New Zealand welders are in a stronger position than many trades because welding roles joined the Green List residence pathway, but the work visa itself still runs through an accredited employer. This guide explains the AEWV, the experience rule, and the wage rules as they currently stand.
The AEWV — Accredited Employer, Job Check, Full-Time Offer
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requires a full-time job offer of at least 30 hours per week from an accredited employer, plus an approved Job Check from that employer. Both conditions come from Immigration New Zealand. An offer from a non-accredited employer does not qualify for this visa.
Experience, Qualification and English
Immigration New Zealand requires 2 years of relevant experience or a NZQCF level 4 or higher qualification. English is required for skill level 3–5 jobs, and health and character requirements also apply. These are visa conditions, not employer preferences, so they should be checked before any application.
Green List — The Residence Pathway
On 18 August 2025, Welder, Pressure Welder, Metal Fabricator and related roles were added to the Green List “Work to Residence” pathway. After 2 years in a Green List role, residence eligibility may be possible, subject to skill, wage and English conditions. This is a pathway after qualifying work in New Zealand, not residence on arrival.
Salary — Floor and Market Rate, Not a Conflicting Median
Since 10 March 2025 there is no fixed median-wage rule on the AEWV; pay must meet the market rate and at least the minimum wage, which is NZD $23.95 per hour for adults from 1 April 2026. Published guides quote NZD $28–$38 per hour for welders, but published median-wage figures conflict (NZD $29.66, $33.56 and $35.00 all appear), so no single median threshold is claimed here. The safe statement is the floor plus market rate.
For welders, New Zealand offers a clear AEWV route plus a Green List residence pathway after 2 years, but both depend on an accredited employer, a genuine Job Check, and pay at the market rate. Verify accreditation and the Job Check before relying on any offer, and do not treat a quoted median wage as a visa threshold.
What visa do welders normally use for New Zealand?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), requiring a full-time offer of at least 30 hours per week from an accredited employer plus an approved Job Check.
What experience or qualification is required?
Two years of relevant experience or a NZQCF level 4 or higher qualification, plus English for skill level 3–5 jobs and health and character requirements.
Can welding lead to residence in New Zealand?
Yes, potentially: welding roles joined the Green List “Work to Residence” pathway on 18 August 2025, with residence eligibility possible after 2 years in a Green List role, subject to skill, wage and English conditions.
Is there a fixed median wage I must be paid?
No. Since 10 March 2025 there is no fixed median-wage rule on the AEWV; pay must meet the market rate and at least the adult minimum wage of NZD $23.95 per hour.
