EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION FOR HIRING MIGRANTS IN NEW ZEALAND
Your trusted partner in achieving accreditation
Hiring Workers from Offshore for New Zealand Employers
To hire workers from offshore, New Zealand employers must follow a structured process involving accreditation and job checks, as outlined by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Here's what you need to know:
Step 1: Employer Accreditation.
The first step is becoming accredited with INZ. Accreditation ensures employers meet standards for fair treatment of migrant workers and comply with New Zealand’s employment and immigration laws. The type of accreditation depends on how many offshore workers you intend to hire:
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Standard Accreditation: For employers hiring up to five migrants at any given time.
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High-Volume Accreditation: For employers intending to hire six or more migrant workers.
Accreditation focuses on key areas such as:
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Financial stability of the business.
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Compliance with New Zealand employment laws.
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Demonstrated commitment to employing and training local New Zealanders where possible.
Accreditation must be renewed annually, or every two years for high-volume employers.
Step 2: Job Check.
Once accredited, employers must complete a Job Check to ensure the role being offered meets INZ requirements. This includes:
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Pay and Conditions: The job must meet the New Zealand median wage (currently NZD 29.66/hour) unless exemptions apply.
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Compliance: The job offer terms must align with New Zealand employment law.
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Labour Market Test (if applicable): In some cases, employers need to prove there are no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents available for the role.
After a job check is approved, INZ will issue a Job Token, which is a unique code employers provide to the selected migrant worker.
Step 3: Worker’s Visa Application
Once the worker has the job token, they can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The worker must meet the health, character, and skill requirements specified for the role.
Key Considerations for Employers
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Timeline: The accreditation and job check processes can take several weeks, so planning ahead is essential.
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Renewal and Compliance: Maintaining compliance with INZ regulations is critical to avoid delays or issues with future applications.
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Specialised Support: Employers can benefit from expert guidance to ensure all requirements are met efficiently.
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For tailored advice and assistance with accreditation, job checks, or visa applications, contact McSweeney Immigration Law (MILNZ). Our team of experienced immigration consultants can simplify the process and help you meet your workforce needs.
For more details, feel free to reach out to our team today!
Why Accreditation Matters
Under the current immigration policy in New Zealand, accreditation with Immigration New Zealand is now mandatory for all employers seeking to hire migrants on employer-assisted work visas. This means that an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is required for migrants to start working for your organization.
Our experienced team understands that successfully applying for employer accreditation is crucial for long-term employee retention and business continuity. It is essential to give your business the best chance of approval, ensuring you can continue to explore employment options with migrant workers.
KEY AREAS OF ASSESSMENT
Immigration New Zealand will evaluate several key areas of your business during the accreditation application process. It's essential to provide the correct documentation from the outset to address these areas effectively.
The assessment will focus on whether your business:
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Is in a sound financial position - to determine if the employment is sustainable.
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Has human resource policies and processes of a high standard.
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Has good workplace practices, including a history of compliance with all immigration and employment New Zealand laws.
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Has a demonstrable commitment to training New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders (to ensure they are engaged in training and up-skilling New Zealanders and form a significant part of their workforce).
CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS
We recognize that every business is unique, regardless of size, from large corporates to small businesses. With this in mind, our team will work closely with you to ensure that the documentation provided in your application is of the highest standard and meets all requirements. We understand that many businesses may lack sufficient documentation in these areas, and we have the resources to assist viable candidates.
DISCUSS EMPLOYER ACCREDITATION with our expert
team today
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