section 03

Common questions

Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Straight to Residence faster to get?: The Straight to Residence (STR) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 2–4 months for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
Which costs more, the AEWV or the STR?: The Straight to Residence (STR) costs more, about $4,300 in official fees, versus $900 for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
Can I get permanent residency with the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Straight to Residence?: The AEWV leads to permanent residency in roughly 3 years, while the STR offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Do the AEWV and STR need a job offer?: Yes. Both the AEWV and the STR require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.

Section 04

Read the full pathway