Benefits of the Employer Accreditation Service
The new employer accreditation rules came into effect in July 2022. As a result, employers are now legally required to take more responsibility when hiring migrant workers. They must provide support and training on living and working in New Zealand for their migrant employees and provide supporting evidence of this process.
There are additional requirements for employers as part of the new rules.
- Employers are required to provide migrant employees with work-related settlement information.
- Hiring managers must complete Employment New Zealand's online employer modules on employment rights.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration Helps Employers with Accreditation
At Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we offer comprehensive advice, assistance and a full service that makes the employer accreditation process easier and transparent for you and your hiring managers.
As part of our Employer Services, you gain access to our online app. The app regulates the information given to both your new employees and hiring managers to ensure your company complies with the new mandatory employer accreditation requirements when hiring migrant workers.
Why Have the Rules Changed?
The Government wants to ensure New Zealanders' job security above all and ensure that Kiwis are given the opportunity to find employment in their own country rather than seek higher wages overseas.
The Government also wants to guarantee that if a company needs to look overseas, they are a 'Good' employer who will care for its migrant workers and not exploit them. Wages must be at or above the minimum wage, ensuring migrants have the necessary financial means to live in New Zealand.
How Do I Become an Accredited Employer?
Whether you're employing one or multiple migrant workers, accreditation is the first step. This new type of accreditation means employers must apply even if they have been accredited under the past system.
For an employer to qualify for accreditation, they need to comply with Immigration NZ's regulations.
Meet Immigration New Zealand Regulations
An employer gains accreditation by meeting the specific requirements set out by Immigration NZ:
- Complying with New Zealand's immigration law, employment and business standards
- Proving they are in a stable financial position
- Having human resources policies of high standards
- Showing commitment to employing New Zealanders
- No history of regulatory non-compliance
- Paying recruitment-related fees for hiring in and outside of New Zealand
- Providing migrant employees with settlement support and services
For more information and advice on these criteria and your application, talk to our Immigration advisers.
What Is the Accredited Employer Work Visa Process?
The new accreditation process introduces three checks before an employer can hire a migrant worker:
- The employer check (the process to becoming an accredited employer)
- The job check (in most cases, checking there are no kiwis to fill the job)
- The migrant worker check (the Accredited Employer Work Visa application).
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps you understand the visa process, takes away the stress and lets you focus on your company. We have an employer services team ready to help. So get in touch with us today.
The Employer Check
The purpose of employer accreditation is to ensure companies can look after their teams and hire New Zealanders before considering migrants. If a company does hire migrants, an employer check ensures the company is viable, meets employment standards, and will not exploit the employed migrants.
The Job Check
The job check ensures the employer's job offer to a migrant worker meets the market rate and medium wage for the industry, complies with employment laws, and shows evidence that the job has been advertised to New Zealanders and reasonable attempts have been made to employ kiwis.
The Migrant Worker Check
The migrant worker check is the last step after the employer has passed the test and become accredited, and passed the job check. The migrant worker must meet Immigration NZ's character, identity and health requirements. They must also meet the skills and qualifications of the employer's job check application.
Find out more about the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa here.
Employer Accreditation Benefits
Here we discuss the benefits of being an accredited employer.
Fewer Labour Market Tests
Employers still need to do a labour market test for each role but not necessarily for every individual. So if an accredited employer hires multiple people with the same role title, they are not required to do a labour market test for everyone before offering jobs.
Migrant Talent Retention
Employer accreditation helps increase retention for skilled migrants as it equips the migrants with a secure pathway to residence. Migrant workers are more likely to stay with a company that has supported them in such a big way.
Hire Multiple AEWV Holders
Employers can support work visa applications for multiple migrants during the accreditation period, as there's no limit to hiring migrants.
What Are the Benefits of Employer Accreditation Service?
Malcolm Pacific Immigration offers an employee accreditation service in line with the new mandatory requirements to help employers become accredited and assist their migrant workers in preparing for life in New Zealand.
As part of our full Employer Service, we have a purpose-built online portal that makes it easier for employers to meet the new mandatory employer accreditation requirements when hiring migrant workers. It streamlines the process and takes the weight off employers' shoulders.
Helping Employers & Hiring Managers Meet INZ Requirements
Immigration NZ requires employers to provide documentation showing they met INZ requirements. Documentation can be in the form of information given to migrants, a register signed by the AEWV holder and email records between the employer and the migrant.
Our accreditation service provides your company with an easy solution to ensure you have the documents to prove you've provided your migrant employees with relevant NZ information that fulfils accreditation requirements.
The Accredited Employer App
Our application contains the Employer Accreditation modules for employers and hiring managers and employee training to ensure your company's compliance with the requirements. The process is made easier and more transparent to you and your migrant workers. The modules are regularly updated once new requirements are added, and you are provided with clear visibility of which training modules have been passed and which modules your staff are yet to complete.
Our app enables employers to invite migrant employees to complete educational employee accreditation courses, including information to prepare them for New Zealand life and work.
It includes work-related modules about health and safety for various industries to community service modules about accommodation and transport.
Providing Settlement Support & Services For Your Migrants
Immigration NZ requires accredited employers hiring migrant workers to provide information that covers essential aspects of living and working in New Zealand, including how to find somewhere to live, get an IRD number, use public transport, and access healthcare services.
Our accredited employer app provides you with all the information you need. We cover ten core courses within the app:
- How to Get an IRD Number
- Industry Education and Training
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Accommodation
- Costs of Living
- Transport
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Driver License
- Healthcare Services
- Community Group Services
- Citizens Advice Bureau Services
Each course includes questions to confirm that the employee can comprehend the information provided.
Find more advice on how to help skilled migrants integrate into the workplace here.
Making the Accredited Employer Process Stress-Free for Everyone
Our app helps you easily track your migrants' progress.
First, our employer accreditation team uploads your company and hiring managers, and as new migrant employees are employed, they can assign specific courses to be completed.
Then, the migrant employees will have one month to complete the courses from the date they start working for you. Their progress is tracked via the employer portal.
Lastly, when migrant employees complete the app's courses, they will receive a PDF report which can be used to meet INZ's documentation requirements.
Looking To Gain Employer Accreditation?
Are you looking to hire migrant employees but scratching your head at the new mandatory requirements? At Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we can take care of the application process for you.
Our new online app is designed to make meeting the new accreditation requirements easy.
Get in touch today for a free consultation, and our expert licensed NZ immigration advisers will help take the stress off your shoulders and free you up to get on with your day job.
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