EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION

Do you wish to employ migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) policy? Explore the essential steps to become an INZ accredited employer, meet Job Check and Labour Market Test requirements, and successfully navigate the work visa process. Contact Licensed NZ Immigration Adviser for expert guidance on employer accreditation, job check submissions, and AEWV applications.

EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION

Hiring skilled migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework involves a mandatory three-step process: Employer Accreditation, Job Check, and the Work Visa application.

Accreditation Types

Immigration New Zealand provides specific accreditation categories tailored to your hiring volume and operational model:

Standard Accreditation: Designed for businesses employing up to 5 migrant workers on an AEWV at any one time.
High-Volume Accreditation: Required for businesses hiring 6 or more AEWV migrant workers within a 12-month period.
Controlling Third Party Accreditation: Mandatory for labor hire companies, franchises, or entities placing migrant workers with third parties while remaining the direct employer.

Core Business Requirements

To qualify for accreditation, businesses must demonstrate genuine operations and employment compliance:

Business Registration: Must hold an active New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) and IRD Number.
Financial Viability: Must show profit over the last 2 years, positive cash flow, sufficient capital/investments, or a detailed 2-year viability plan.
Employment Law Compliance: Key personnel must not be on the Labour Inspectorate stand-down list, and the business must comply with employment standards and the Immigration Act 2009.
Recruitment Cost Commitment: Employers must pay all recruitment costs and strictly avoid passing these fees to migrant workers.

JOB CHECK & LABOUR MARKET TESTING

Once accredited, employers must obtain an approved Job Check before offering a role to a migrant worker. The Job Check confirms that the position offers market pay and acceptable employment conditions, and verifies whether suitable New Zealanders are available.

Advertising Rules & Skill Levels

Advertising must take place on national channels (e.g., Seek, TradeMe) unless an exemption applies:

Exemptions: Advertising is not required if the job is on the Green List or pays double the high-income threshold limit.
Level 1–3 Occupations: Roles under ANZSCO/NOL skill levels 1, 2, or 3 must be listed for a minimum of 14 days.
Level 4–5 Occupations: Roles under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 must be listed for at least 21 days, and employers must engage directly with Work and Income (MSD).

Job Offer & Token Standards

Positions must satisfy core statutory standards to qualify for Job Check approval:

Hours & Remuneration: Must guarantee full-time work (at least 30 hours per week) paid at or above the current New Zealand market rate.
Employment Agreement: Must include standard employment protection clauses, mandatory grievance terms, and exclude trial periods.
Job Token Issuance: Approved Job Checks generate a unique, single-use Job Token required for the employee's visa application.

ACCREDITED EMPLOYER WORK VISA (AEWV)

The AEWV is the third and final stage of the process[cite: 3]. Once the Job Check is approved, the employer sends the unique Job Token to the candidate, allowing them to apply for their work visa.

For full details on applicant eligibility, character, health, and skill requirements, visit our dedicated Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Page.