Employer Accreditation NZ:
The First Step in Recruiting Migrant Workers
What is Employer Accreditation?
Employer Accreditation is Immigration New Zealand’s formal recognition that a business meets the requirements to employ migrant workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
If you are planning to expand your business and need quality, competent workers, VisaAide can streamline the process of gaining accreditation for your organisation.
Once accredited, your business can support migrant workers for AEWV applications, whether they are already in New Zealand or applying from overseas.
Accreditation is initially granted for 12 months and can be renewed for 24 months.
The benefits of holding accreditation become clear for businesses seeking growth, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on migrant workers or face skills shortages, like construction or civil engineering. As such, if you anticipate an increase in your workforce, Employer Accreditation could represent a key step forward for your business’ future success and stability.
Why engage VisaAide to help with Employer Accreditation in NZ
Employer Accreditation is often the first step, but it is rarely the only immigration process employers need to navigate.
Many businesses also need support with Job Checks, visa applications, recruitment planning, labour market testing, and understanding their ongoing obligations as an accredited employer.
VisaAide helps employers manage the wider immigration process. We provide practical advice and support to help businesses move through each stage with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
As part of People Inc Group, we can also support recruitment, employment documentation, onboarding, and HR compliance. This means you can access immigration, recruitment, and HR expertise through one team, rather than coordinating multiple providers throughout the process.
Time to renew your Employer Accreditation?
Choose VisaAide for a worry-free path to Employer Accreditation and experience the difference a professional, comprehensive service can make.
What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in NZ?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s main temporary work visa for skilled migrant workers. To hire workers on an AEWV, employers must first become accredited with Immigration New Zealand and complete a Job Check for the role.
Depending on the occupation and skill level, workers may also need to meet additional visa requirements, including English language requirements for some skill level 3, 4, and 5 roles.
For employers, accreditation provides access to a wider talent pool when suitable workers cannot be found locally. For migrant workers, it provides greater confidence that the employer has met Immigration New Zealand’s accreditation requirements and can offer compliant employment.
The AEWV system is designed to ensure employers meet certain standards before they can hire migrant workers. To employ someone on an AEWV, businesses must first become accredited with Immigration New Zealand and meet a range of ongoing obligations.
AEWV holders must be offered full-time employment of at least 30 hours per week. Depending on the occupation and visa conditions, they may also be able to study while working in New Zealand.
What are the benefits of becoming an Accredited Employer in New Zealand?
If your business is struggling to attract the right talent locally, becoming an Accredited Employer can help you to expand your reach internationally.
As an Accredited Employer, you can access overseas talent through the AEWV system. However, visa requirements still apply to individual workers and may vary depending on the occupation and skill level involved.
What types of Employer Accreditation are available in New Zealand?
As a business seeking to employ migrant workers, it’s essential to understand the different types of Employer Accreditation available to you. Depending on the size of your business, the nature of the work, and the number of migrant workers you plan to support, there are three distinctive types of accreditation that you can apply for:
Standard Accreditation is designed to accommodate businesses that require support for up to five Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders at any given time.
Triangular Accreditation is for labour hire companies and entails a more extensive supporting documentation process.
High-Volume Accreditation is particularly suitable for businesses looking to support more than five AEWV visa holders simultaneously.
How to achieve Accredited Employer status in NZ
Becoming an Accredited Employer in New Zealand is a valuable step for any business searching to enhance its reputation, increase competitiveness, and overcome skill shortages.
Managed by Immigration New Zealand, Employer Accreditation is a clear demonstration of your commitment to standards and quality. It can open doors to new talent by enabling you to employ skilled migrants in New Zealand, increasing the scope and diversity of your workforce.
VisaAide takes care of the whole Employer Accreditation process for you. Their comprehensive service includes expert advice on all immigration and visa matters, enabling you to make well-informed decisions surrounding your human resources strategy.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking to expand your business or an established organisation looking to build upon your success, accreditation is an important step on your path to growth.
What happens after your accreditation is approved?
Once your company has received accreditation, it will be added to an Accredited Employer list on the Immigration New Zealand website. This list is updated daily.
Following the employment of a migrant worker, there are also a number of ongoing checks that are made by Immigration New Zealand to ensure you are meeting your AEWV Accredited Employer obligations.
These checks include:
Making sure that your company is meeting the commitments of your initial application.
Checking that your company is complying with New Zealand employment laws and standards, plus the Immigration Act 2009.
How do I apply for Employer Accreditation in NZ?
You apply through Immigration New Zealand’s Employer Accreditation System. The process confirms your business is compliant and able to hire migrant workers on the AEWV. If you work with VisaAide, we handle the full process for you: employment documents, Job Checks, and immigration guidance, so you don’t have to manage multiple providers or figure it out on your own.
What evidence do I need for Employer Accreditation?
You’ll need to show your business meets Immigration New Zealand’s standards. This includes proof you follow NZ employment law, meet your obligations as an employer, and understand the AEWV requirements. For Job Checks, you’ll also need evidence of Labour Market Testing, like compliant job ads and proof there were no suitable New Zealanders for the role. VisaAide and People Inc partners prepare and manage this documentation for you.
Employers should also be aware that some AEWV applicants may need to provide evidence of English language ability depending on the skill level of the role and the visa requirements that apply.
How long does Employer Accreditation take?
Accreditation is usually approved for 12 months and renewed for 24 months after that. Processing times vary depending on INZ workloads, but having everything prepared correctly from the start helps avoid delays. We make sure your application is complete and ready to move quickly through the system.
FAQs
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