Employer Accreditation
Employers seeking to hire migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme must first obtain accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The AEWV scheme is New Zealand’s main employment-based work visa process. Accreditation is also necessary to enable employees to obtain residence through their employment.
Types of employer accreditation
There are three main types of accreditation:
Standard: For businesses hiring up to five migrant workers at any one time.
High-Volume: For businesses intending to hire six or more migrant workers.
Triangular: For businesses providing labour hire services or placing employees with third parties.
What are the criteria?
The business must:
Be registered and operating legally in New Zealand;
Have “Key Persons” (including owners, directors, and senior management) who are compliant with immigration and employment laws;
Be compliant with immigration and employment laws;
Be financially viable; and
Provide migrant workers with advice and support to help them settle in New Zealand.
The accreditation application process
Applying for employer accreditation is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is essential.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documentation
Before beginning your application, gather key documents.
Step 2: Create an Online Account
All applications are submitted via INZ’s online portal. Employers need to hold or set up a RealMe account.
Step 3: Complete the Accreditation Application Form
The online form requires detailed information about business structure, ownership, and compliance history.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee applies. The fee amount depends on the type of accreditation you are seeking. Payment is made during the online application process.
Step 5: Submit and Track Your Application
After submitting your application, you can track its progress via the online portal.
Step 6: Assessment and Decision
INZ will assess your application against the eligibility criteria. Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation of accreditation and guidance on next steps.
Step 7: Maintaining Accreditation
Accreditation is initially valid for 12 months. It must be renewed for the business to recruit further migrant workers or support existing migrants to obtain residence or further AEWVs.
Ongoing responsibilities of accredited employers
Once accredited, your business must meet ongoing obligations. These include:
Providing stipulated information to help AEWV workers settle, including language resources and access to community services.
Notifying INZ of significant changes to the business.
Ensuring continued compliance with New Zealand’s employment and immigration laws.
For example, employers holding triangular accreditation need to ensure that AEWV migrants are only placed with compliant employers.
Conclusion
Obtaining accreditation with INZ is a crucial step for accessing global talent and utilising the Accredited Employer Work Visa process.
If you have questions about the employer accreditation process, or require assistance with your application, Duncan Cotterill’s immigration team is available to guide you every step of the way.
Contact our immigration team today for expert advice tailored to your situation.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
