Thinking of Jakpa to New Zealand in 2026? Here is Your Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys, Kwami once again! I am currently coming to you from Auckland, New Zealand.

I decided to escape Australia for a bit to do some “underground work” for you all. In 2026, I want to focus more on New Zealand and help as many of you as possible Jakpa from your home country to this beautiful place. I’m here exploring, speaking to employers, and finding out exactly what it takes for you to make the move.

Why New Zealand?

If you like Australia, you will love New Zealand. To me, it’s like a replica of Australia—the roads, the houses, the shops—it’s all very similar.

Population: Just over 5 million people. For comparison, that’s smaller than many single states in other countries!
The People: It’s a mix of the native Māori (about 1 million), white New Zealanders (about 3 million), and a large immigrant community, especially from China and India.
The Environment: It is clean, beautiful, and—here is the best part for my fellow Africans—there are no snakes in New Zealand! You can explore the outdoors without any fear.

The Main Focus: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

If you want to work here, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the one you need to target.

How the Process Works

There are three main parts to this visa, but only one is your responsibility:

Employer Accreditation: The employer must be accredited by the government. (This is their job, not yours).
Job Check: The employer must prove they couldn’t find a local for the role. (This is also their job).
Your Application: Once the employer is cleared, they nominate you. You then apply for your visa using a link they send you.

Step-by-Step: How to Find a Job & Apply

I’ll show you exactly how to navigate the official New Zealand Immigration Website.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Don’t just apply blindly. Go to the “Find a Visa” section:

Select “Work” as your goal.
Stay Duration: Select “2 years or more.”
Details: Enter your country of passport (e.g., Ghana), your age (must be 18+), and say “Yes” to having a job offer to see the AEWV requirements.

Step 2: Find an Accredited Employer

You need to find employers who are already approved to hire migrants. Use the Accredited Employer List tool on the immigration site.

Search by Industry: For example, type “Aged Care” into the search function.
Identify the Company: Look for the “Trading Name.”
Check Expiry: Look for employers whose accreditation is valid through 2026 or 2027.

Step 3: Contact the Employer Professionally

Once you have the trading name:

Search for them on Google to find their official website.
Go to their “Contact Us” or footer section to find an email or phone number.
Action: Send a professional email with a high-quality resume/CV. Do not spam them. Be professional and let them know you are looking for sponsorship.

Step 4: Check the Occupation List

New Zealand has a National Occupation List (NOL). This is a list of jobs the country actually needs. Whether you are a health coach, a technician, or a tradesperson, check if your role is listed. If it is, your chances are much higher!

Final Thoughts

New Zealand is a stunning, peaceful place. While many people eventually move to Australia after getting citizenship, New Zealand offers a great lifestyle and a potentially more lenient migration pathway for those just starting their journey.

The government is bringing in tighter policies, so it isn’t as easy as it used to be, but with the right steps, you can make it happen.

Good luck with your job search! If you loved this guide, make sure to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss my next update from the field.

I’ll see you guys in 2026. Ciao!

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