Job Check Process for New Zealand Work Visas
Hiring skilled migrant workers in New Zealand is a structured process that ensures fair employment practices and compliance with immigration laws. One of the most crucial steps in this process is the Job Check, an essential requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
What is a Job Check?
A Job Check is a process conducted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to assess whether a job position meets the required criteria before an employer can hire a migrant worker under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
This check ensures that job positions are genuine, compliant with employment laws, and offer fair wages. It also verifies that employers have made efforts to recruit locally before hiring from overseas, ensuring a fair job market for New Zealanders.
Once a Job Check is approved, the employer receives a Job Token, which the migrant worker can use to apply for their work visa.
Why is a Job Check Necessary?
A Job Check serves several critical purposes, benefiting both employers and the workforce:
- Protecting the Local Workforce
New Zealand prioritizes employment opportunities for its citizens and residents. Employers must demonstrate that no suitable local workers are available before hiring a migrant worker (unless the role is on the Green List, which is exempt from this requirement).
- Ensuring Fair Pay and Working Conditions
The job must meet at least the median wage requirement, ensuring fair pay for both local and migrant workers. This helps maintain employment standards and prevent exploitation.
- Preventing Worker Exploitation
By enforcing strict hiring regulations, the Job Check process protects migrant workers from unethical employment practices. Employers must adhere to New Zealand’s employment laws, ensuring fair contracts and working conditions.
- Faster Visa Processing for Employers and Workers
A successful Job Check speeds up the visa application process, making it easier for accredited employers to hire skilled talent and for migrant workers to secure their jobs efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to the
Job Check Process
Employers must complete four key steps before hiring a migrant worker under the AEWV program:
01
Employer Accreditation
Before applying for a Job Check, the employer must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Accreditation ensures that the employer is financially stable, complies with New Zealand’s employment laws, and has ethical hiring practices.
02
Submitting a Job Check Application
Once accredited, the employer submits a Job Check application to Immigration New Zealand. The application must include:
- A detailed job description outlining responsibilities and qualifications
- Proof that the job pays at least the median wage (or meets an exemption)
- Evidence of advertising efforts (if required)
03
Labour Market Test (If Required)
If the job is not on the Green List, employers must provide proof that they have advertised the role locally but were unable to find a suitable New Zealand candidate. This includes:
- Job advertisements posted for at least 2 weeks
- Evidence of applications received and why they were unsuitable
04
Job Check Approval & Issuance of Job Token
Once Immigration New Zealand approves the Job Check, the employer is issued a Job Token. This token allows the migrant worker to apply for their Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Job Check & The Green List: What You Need to Know
- No need to prove that local candidates were unavailable
- Faster Job Check approval
- Direct pathway to residency for some roles
Financial Requirements: Meeting the Median Wage Standard
If a job pays below the median wage, it may not qualify for an AEWV unless it is in an exempt category, such as seasonal work or specific industry agreements.
AEWV & Job Check: Recent Policy Updates
Immigration New Zealand frequently updates its work visa policies to improve fairness and transparency. Recent AEWV reforms have introduced changes to:
- Wage requirements for migrant workers
- Eligibility criteria for Job Checks
- Green List occupation updates
- Strengthened labour market testing
Employers and applicants should stay updated on these changes to ensure compliance and successful applications.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring a Smooth Job Check Process
If you’re an employer looking to hire migrant workers or a job seeker applying for a visa, understanding the Job Check process will help you navigate the system more effectively.
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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.
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