How to apply for AEWV employer accreditation
With record lows in unemployment in New Zealand, the labour shortages our NZ employers are facing may stunt their business growth. Becoming an accredited employer and hiring from overseas is a necessity for many in 2023.
For those of you taking this step, we have compiled an article on how you can become an accredited employer with less stress. We have also included information about our employer services to help smooth your hiring process so get in touch if you have any other questions.
What is an Accredited Employer NZ?
Organisations that are hoping to employ migrant workers can apply to become Accredited Employers. Their business practices, as well as their stability, are evaluated, and those who are successful are considered low-risk sponsors of migrant workers by Immigration New Zealand.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration offers assistance for employers, including information on how to employ migrants, the available visa options to bring them to New Zealand, and supporting your new employees with settling when they arrive. This service reduces the time and effort that is needed to find the right employees
Get in touch with us today to make it easier for you to employ a migrant workforce.
What Does it Mean to be an Accredited Company?
The Government is prioritising job security for New Zealanders and aims to provide them with employment opportunities in their own country instead of seeking higher wages abroad. For employers who need to employ overseas workers, the scheme ensures that they are ethical employers who will treat their migrant workers with care and not take advantage of them.
A NZ median wage must be paid or exceeded to these migrants unless they are on an exemption list. This is to ensure that migrants have adequate financial resources to live in New Zealand.
The employees can then enter the country on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for up to 3 years.
The AEWV Process
Before an employer can hire a migrant worker, there are three checks involved in the new accreditation process:
- Employer Check: The process of becoming an accredited employer
- Job Check: To ensure that there are no local Kiwis available for the job
- Migrant Worker Check: The Visa application.
Employer Accreditation Made Easy.
At Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we simplify the accreditation process and help employers speed up the hiring process.
We support your hiring managers to become accredited as well as your migrant employees with their application. We ensure a streamlined service from start to finish.
Our employer services team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to learn more.
When Should Employers Apply for Accreditation?
Before starting the formal hiring process of workers applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must complete the accredited application and pass the Job Check criteria.
An application from compliant employers is estimated to take ten working days to process for Standard and High-Volume Accreditation.
Accreditation is available on 4 different levels:
- Standard Accreditation: For standard businesses that hire up to five migrants.
- High-Volume Accreditation: For standard businesses that hire six or more migrants.
- Franchisee Accreditation: For businesses that are part of a franchise, with no limit on the number of migrants hired.
- Controlling Third Party Accreditation: For businesses that place migrants with third parties while being the named direct employer in the employment agreement, with no limit on the number of migrants hired.
A fee will be charged based on the type of accreditation required.
A Guide on Each Step of Accreditation
Below is a guide on each of the criteria that Immigration NZ assesses when you are hiring migrant workers.
The Employer Check - Becoming an Accredited Employer
To employ one or multiple migrant workers, accreditation is the first step. This new accreditation system requires all employers to apply, even if previously accredited under the old system.
To be eligible for accreditation, employers must meet the regulations set by Immigration New Zealand, including:
- Compliance with immigration law, employment and business standards in New Zealand
- Stable financial position
- High-standard human resource policies
- Commitment to hiring New Zealanders
- No history of regulatory non-compliance
- Payment of recruitment-related fees for both local and overseas hires
- Provision of settlement support and services to migrant employees.
This is a crucial stage within your application to get right. Malcolm Pacific Immigration can help ensure you provide clear evidence of each part of Immigration NZ’s criteria and help your hiring managers become accredited quickly.
Talk to us today about the employer services we provide and how we can help streamline your overseas hiring process.
Can I Fail to Become an Accredited Employer?
Immigration NZ evaluates each application through various criteria; if an employer does not meet the standards set out, they may find their application unsuccessful.
Before an application is declined, Immigration NZ allows an employer a further 14 days to provide further commentary on the factors that may be adversely affecting their application.
In some cases, INZ may provide a waiver based on this evidence. If unsuccessful, the employer can reapply once they have met the employer accreditation requirements.
Employers who are found to breach the Accredited Employer standards after gaining their accreditation could face fines or a suspension. Learn more about the specific criteria by reading on.
The Importance of the Job Check for the Accreditation Process
The importance the Government places on prioritising employment and training for New Zealanders first is evident in the second stage of the AEWV process - the Job Check.
Before applying for a Job Check, it may be necessary to advertise a job opportunity to assess if any suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the position.
The job must be listed on a national website or channel where suitable Kiwis are likely to apply for a minimum of 2 weeks and meet other advertising requirements. The advertising process must be completed within 90 days before submitting the application.
Exceptions to providing this type of evidence are made for job positions that pay at least twice the median wage or belong to an occupation on New Zealand Green List.
New Zealand employers can only hire migrant workers if they pass the job check.
What Do I Need to Provide in a Job Check Application
- The job description
- Evidence & the results of the job advertisement
- An employment agreement
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Job Check?
It can take up to 10 days to process and is valid for six months. It is valid for more than one potential employee applying for the same job role.
How Can I Fail to Meet the Job Check Criteria?
According to a report by Immigration New Zealand, these are the frequent reasons why New Zealand employers fail to meet the labour market job test:
• No evidence of advertising or training New Zealanders
• Job advertisement of more than three months ago or insufficient duration
• Job advertisement that discourages New Zealanders from applying
By not providing critical information such as proof of genuine efforts to recruit New Zealanders will result in a declined application.
The Final Step: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) New Zealand
The final stage of the process is the migrant worker check. This is when the prospective overseas employee applies for a visa.
To be granted the visa, the migrant worker must meet the character, identity, and health requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
Additionally, they must possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the position, as verified by the employer during the job check process. If applicable, the migrant worker's family members may also apply for visas simultaneously.
We support both employers and potential employees through this process and help streamline their applications.
How Long Does it Take to Have an AEWV Approved?
The visa application can take up to 20 days to process. Ensuring that all the documentation is correctly supplied at the time of application helps to reduce processing time.
Streamlining the Accredited Employer Process for Everyone
Employers using our service know the benefits of using our immigration services to monitor your hiring process. To start, our employer accreditation team will upload your business and its hiring managers, and help them with their accreditation process. We have an online application that guides you through the necessary documentation and helps provide you with evidence to support your application.
As new migrant workers are hired, they can be assigned the required training to help support their application. The training provides your new employees with a clear understanding of living and working in NZ and is part of your accredited employer's responsibilities.
The migrant workers then have a one-month timeframe from their start date to complete the assigned training. Their progress can be monitored through the employer portal.
Finally, once the migrant workers have completed their training, they will receive a report in PDF format, which satisfies INZ's documentation requirements.
Looking To Hire Migrant Workers with AEWV?
Want to know more about requirements? Let Malcolm Pacific Immigration help simplify the process for you.
Our employer services and online application tool have been created to streamline the process of becoming an accredited employer.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and our licensed immigration advisers will guide you through the process, taking the stress out of the process and allowing you to focus on your business.
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