Employer accreditation is essential for New Zealand businesses wanting to hire migrant workers. Under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, only accredited employers can sponsor work visas. Understanding what accreditation involves helps you prepare successfully.
Why Accreditation Exists
Purpose
Quality Employers: Ensures only good employers sponsor migrants.
Worker Protection: Protects migrant workers from exploitation.
Immigration Integrity: Maintains integrity of immigration system.
NZ Workers First: Supports New Zealand employment first.
Who Needs Accreditation
Any Employer: Any business wanting to hire on work visas.
Before Hiring: Must be accredited before sponsoring workers.
Ongoing Requirement: Accreditation must be maintained while employing migrants.
Types of Accreditation
Standard Accreditation
For most employers:
Small Scale: Expecting to hire up to 5 migrant workers.
Duration: Valid for 2 years.
Requirements: Basic eligibility requirements.
Most Common: Suitable for majority of businesses.
High-Volume Accreditation
For larger employers:
More Workers: Hiring more than 5 migrants annually.
Duration: Valid for 1 year initially, then renewable.
Additional Requirements: More extensive requirements.
Larger Operations: For businesses with significant migrant workforces.
Triangular Employment Accreditation
For labor hire arrangements:
Labour Hire: For recruitment and labor hire agencies.
Complex: Most stringent requirements.
Special Conditions: Additional obligations and oversight.
Specific Industry: Not needed by most employers.
Accreditation Requirements
Eligibility Basics
Genuine Business: Must be genuine, lawfully operating business.
NZ Location: Operating in New Zealand.
Tax Compliance: Up to date with tax obligations.
No Serious Breaches: No serious employment or immigration breaches.
Business Viability
INZ assesses your business:
Trading History: Evidence of ongoing operations.
Financial Health: Ability to meet wage obligations.
Genuine Need: Legitimate need for workers.
Business Structure: Appropriate legal structure.
Employment Practices
Good employer requirements:
Employment Standards: Compliance with employment law.
Fair Conditions: Fair pay and conditions.
Health and Safety: Workplace health and safety compliance.
No Exploitation: No history of worker exploitation.
HR Systems (High-Volume)
High-volume accreditation requires:
HR Processes: Documented HR policies and procedures.
Training: Commitment to training NZ workers.
Career Progression: Pathways for migrant worker development.
Settlement Support: Support for migrant settlement.
Application Process
Preparing Your Application
Assess Type: Determine which accreditation type you need.
Gather Evidence: Compile required documentation.
Review History: Check for any compliance issues.
Online Account: Set up immigration online account.
Required Documentation
Business Registration: Company documentation.
Tax Records: IRD compliance evidence.
Employment Evidence: Employment agreements, policies.
Financial Records: Evidence of financial viability.
Health and Safety: Workplace safety documentation.
Submitting Application
Online Application: Submit through Immigration NZ online.
Pay Fee: Application fee required.
Processing: Wait for INZ assessment.
Possible Queries: Be prepared for INZ questions.
Processing Time
Variable: Processing times vary.
Standard: Usually processed in weeks.
Complex Cases: May take longer.
Plan Ahead: Apply before you need to hire.
Costs
Application Fees
Standard Accreditation: Lower fee for basic accreditation.
High-Volume: Higher fee for high-volume accreditation.
Triangular: Highest fee for labor hire accreditation.
Check Current: Fees change—verify current amounts.
Renewal Fees
Renewal Required: Accreditation expires and needs renewal.
Similar Process: Renewal similar to initial application.
Plan Ahead: Don't let accreditation lapse.
You Pay
Employer Cost: Accreditation fees are employer costs.
Cannot Recover: Cannot pass costs to migrant workers.
Business Expense: Part of hiring internationally.
After Accreditation
Job Check
Once accredited, for each role:
Job Check: Apply for Job Check approval.
Labour Market Test: Some roles require advertising first.
Wage Assessment: Wages assessed against thresholds.
Approval: Role approved for migrant hiring.
Supporting Worker Applications
After Job Check approval:
Worker Applies: Worker submits AEWV application.
Employment Agreement: Provide signed employment agreement.
Coordinate: Work with worker on their application.
Start Date: Agree appropriate start date.
Ongoing Obligations
While accredited:
Maintain Standards: Continue meeting requirements.
Pay Wages: Pay at least declared wages.
Conditions: Provide agreed conditions.
Reporting: Meet any reporting requirements.
Compliance: Ongoing compliance with employment and immigration law.
Maintaining Accreditation
Requirements Continue
Accreditation is ongoing:
Active Compliance: Must continue meeting standards.
INZ Oversight: INZ may check compliance.
Changes: Report significant changes.
Good Standing: Maintain good employer status.
What Can Be Lost
Accreditation can be revoked for:
Serious Breaches: Employment law violations.
Immigration Breaches: Immigration compliance failures.
Exploitation: Worker exploitation.
Fraud: Dishonesty or fraud.
Non-Compliance: Failure to meet obligations.
Renewal
Before Expiry: Apply for renewal before accreditation expires.
Similar Process: Similar assessment to initial application.
Continuous History: Your track record matters.
Don't Lapse: Gaps affect ability to employ migrants.
Common Issues
Declined Applications
Applications may be declined for:
Ineligibility: Not meeting basic requirements.
Compliance Issues: Past employment or immigration breaches.
Business Concerns: Financial or viability concerns.
Documentation: Insufficient supporting evidence.
Character: Director/owner character concerns.
Resolving Problems
If issues exist:
Rectify Issues: Fix any compliance problems.
Evidence of Change: Demonstrate improved practices.
Professional Help: Get immigration adviser assistance.
Future Application: May be able to reapply once issues resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does accreditation take?
Processing times vary, typically a few weeks for straightforward applications. Complex cases or applications with issues take longer.
Can I hire migrants while waiting for accreditation?
No. You must be accredited before sponsoring AEWV applications. Plan ahead and apply for accreditation before you need to hire.
Does accreditation guarantee I can hire migrants?
Accreditation allows you to sponsor applications, but each role still needs Job Check approval and each worker must qualify for AEWV.
What happens if my accreditation lapses?
You cannot sponsor new AEWV applications. Existing workers may be affected. Renew before expiry to avoid gaps.
Can I use an immigration adviser for accreditation?
Yes, immigration advisers can prepare and submit accreditation applications. This can be helpful for complex cases or busy employers.
Need help with employer accreditation? Find a licensed immigration adviser who specializes in helping businesses become accredited employers.