Employer Accreditation in New Zealand
Employer Accreditation is a mandatory process for businesses in New Zealand that wish to hire migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This ensures that employers meet legal, financial, and ethical requirements while maintaining fair employment conditions for migrant workers.
Why is Employer Accreditation Important?
Achieving accreditation is crucial for businesses that rely on skilled migrants. Here’s why:
- Compliance with Immigration Laws – It ensures that businesses meet New Zealand Immigration standards.
- Streamlined Visa Processing – Accredited employers can hire migrants faster with fewer compliance hurdles.
- Access to Global Talent – Allows businesses to tap into a wider talent pool, addressing skill shortages.
- Enhanced Business Reputation – Accreditation showcases your business as a trustworthy and ethical employer.
Recent Changes to Employer Accreditation (December 2024 Announcement)
- Removal of the Median Wage Requirement: Employers no longer need to meet the previous median wage threshold but must offer market-rate salaries based on the position and location.
- New Earning Threshold for Migrants Bringing Children: AEWV migrants must earn at least NZ$55,844 per year to be eligible to bring their children.
- Reduction in Experience Requirements: The required experience for migrants has been lowered from 3 years to 2 years, making it easier for skilled workers to qualify.
- Amendments to Work and Income Engagement: Employers hiring for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles must now declare that they have advertised and interviewed suitable candidates rather than engaging with Work and Income for 21 days.
- Increased Visa Duration for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 Jobs: New AEWV visas for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 jobs will now be valid for 3 years instead of 2 years.
- Greater Work Rights for Interim Visa Holders: From April 2025, AEWV applicants on interim visas will have extended work rights to maintain employment while their visa is processed.
- Removal of Employment New Zealand Online Module Requirements: From 27 January 2025, accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) will no longer need to complete online employment modules.
- Lower Domestic Workforce Threshold for Certain Construction Roles: The threshold for employing local workers in some construction jobs has been reduced from 35% to 15%.
Steps to Apply for
Employer Accreditation
Applying for Employer Accreditation involves a structured six-step process to ensure compliance and approval. Each step is crucial in demonstrating your organization’s ability to meet accreditation standards and provide a supportive environment for employees. From initial application submission to final approval, understanding these steps will help streamline the process and improve your chances of success. Let’s break down the six key steps involved in obtaining Employer Accreditation.
01
Determine the Level of Accreditation
Employers must choose from three accreditation types based on their hiring needs:
- Standard Accreditation – For businesses hiring up to 5 migrants.
- High-Volume Accreditation – For businesses hiring 6 or more migrants.
- Controlling Third Party Accreditation – For businesses placing migrant workers with third parties.
02
Meet Financial & Legal Requirements
To qualify, businesses must be financially stable and legally compliant. This includes:
- No financial losses in the last 24 months.
- A positive cash flow for at least 6 months.
- Proper tax registration with Inland Revenue (IRD).
- No history of labor law breaches or stand-downs.
03
Advertise the Job & Engage with Work and Income
Before applying for a Job Check, businesses must advertise the role to ensure no New Zealand citizens or residents are available.
- Advertisement Period:
- – 14 days for ANZSCO Level 1, 2, or 3 jobs.
- – 21 days for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 jobs (No longer required from 2025, but a declaration must be submitted instead).
- Employers must declare their good faith recruitment efforts for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 jobs rather than engaging directly with Work and Income.
04
Apply for a Job Check
Once accredited, employers must apply for a Job Check within 90 days of job advertisement closure. This ensures:
- The role meets immigration wage and employment conditions.
- Compliance with fair hiring practices.
- No unfair discrimination against New Zealand workers.
05
Request the Migrant Worker to Apply
After Job Check approval, employers can invite the selected migrant worker to apply for a work visa. The worker must meet eligibility criteria such as qualifications, skills, and experience.
06
Employer Accreditation is valid for:
- 12 months for first-time applicants.
- 24 months for renewals (except franchisees and third-party employers, who get 12 months). To renew, businesses must provide updated financial and operational proof to show they are still viable and legally compliant.
Common Challenges & Solutions
- Delayed Processing Times – Due to the April 2024 and December 2024 changes, AEWV applications are taking longer. Check Immigration NZ’s latest processing times for updates.
- Meeting Financial Criteria – If your business struggles to show viability, provide investment proof or a solid financial forecast.
- Complex Legal Compliance – Ensure all employment contracts, pay rates, and policies align with New Zealand labor laws.
Following the right steps and ensuring compliance can make the process efficient and successful. Stay updated with Immigration New Zealand guidelines, maintain ethical hiring practices, and keep your accreditation active for smooth operations.
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People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
People know what an FAQ is, so make that your page title. don’t overcomplicate thing heve calling it’s good to know or more info. sometimes people put the frequently asked question section on their contact page but you can create your own page and put it right in your on website navigation menu or website footer so it’s easy to find.
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