New Job Check form for AEWV applications launching September 2025 

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that a redesigned Job Check form will go live on 29 September 2025. The update is part of ongoing improvements to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme and is designed to make the process clearer for employers, reduce delays, and support faster decisions.

What the Job Check redesign means for employers

The Job Check stage is a key part of the AEWV process. It allows INZ to assess whether: 

• The role being filled is genuine, 
• The role pays at least the market rate, 
• The role offers suitable terms and conditions, and 
• The employer has made genuine attempts to recruit New Zealanders. 

With the redesigned form, employers will find:

• Clearer guidance throughout the application, 
• Built-in checks to ensure all required information is included, and 
• Streamlined sections that align with updated immigration requirements. 

These improvements are based on feedback from immigration staff, advisers, and employers, and aim to make the application process more practical and user-friendly. 

What information employers must now provide upfront 

The updated Job Check form will ask employers to provide more detail at the start of the application, including: 

• Why the role is needed. 
• The size of the business. 
• How many New Zealanders are employed (for large organisations this can be an approximate figure). 

INZ has said that gathering this information upfront will help ensure applications are complete, minimise follow-up requests, and make processing faster for everyone. 

Why this matters for AEWV Job Check applications 

For employers, the redesign may feel like a small change, but it has important implications. If information is missing or inaccurate, applications may be delayed or declined. 

INZ has highlighted that these changes will support smoother and quicker decision-making. However, our experts recommend going further: treat the Job Check as the foundation of the entire AEWV process. Any errors or omissions at this stage can flow through to your employer accreditation and to the information provided in the visa application itself. 

Getting the details right from the start is the best way to reduce compliance risks and avoid unexpected setbacks. 

What employers should do now 

To prepare for the redesigned form, employers should: 

• Submit any draft Job Check applications before 8:00am on Sunday, 28 September 2025, as these will not carry over to the new system. 
• Be ready to use the new form from 29 September. 
• Ensure accurate records of business size and workforce makeup (migrant vs local employees). 
• Review job justifications carefully to show why the role is required. 

Why accuracy at the Job Check stage is critical 

Our experts recommend that employers treat the Job Check as more than just an administrative step. It is often the most complex stage of the immigration process, and the information provided can have significant flow-on effects. 

For example: 

• Weak or inaccurate information may affect the type of accreditation an employer holds. 
• Inconsistencies between the Job Check and later AEWV applications can create delays or compliance issues. 
• A strong, well-prepared Job Check application supports faster visa processing and a smoother recruitment pipeline. 

Accuracy at this stage is therefore essential to protect your accreditation status and ensure your business can bring in the workers it needs without unnecessary disruption. 

Next steps for employers 

The redesigned Job Check form is intended to make the process easier, but employers still need to be prepared. To stay ahead: 

• Gather the required information now so it is ready for applications after 29 September. 
• Double-check and submit any draft applications before the 28 September cut-off. 
• Consider seeking professional support to ensure applications are accurate and future-proofed. 

Employers who prepare early will reduce the risk of delays and keep their recruitment pipelines moving smoothly. 

Contact VisaAide today to make sure your Job Check applications are accurate and ready for the new system.