How to Become an Accredited Employer

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) brought about a notable change in the visa application procedure for employers who wish to hire migrant workers.Employers must acquire accreditation to hire migrant workers under work visas linked with their business, according to the new system brought in last year. 

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Employers must obtain accreditation to advertise job openings or multiple vacancies abroad. Due to the implementation of a new accreditation system in July 2022, employers must apply for accreditation regardless of their previous status.

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To qualify for accreditation, employers must adhere to the regulations set by Immigration NZ.

What are the Criteria Should Your Company Meet for Accreditation?

Immigration New Zealand requires the following criteria to be met:

1. Sound financial position: You must demonstrate a positive cash flow and trading history and a favourable business record that reflects responsible financial practices. Immigration New Zealand will use this information to determine the sustainability of employment, including the ability to support current and future staff members you seek to employ.
2. High-standard human resource policies and recruitment processes: Having well-defined policies and processes for human resource management, including recruitment practices that align with industry standards.
3. Compliance with immigration and employment laws: Demonstrating a history of adherence to all immigration and employment laws in New Zealand. This includes employment agreements and job descriptions compliant with New Zealand employment law.
4. Health and safety: Implementing effective health and safety measures within the workplace, prioritising employee well-being.
5. Training and career progression: Showing a tangible commitment to training and upskilling New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders, ensuring their active engagement in professional development and advancement opportunities.
6. Good workplace practices: Maintaining a work environment that promotes employee fairness and equity.

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Additional Requirements for Your Accreditation Application:

You also must pay all recruitment costs for hiring in and outside New Zealand. When you hire migrants, you must prove 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.

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‍It is essential to meet these requirements to obtain accreditation for your company and showcase your commitment to best practices in employment and compliance.

What is the Information You Need to Gather Before You Apply for Accreditation?

To proceed with the accreditation process, you will need to fulfil the following requirements:

1. A valid Business IRD number.
2. New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): Your NZBN should align with the information registered in the Companies Register
3. Business Industry Classification (BIC) Code
4. Details of critical individuals in the recruitment process: You must provide the full names, passport numbers, and dates of birth of the key people within your organisation. It is crucial to obtain their consent before submitting this information.

What are the different types of accreditation?

There are several different types of accreditation based on the type of business you run. Here is how to define which accreditation you will need:

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Standard Accreditation

Employers who employ up to five migrant workers at any one time.

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High Volume Accreditation

Employers who intend to employ six or more migrant workers at any one time on Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs)

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Franchisee Accreditation

Franchise employer accreditation includes additional requirements, which include ensuring you have been operating for 12 months and supporting New Zealand employment by employing at least 15% of your team as citizens or residents of NZ.

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Controlling Third Party Accreditation

A controlling third-party accreditation is necessary for individuals or companies that hold authority over recruitment decisions for a third party. This could be recruiters, parent or umbrella companies placing migrants with another branch or company. It is essential to demonstrate that you have been in a hiring role for 12 months and have a record of hiring New Zealand workers.

What Happens if I Want to Change My Accreditation Type?

Under standard accreditation, you can simultaneously offer up to five job positions to individuals overseas and within New Zealand. However, other types of accreditation do not impose any quota limits.

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If you reach the maximum quota and require additional migrant workers, you can upgrade to high-volume accreditation.

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If you want to change your accreditation type, you must submit a new application and pay a fee.

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How Much Does it Cost to Become an Accredited Employer?

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There are upfront fees based on your accreditation type: $740 for Standard Accreditation, $1220 for High Volume employers, $1980 for franchises and $3870 for those engaging in worker placements with third parties. If you upgrade from standard to high-volume accreditation, the fee is NZD $480.

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There are also additional hidden costs in the HR and administrative time needed to establish appropriate processes within your company to meet the audit criteria.

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The task involves making sure that staff complete their assigned worker module by the given deadline and that employees have completed the module and are regularly updated on any changes. These processes will need regular management to ensure you meet the criteria.

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Accredited Employer?

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As part of the assessment process by INZ, it may be necessary to provide supporting documents upon request. It is essential to have proper documentation to show compliance with accreditation processes and criteria during the application process. Not providing them during an audit could lead to removing or suspending your accreditation status. In the event of suspected falsification, there may be potential for legal action. 

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Does Accredited Employer Status Expire?

The Accreditation status for both Standard and High-Volume Employers lasts for 12 months. Employers who hold Labour Hire Accreditation are required to renew it on an annual basis‍.

Get Professional Immigration Advice

Ensuring you have a successful application relies on accurate and honest information about your business when you apply. 

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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!

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Get in touch with us today.

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