Employer Hub: Your Guide to Hiring Migrants in New Zealand

New Zealand's skills shortage spans multiple industries, from construction and healthcare to technology and hospitality. For businesses looking to tap into global talent pools, understanding the employer accreditation and migrant hiring system is essential for sustainable workforce planning.

This hub provides New Zealand employers with comprehensive guidance on navigating Immigration New Zealand's requirements for hiring international workers.

The Accredited Employer System

Since the introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, employers must first obtain accreditation before they can hire migrant workers. This represents a fundamental shift in New Zealand's immigration approach, placing greater responsibility on employers to demonstrate fair and lawful employment practices.

Accreditation Types

Standard Accreditation suits most employers hiring up to five migrant workers at any time. It requires demonstrating:

• A genuine business operating in New Zealand
• Good workplace practices
• Commitment to training New Zealanders
• No history of non-compliance with employment or immigration law

High-Volume Accreditation is required for employers intending to hire six or more migrant workers simultaneously, with additional scrutiny of HR systems and settlement support offerings.

Franchisee Accreditation addresses the unique structure of franchise businesses, ensuring consistent employment standards across franchise networks.

The Hiring Process

Once accredited, hiring a migrant worker involves a multi-step process:

1. Job Check

Before advertising a role to overseas candidates, employers must prove they've genuinely tried to fill the position with New Zealand workers. The Job Check process examines:

• Whether the role was advertised appropriately
• The wage offered meets or exceeds the median wage threshold
• The position is genuine and sustainable

2. Job Token

Approved Job Checks generate a Job Token, which the prospective migrant uses when applying for their AEWV. The token represents pre-authorization for that specific role.

3. Worker Application

The migrant worker then submits their AEWV application, demonstrating they meet health, character, and skills requirements for the role.

Wage Requirements

The median wage threshold is a critical consideration for employers. As of 2026, the median wage stands at NZ$31.61 per hour. Roles paying below this threshold face additional scrutiny and may require evidence of sector-specific exceptions or genuine shortages.

Some sectors operate under negotiated Sector Agreements that provide modified pathways and thresholds for industries with acute, documented skills shortages.

Employer Obligations

Accreditation isn't just about hiring—it's an ongoing commitment. Employers must:

• Pay at least the advertised wage: Migrant workers must receive the salary stated in their job offer
• Provide agreed conditions: Hours, duties, and location must match the application
• Report changes: Notify INZ of significant changes to employment arrangements
• Maintain records: Keep employment documentation accessible for potential audits
• Support settlement: High-volume employers must provide settlement support to migrant workers

Common Compliance Issues

Immigration New Zealand conducts regular audits of accredited employers. Common issues that lead to compliance concerns include:

• Paying below the advertised rate
• Changing worker duties without proper visa variations
• Inadequate record-keeping
• Failure to advertise roles genuinely before seeking overseas candidates

Non-compliance can result in warnings, suspension or revocation of accreditation, and in serious cases, stand-down periods or legal action.

Working with Immigration Advisers

Many employers engage licensed immigration advisers to:

• Manage accreditation applications and renewals
• Prepare and submit Job Checks
• Advise on complex hiring scenarios
• Ensure ongoing compliance with evolving requirements
• Handle visa applications on behalf of prospective employees

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Looking for expert guidance on employer accreditation? Find licensed immigration advisers who specialize in employer services.