FOR EMPLOYERS

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s principal temporary work visa for eligible migrant workers who have a suitable full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

The AEWV process involves connected stages for the employer, the position being offered and the migrant worker. The employer must generally complete the required steps before inviting a migrant worker to apply for their visa.

1. Employer Accreditation: The business applies to become accredited or renews its existing accreditation.
2. Recruitment Requirements: The employer may need to advertise the position and engage with Work and Income, depending on the role and current requirements.
3. Job Check: The employer applies for Immigration New Zealand to assess the proposed position and employment conditions.
4. Worker’s AEWV Application: After the Job Check is approved, the selected migrant worker may be invited to submit their visa application.

Each stage has separate eligibility requirements and supporting evidence. Approval at one stage does not guarantee approval of the remaining stages.

Employer Accreditation

A New Zealand employer must hold the appropriate accreditation before hiring a migrant worker who requires an AEWV.

Immigration New Zealand may assess whether the business is genuinely operating, financially viable and compliant with New Zealand employment and immigration requirements.

Current Accreditation Types

• Standard Accreditation: Generally intended for standard businesses planning to employ up to five migrant workers on AEWVs at one time.
• High-volume Accreditation: Generally intended for standard businesses planning to employ six or more migrant workers on AEWVs at one time.
• Triangular Employer Accreditation: Intended for businesses that directly employ migrant workers and place them with controlling third-party organisations.

The correct accreditation type depends on the structure of the business, the number of AEWV workers it intends to employ and whether workers will be placed with controlling third parties.

Job Check Support

After receiving accreditation, an employer will generally need an approved Job Check for the position before inviting a migrant worker to apply for an AEWV.

Depending on the role, an employer may need to demonstrate that genuine attempts were made to recruit suitable New Zealand citizens or residents. Engagement with Work and Income may also be required for certain positions.

A Job Check may consider information including:

• The job title, duties and work location.
• The minimum skills, qualifications and experience required.
• The proposed pay and employment conditions.
• The guaranteed working hours.
• Recruitment and advertising undertaken by the employer.
• Whether the role meets current immigration requirements.

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Employer obligations continue after accreditation or an AEWV has been approved. Accredited employers must continue meeting the applicable immigration and employment requirements.

These responsibilities may include:

• Maintaining compliant employment agreements and working conditions.
• Employing the worker in the approved role and location.
• Paying the worker according to the agreed employment terms.
• Providing required settlement information and support.
• Keeping appropriate recruitment and employment records.
• Cooperating with Immigration New Zealand compliance checks.
• Renewing accreditation before it expires when required.

Immigration requirements can change. Employers should review their responsibilities regularly and obtain professional advice when their business, position or employee’s circumstances change.

How We Can Support Your Business

Subject to the scope of services agreed with our Licensed Immigration Adviser, employer immigration support may include:

• Assessing which employer accreditation type may be appropriate.
• Supporting employer accreditation and renewal applications.
• Explaining recruitment and advertising requirements.
• Preparing and reviewing Job Check applications.
• Guiding employers through the AEWV process.
• Assisting with immigration documentation and evidence.
• Explaining ongoing accredited-employer responsibilities.
• Providing guidance when employment circumstances change.

Why Work With NZEA?

Employer immigration processes can involve multiple applications, deadlines and compliance responsibilities. We aim to provide clear, practical guidance so employers understand the steps required before recruiting and supporting migrant workers.

Personalised immigration advice is provided by the Licensed Immigration Adviser. Employers should obtain separate employment-law, recruitment, payroll or human-resources advice where required.

Important Information

Every employer, position and migrant-worker application is assessed according to its individual circumstances and Immigration New Zealand’s requirements at the time of application.

NZEA does not guarantee employer accreditation, Job Check approval, visa approval or the availability of migrant workers. Immigration decisions are made solely by Immigration New Zealand.