Advice for Accredited Employers: How to Promote Job Vacancies Overseas
The new employer accreditation rules that came into effect in July 2022 have altered the way employers approach overseas job applications. If you are struggling to find the right New Zealand employee and are looking to hire migrants from overseas, there are some unique challenges.
We have some advice on where to start promoting your job vacancies overseas and information about the requirements and salaries you need to consider when hiring a migrant worker.
Become an Accredited Employer
The new visa process came into effect in July 2022 for employers wanting to hire migrants. This saw the introduction of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
One aspect of the new system is that employers must be accredited to recruit migrant workers on work visas linked to a company.
Whether you want to promote a job opening or multiple vacancies overseas, accreditation is the first step. This new accreditation system means employers must apply again even if they have been accredited under the past system.
For an employer to qualify for accreditation, they must comply with Immigration NZ’s regulations.
Employer Accreditation Requirements
To gain accreditation, your company should meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
You must comply with NZ employment rules, immigration law and business standards. You also must prove your company is in a stable financial position, have high standards of human resource policy and process to ensure the wellbeing of your workers, demonstrate good workplace practices, and have no record of regulatory non-compliance.
You must also pay all recruitment costs for hiring in and outside New Zealand. When you hire migrants, you also need to provide evidence that your company is helping your migrant employees settle by providing settlement support and service. This training should be completed within the first month of starting their new job with you.
Pass Job Requirements
A significant reason for the new accredited employer system is to ensure New Zealanders are offered job opportunities before sourcing migrant workers and those migrant workers are not exploited. INZ’s requirements also include providing evidence that you are committed to employing NZ residents and citizens before sourcing from overseas.
Once you have attempted to hire on these shores and can provide evidence of doing so, the job check is the next part of the process. It is vital to be able to promote job openings overseas.
You must ensure the job position meets the following requirements:
- Have an acceptable employment agreement and comply with employment law.
- Meet the national job description standards.
- Offer a minimum of 30 working hours a week.
- Pay the industry’s market rate and New Zealand median wage of NZ $27.76 an hour (this pay rate is subject to annual change) or more (excluding professions on the exemption list).
INZ will update the list of roles exempt from the median wage threshold from 31 October 2022 onwards.
How to Prepare for Hiring Migrant Workers
Hiring from overseas takes patience and can be more complex, expensive and time-consuming than hiring locally.
You should consider the extra costs of hiring overseas when preparing for the process. Additional costs can come in many forms, including advertising, overseas travel and relocation fees.
Plan the Recruitment Process
Before promoting your job openings, you need to plan your recruitment process. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Ensure your job vacancy meets the requirements of a visa category - depending on your industry and job role, there are different paths to take.
- Consider where you are most likely to find suitable candidates.
- Set realistic timeframes for the standard employment processes like advertising, interviewing and reference checking.
- Factor in the visa application process.
- Factor in accredited employer work visa processing times for your migrant worker to prepare for the big move, which might include selling their house and gathering documents.
Keep Job Advertisements Clear
As an accredited employer, ensure you write a clear and specific job description that overseas candidates can understand.
You want to write for your target audience, which will be those with experience in your industry, so be sure to include key details like the nature of the role, leave entitlements, salary range and a clear job title.
Vague job advertisements can waste your time trawling through a higher level of applications where candidates have a different or lower skill set.
How to Promote Your Job Vacancies Overseas
For employers starting out on this journey, here is our advice on how to find your ideal candidates.
Register Your Vacancy With SkillFinder
SkillFinder is a free online tool New Zealand employers use to register vacancies. It connects employers with workers overseas interested in working and living in New Zealand. The growing database has over one million people with in-demand skills.
By advertising directly to potential candidates that desire to make the move, you have a pool of candidates that are potentially more motivated to change countries.
You can filter the database by occupation, qualification, country, and experience, which is a great way to streamline the process. After registering, Immigration NZ will send job alert emails to those in the database that match your requirements.
The process is broken into five straightforward steps:
- Register your vacancy on skillfinder.immigration.govt.nz.
- Preview your drafted SkillFinder email and submit it.
- INZ reviews your email and forwards it to potential candidates that match your criteria within seven business days.
- You receive enquiries from potential candidates after the email has been sent.
- INZ sends you a survey to measure your success six weeks later.
Choose Where You Promote Jobs
Promoting job vacancies online is an excellent option for reaching overseas candidates. The channel you use to advertise should depend on the position you’re looking to fill and where you want to recruit from in the industry.
Some options include your company website, job websites like Seek and TradeMe, recruitment expos and business-focused social media like LinkedIn.
Online Job Boards
Examples of some standard New Zealand job boards are Seek and TradeMe. These websites are also visited by migrants interested in living and working in New Zealand. As these are national job search websites, you may get a higher proportion of kiwi applicants.
LinkedIn is a large global job marketplace for professionals, allowing you to promote your vacancies online. It’s a great way to advertise as you can target talent in your field, specifically by country and also reach out to potential candidates via private message. You can also reach people based on criteria such as occupation, skills, and experience.
Specialist Recruiters
Some specialist New Zealand recruiters and websites work alongside employers and help them find skilled workers overseas. These companies are a good starting point for employers serious about hiring from abroad, as they specifically target skilled people in specific industries.
Recruiters can help you take care of the entire process. They recommend, recruit, review applicant resumes and interview potential candidates. Recruiters and other hiring specialists will usually search databases to find candidates with the qualifications and experience to fit the job.
Your Company Website
Your company’s website is a great tool for attracting potential candidates from overseas. Many businesses that hire overseas will have a specific careers page with a list of vacancies, including job descriptions.
There are a few ways to customise your website to help find the right overseas worker. Consider creating a page for international applicants, as it can help your vacancies stand out to overseas workers looking for an NZ job.
Ensure your website content doesn’t exclude people who don’t have a work visa. As an accredited employer, you can sponsor the right candidate to get NZ working rights and gain an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This visa can allow migrants to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
The migrant must also meet Immigration NZ’s requirements and pass the ‘migrant worker check’
Determine Your Advertising Timeframe
Think about your timing. Advertising job positions and interviewing candidates during overseas holiday periods may not bring you the results you want.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- When do you want or need the vacancy filled?
- How long do you have to advertise?
- How long will it take to onboard someone?
- Who will manage the process?
Get Professional Immigration Advice
Employers who take responsibility for the safe and successful integration of their migrant workers seriously are likely to see their teams flourish.
The transition period between countries can be stressful for both your employees and their families – but when done well, you are gaining a loyal employee who is determined to make the best out of this move for themselves and your business. Everyone wins!
Malcolm Pacific Immigration can help smooth over both the accreditation process, as well as supporting your potential employees through the visa process. Our licensed immigration advisers are experts in NZ immigration!
Get in touch with us today.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our employer team is on standby, ready to help.
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Latest Updates
Our team keep ahead of all the latest immigration developments and post updates regularly. Stay up to date by signing up to our newsletter and get these updates directly to your inbox.
Migrant Worker Residence
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for migrant workers who are living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave who are eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else they will miss out on this one off opportunity.
Skilled Migrants Opportunity
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else you miss the boat.
New Employer Accreditation Process
The government has moved the introduction of the new employer accreditation process across to mid-2022. At the same time, the Minister of Immigration announced new work visa rules for migrant workers who are already in New Zealand and working full time.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has increased the median wage to $27 per hour from 19 July. Any Skilled Migrant residence application lodged after this date will need to include a skilled job offer that pays at least $27 per hour. For some lower-skilled occupations, the minimum pay rate increases to $40.50 per hour.
Work Visa Rules
From 19 July 2021
- The median wage used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications increases from $25.50 per hour to $27 per hour.
- Applicants paid below the median wage may be granted a work visa for up to 24 months. The usual 6-month visa validity restriction is suspended until mid-2022.
- In certain cases, the labour market test is waived and in some cases, it will still apply.
Work Visa Rules
From 30 June 2021
- Employer Accreditation and Approval in Principle applications are now closed.
- No new Employer Accreditation applications (including renewals) will be accepted until the new process goes live in mid-2022.
Employer Accreditation Becomes Mandatory
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited. Those that are accredited will have to roll into the new system when it goes live in late September.
Work Visa Rules
From mid-2020 (delayed)
- Government to negotiate and introduce Industry Sector agreements setting minimum conditions for industries that heavily rely on overseas workers. Sectors include; residential care, meat processing, dairy, forestry, road freight transport, tourism, and hospitality. Construction, horticulture, and viticulture may also be included.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Skilled occupation "Dairy Cattle Farmer" spilt into three occupations. New occupations are: "Dairy Farm Manager", "Assistant Dairy Farm Manager" and "Dairy Herd Manager". Each sit at different skill levels, therefore, the award of points will depend on pay rates, job tasks and other requirements.
Work Visa Rules
From 15 February 2021
- Dairy Cattle Farmer job offers are now assessed by three new occupation descriptions: Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager. Pay rates and job tasks will determine how long a work visa is valid. Take advice.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool for six months (to be reviewed in April 2021). Invitations to Apply for Residence remain suspended. The last selection from the Skilled Migrant pool took place on 18/03/2020.
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2020
- Introduction of "Oversupply" and "Undersupply" occupation lists used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications when a job offer pays less than the median wage.
- Employers offering jobs to migrant workers where an occupation is on the "Oversupply" list will not get Skill Match reports issued by Work & Income. Solid evidence of genuine attempts to find a local to fill the job will be critical for approval.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government added four new occupations that are now regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. These are:
Aged or disabled carer, Bicycle mechanic, Driller and Nursing Support worker.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 July 2020
- Essential Skills work visa applications are now assessed based on the current median wage (NZD $25.50 or more per hour.).
- Job offers paying below the median wage require employers to pass the labour market test* and secure a Skills Match Reports from WINZ (work visas granted for a maximum of 6 months).
Skilled Migrant Changes
Anyone invited by Immigration NZ to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category where their invitation is dated between 1 November 2019 and 15 April 2020 (inclusive) has now been granted an additional six months to lodge their residence application.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 May 2020
- Regional Skill Shortage List goes live. 15 regions around New Zealand list occupations reflecting local skill shortages in each region. The labour market test is not mandatory provided the job offer matches the occupation and region plus the visa applicant has qualifications and/or work experience set out on the list.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool. This means Invitations to Apply for Residence are also suspended. Malcolm Pacific Immigration does not anticipate selections to resume until after the general election held on 17 October 2020.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Immigration NZ is now prioritising Skilled Migrant Residence applications where the main (principal) applicant meets the criteria:
- Has employment paying double the median wage which is currently NZD $51 per hour OR NZD $106,800 per annum; OR Has New Zealand occupational registration and is required to hold valid registration to lawfully carry out their job.
Work Visa Rules
From 24 February 2020
- Wage or salary thresholds increase for Essential Skills Work Visas applications lodged on or after 24/02/2020 (labour market tested; read more here).
- Higher Skilled employment increases to $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per annum*)
- Mid Skilled Employment increases to $21.68 or more per hour ($45,094 per annum*)
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2019
- Base salary to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa (WTR) supported by an accredited employer increases from $55,000 per annum to $79,560 per annum (or $38.25 per hour).
- Pay rates for WTR visas are now reviewed annually.
- Work visa applicants paid less than $79,560 per annum by accredited employers need to apply under other work visa categories.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government recently added more occupations that are now to be regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. In order to qualify for points, the job must be paying at least the current median wage (or higher for certain occupations) at the time the residence application is lodged.
Work Visa Rules
From 1 November 2021
- Work to Residence Visa (Accredited Employer and Long Term Skill Shortage) applications close.
- Applications lodged on or before 31 October 2021 will be processed under current visa settings.
Mandatory Vaccination Required for Travel
From 1 November 2021 anyone who is not a NZ citizen must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt) before travelling to New Zealand. Fully vaccinated means your last dose of vaccine was given at least 14 days before travelling and it was an approved vaccine.
Employer Accreditation
Applications for employer accreditation closed at the end of June 2021. Applications lodged before the closure date are still being processed. New applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022. The process will be quite different to what employers have experienced in the past. Businesses will need to meet minimum standards.
2021 Resident Visa
Wednesday, 1 December is fast approaching and it is estimated that around 16,000 individuals and families can apply in the first wave for the 2021 Resident Visa opening next month. It is exciting for the thousands of people who have been waiting patiently to become residents that finally the finish line is in sight.
2021 Resident Visa
The first wave of applicants can apply from 1 December 2021. Around 16,000 applications are expected in this first wave. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. In total, the government expects approximately 110,000 applications that will include about 165,000 people.
2021 Resident Visa
The second group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 March 2022 are those who hold an eligible work visa and either meet "Settled", "Skilled" or "Scarce" as set out above. In total Immigration NZ estimate around 110,000 people will qualify to apply for this visa.
2021 Resident Visa
The first group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 December 2021 are those that on 29/09/2021:
- Had lodged a residence application under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Residence from Work category; OR Had lodged an SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SMC pool that included at least one dependent child aged 17 or above.
2021 Resident Visa
Is this the only requirement to qualify for residence? No. In addition to the eligible work visa criteria workers also need to be regarded as one of the following:
- Settled.
- Skilled.
- Scarce.
2021 Resident Visa
People who were lawfully in NZ (or in Australia when the travel bubble closed between April and July 2021) on 29/09/2021 need to meet the visa eligibility criteria:
- Workers in NZ who held an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and on the day they apply for residence; OR Applied for an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and the work visa application is subsequently approved and still hold an eligible work visa on the day they apply for residence.
2021 Resident Visa
The government has introduced a limited pathway to residence for people who are already living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave of people eligible to apply. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa is 31 July 2022.
Critical Purpose Visitor Visas
A small number of critical health workers (taking up jobs for six months or longer) or specialist workers (taking up jobs that are for longer than six months) who were granted border exemptions may also have eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa. They will need to have arrived in NZ and lodge a 2021 Resident Visa application.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- July 4. Applications open for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- July 31. Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa close.
- August. Skilled Migrant Residence category scheduled to reopen.
- August. A new pathway to residence for people earning 200% or more of the median wage.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- February 13. Fully vaccinated Kiwis plus certain other travellers entering NZ from the rest of the world* can skip MIQ.
- April 30. The border starts a phased reopen to fully vaccinated foreign nationals.
- April 30. The Productivity Commission reports back to the government on immigration settings.
- May 9. Applications open for mandatory Employer Accreditation.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Work Visa Categories Closing
The work visa categories set to close are:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa – approval in principle
- Work to Residence (Talent – Accredited Employer)
- Work to Residence (Long Term Skills Shortage)
- Silver Fern Job Search Work Visa (closed October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa.
The Green List
In order to address labour shortages in New Zealand's crucial industries the NZ government has implemented a "Green List" of sought-after high-skill occupations. This list offers a prioritised pathway to residency.
There are qualification and/or occupational registration requirements to meet. Occupations are broken down into two tiers:
- Tier 1 - direct pathway to residence
- Tier 2 - requires a period of two years or longer before applying
The recent additions in May 2023 across many sectors can be found here