Since the 4th of July 2022, only accredited employers can hire a migrant worker on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). 

Businesses and regions are encouraged to train, upskill and hire New Zealand workers. Where genuine skill or labour shortages exist, accredited employers can hire skilled migrant workers using the AEWV.
 
Migrant workers play an important role in the New Zealand economy. They often take on jobs that locals are not willing to do, such as seasonal work in agriculture or construction. In order to protect the rights of migrant workers and ensure they are being treated fairly, the government has put in place a number of regulations governing the employment of migrants. One such regulation is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Only employers who have been accredited by the government can hire migrant workers through the AEWV program. Here we will take a closer look at what it takes to become an accredited employer.

What are the requirements for AEWV accreditation?

  1. A New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), unless you are a foreign diplomatic mission.
  2. Your business viability. You must show that you’ve not made a loss over the last 2 years, have a positive cashflow for each of the last six months, have a 2-year plan and enough capital or external investment for your business to remain viable.
  3. Commitment to support your employees with settlement. You need to commit to giving your migrant workers specific information about working and living in New Zealand, and community services in their local area
  4. Commitment to completing employees learning modules. You also need to commit to giving migrant workers time during paid work hours to complete all of Employment New Zealand's online employee modules. The time must be given to migrants within one month of them starting work. 
  5. Commitment to paying all recruitment costs. You must pay all recruitment costs in and outside New Zealand and not pass costs on to migrants.
  6. Additional requirements for franchisee employers: Franchisees are required to be trading or carrying out business in New Zealand, for at least 12 months prior to application. A minimum of 15% of a franchisee’s employees must be New Zealand citizens or residents and there are more rules about minimum hours and ownership.
Losing accreditation: If you breach any of the criteria for accreditation, you will lose it. Additionally, if for any reason you breach the Immigration Act 2009, you will also face a charge and stand-down period.

Immigration Trust's offer for Employer Accreditation (Selected)

Our firm offers a free service for selected firms’ accreditation with some conditions. If you are interested in this option, please fill in the form below.