For Employers

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Are you looking to navigate the complexities of immigration regulations to hire skilled international talent?

At VisaSector, we specialize in providing up-to-date immigration advice tailored to meet your business needs following the latest policies set forth by Immigration New Zealand.

Services we offer

  • Company Accreditation
  • Job Check Application
  • Employee visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa)

Company Accreditation

Employer accreditation is a status granted by Immigration New Zealand to organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to employing and supporting migrant workers.

Standard Accreditation: Standard Accreditation allows businesses in New Zealand to employ up to 5 migrant workers on Accredited Employer Work Visas. It streamlines the visa application process, making it easier to hire skilled international talent. Ideal for businesses with moderate recruitment needs.

High-Volume Accreditation: High-Volume Accreditation enables businesses in New Zealand to employ six or more migrant workers on Accredited Employer Work Visas. This streamlines the visa process for businesses with substantial recruitment needs, facilitating efficient hiring of skilled international talent.

Triangular Employment Arrangement Accreditation: Triangular Employment Arrangement Accreditation is necessary for employers in New Zealand who wish to place an employee with a controlled third party while supporting an Accredited Employer Work Visa. This accreditation facilitates compliant arrangements where the employer retains control over the employee’s employment terms and conditions.

NOTE: Immigration New Zealand has closed Franchise Accreditation on 16th June 2024. This option is no longer available for employers seeking to support work visas through franchise arrangements. For alternative accreditation options and assistance, please contact us.

Job Check Application

As an employer, you are encouraged to prioritize hiring New Zealanders. However, when suitable candidates are not available locally, our service can assist you with the job check process for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.

A job check confirms:

  • The job pays the market rate.
  • The terms and conditions comply with employment laws.
  • You have completed a labour market test if required.

A labour market test shows you have genuinely advertised the role to New Zealanders and that no New Zealanders are available to do the job. An employer can only hire a migrant worker if the job check is passed.

Employee visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is designed to provide skilled workers with an opportunity to work and live in New Zealand. Under this program, employers who have been approved by Immigration New Zealand as Accredited Employers can offer job opportunities to foreign workers who possess the required skills and experience. This visa allows successful applicants to work for a specified period and potentially apply for residency in New Zealand. It’s a great option for NZ-based employers to manage the skills gap in their organizations.

Before sharing a Job Check application, what should employers do?

Before employers share the Job check, they must ensure the applicant:

  • Meets the AEWV skill requirements set by INZ.
  • Has the skills and experience required for the job as specified in the job check.

What Will Immigration Check for AEWV Applications?

Immigration will ensure the migrant worker:

  • Meets INZ’s character, identity, and health requirements.
  • Is bona fide and meets the skills and experience required by the employer in the job check application, including a suitable qualification assessment.
  • Meets INZ’s minimum skill threshold, if required.

Migrant workers can apply for an AEWV once the employer is accredited, and a valid job check is in place.

FAQs

It depends on the ANZSCO skill level of the occupation. If the role is on the Green List, at ANZSCO skill level 1-3, or on a pathway to residence, then the family members can apply for visas based on their relationship with the AEWV holder. Otherwise, they may not be eligible to apply.

The duration of the AEWV depends on several factors, including the date on which the first AEWV was granted, the ANZSCO skill level, remuneration, and whether the occupation falls under a sector agreement.

AEWV holders can change employers, but they must obtain a new job check and visa approval for the new position.

If the job check fails, the employer cannot hire a migrant worker for that position under the AEWV program. The employer may apply for reconsideration or address the issues identified and reapply.

A labour market test involves demonstrating that the employer has made genuine efforts to recruit New Zealanders for the position but was unable to find suitable candidates.

AEWV applicants must have the skills and experience required for the job as specified in the job check. This includes relevant qualifications, work experience, and any other specific requirements outlined by the employer.

Employers can become accredited by applying to Immigration New Zealand and demonstrating that they meet the criteria for accreditation, including compliance with employment and immigration laws.

Sector agreement occupations, covered under specific agreements between industry sectors and INZ, may have lower pay requirements compared to the INZ median wage. This is due to industry agreements that prioritize benefits such as industry conditions, training opportunities, and sector development.

AEWV holders may be eligible to apply for residence under certain conditions, such as meeting requirements for Skilled Migrant Residence, Straight to Residence, or Work to Residence visas, and holding a job offer that meets INZ criteria.