Accredited Employer - new process

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a new temporary work visa being introduced on 4 July 2022. You must be an accredited employer to hire migrant workers on an AEWV. In our opinion, the AEWV will be a smoother process to support employers hiring talent abroad.

Over recent months, Immigration New Zealand have completely revamped their approach to visas with a full review for hiring migrant workers.

From July 2022, employers must be accredited to hire migrant workers, through the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) category. This has three parts; accreditation, job check and visa application.

The Accreditation has two categories; Standard - up to 5 workers, or High-volume being 6 or more workers. Employers must meet minimum requirements with these being outlined through a declaration as part of the online application. This application process opens on 23 May, where the fee structure will be visible. It is anticipated that the processing time will be 10 working days.

The Job check process opens from 20 June, and has been designed to ensure there are no New Zealanders available to do that particular job. The job check helps ensure migrants are recruited into higher skilled roles throughout New Zealand. You can cover multiple positions in one job check and again a fee is payable, with processing times being up to 10 working days.

Once the AEWV is in place and job checks have been completed, applicants can apply for the AEWV Visa. Applications will open from 4 July and should be processed within 20 working days. As an employer you will have obligations to ensure any migrant settles into New Zealand by providing relevant work related information, and also that all individuals supporting the hiring process completed a series of online learning training.

If you currently hire migrants, or plan to do so in the future, you will need to become accredited. Full information and the application forms are available on the Immigration NZ website.

Please do reach out to us if you would like any assistance with this process.