New Zealand

Residence Pathway for Chefs

New Zealand removed the blanket median wage requirement from its Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2025, widening access for hospitality. Chefs sit on the Green List - opening a residence pathway after just 24 months.

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New Zealand - Country Snapshot

Oceania

Capital	Wellington
Continent	Oceania
Currency	NZ Dollar (NZD)
Population	~5.3 Million
Top Hospitality Regions	Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, Christchurch
Income Tax	Standard local tax applies

Why New Zealand

Why Work in New Zealand?

Chef is a Green List Tier 2 occupation - residence pathway after 24 months on an AEWV

Median wage requirement removed from the general AEWV - employers now pay market rate

Adult minimum wage of NZD 23.95/hour applies equally to migrant workers by law

Tourism-driven economy: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland and the South Island resorts

Safe, English-speaking, with an outstanding work-life balance

Step-by-Step Process

How It Works

Free Counselling & Skill Level Assessment

Document Preparation & English Test (if required)

Matching with an INZ-Accredited Employer

Employer Job Check Approval

AEWV Application to Immigration New Zealand

Medical & Police Certificates

Pre-Departure Briefing & Travel to New Zealand

Our Programs

Programs Available in New Zealand

Choose the right pathway for your career.

Residence Route

Up to 5 Years

Chef – Accredited Employer Work Visa

AEWV (Green List)

Earnings

NZD 30–45/hour (Rs. 3.01–4.52 Lakh/month gross)

Roles

Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Head Chef

Eligibility

Job Offer from INZ-Accredited Employer | Relevant Qualification & Experience

Program Fee

Apply for This Program

Wide Access

Up to 3 Years

Hotel & Restaurant Staff – AEWV

AEWV (Market Rate)

Earnings

NZD 23.95–30/hour (Rs. 2.41–3.01 Lakh/month gross)