Top 5 Reasons New Zealand Work Visas Are Declined – And How to Avoid Them
New Zealand continues to attract skilled migrants, but Immigration New Zealand (INZ) applies increasingly strict scrutiny to work visa applications. Many declines are not because the applicant is ineligible in principle, but because the evidence does not properly address INZ’s legal and policy requirements.
Below are five common reasons New Zealand work visas – particularly the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and other temporary work visas – are declined, and practical steps you can take to reduce that risk.
1. The Job Offer Does Not Meet AEWV or Policy Requirements
One of the most frequent problems is that the job offer itself does not comply with immigration instructions. Typical issues include:
The employer is not accredited, or accreditation has lapsed.
The role, duties, or hours do not match the approved Job Check.
The pay rate is below the required median wage or occupation-specific threshold.
The employment agreement is incomplete, inconsistent, or non-compliant with New Zealand employment law.
How to avoid this:
Ensure your employer’s accreditation and Job Check approval are valid before you apply.
Make sure the job title, ANZSCO occupation, duties, location, hours, and pay rate in your contract precisely match the Job Check and INZ requirements.
Have the employment agreement reviewed to confirm it meets minimum employment standards.
2. Insufficient Evidence of Skills, Experience, or Qualifications
INZ must be satisfied you genuinely have the skills and experience required for the role. Applications are often declined because:
CVs and references are vague, inconsistent, or unsupported.
Claimed work experience cannot be clearly verified.
Qualifications are not comparable to New Zealand standards or are poorly documented.
How to avoid this:
Provide detailed, dated reference letters on company letterhead, clearly stating your position, duties, hours, and period of employment.
Ensure your CV matches your reference letters and visa application forms (no conflicting dates or job titles).
Include qualification certificates, transcripts, and, where appropriate, a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assessment or registration with a professional body.
3. Doubts About Genuine Intent or Risk of Breach of Visa Conditions
INZ may decline a work visa if they are not satisfied you genuinely intend to work in the role offered or are likely to comply with visa conditions. Common red flags include:
A history of previous visa breaches, overstays, or inconsistent travel patterns.
Multiple applications under different categories that appear opportunistic.
Employment offers that do not “fit” your background without explanation (for example, a highly qualified professional moving into a low-skilled role).
How to avoid this:
Provide a coherent explanation of your career plan in New Zealand, showing how the role aligns with your skills and long-term goals.
If there is any adverse immigration history, address it upfront with a clear, honest explanation and supporting evidence.
Avoid “template” or generic statements; your explanation should be specific to you and your situation.
4. Health or Character Concerns Not Properly Addressed
Work visas can be declined if you or your family members do not meet the health or character requirements. This includes:
Medical conditions that may impose significant cost or demand on New Zealand’s health services.
Criminal convictions, past police issues, or security concerns.
Incomplete or inconsistent medical or police documentation.
In many cases, a waiver or special direction may be available, but these require a careful, evidence-based submission.
How to avoid this:
Disclose all relevant medical and character information honestly. Non-disclosure can be more damaging than the issue itself.
Provide comprehensive supporting reports from specialists, treatment providers, and evidence of rehabilitation where relevant.
Seek professional advice on whether a health or character waiver may be available and how best to present that request.
5. Poorly Prepared, Inconsistent, or Incomplete Applications
Even where you meet the underlying criteria, applications are frequently declined because:
Key documents are missing, expired, or not translated by an approved translator.
Information differs between forms, CVs, reference letters, and employer documents.
Explanations are brief, generic, or do not engage with INZ’s specific concerns.
How to avoid this:
Treat your application as a formal legal submission, not just a bundle of documents.
Use a clear structure, with a cover letter or statement that directly addresses each eligibility requirement and any potential risk factors.
Double-check that all information is consistent across every document, including dates, job titles, employer names, and contact details.
Respond promptly and thoroughly to any INZ request for further information (PPI/RFI) with targeted, well-organised evidence.
How Success Global Can Help
New Zealand’s work visa and AEWV framework is constantly evolving. A strong case is not just about eligibility; it is about evidence, presentation, and strategy.
At Success Global, we:
Assess your eligibility and risk areas before you apply.
Work with you and your employer to ensure the Job Check, employment agreement, and role description are adequately aligned.
Prepare structured legal submissions that anticipate and answer likely INZ concerns.
Assist with declines, reconsiderations, appeals, and complex cases, including health, character, and “genuine intent” issues.
If you are considering a New Zealand work visa, or if you are concerned about a pending or declined application, you may wish to arrange a confidential eligibility assessment with our immigration team.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact Success Global directly.