Since July 4th, 2022, any employer in New Zealand who intends to hire migrant workers are required to obtain accreditation with Immigration New Zealand, as part of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaces
​6 work visas

  • Essential Skills Work Visa
  • Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
  • Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
  • Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
  • Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed 7 October 2019)
  • Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
​There are four types of employer accreditation: Standard, High-volume, Franchise, and Labour Hire. The latter two require annual renewals, while the first two require 12-month initial accreditations and 24-month subsequent renewals.
 
To hire a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa, there are three steps: employer accreditation, job check, and migrant check. The job must be paid a minimum hourly rate of NZ $27.76, with exceptions applying to certain roles in the hospitality, construction, and aged care sectors.
 
All accreditation, job check, and AEWV applications are conducted online and have specific fees. Employers accredited under the old regime are exempt from their initial accreditation fee if they applied before November 23, 2022.
 
Accredited employers have several obligations to fulfill, including providing settlement information and assistance, and completing Employment NZ learning modules. There are additional obligations for those operating labor-hire or similar businesses.

The 3-check visa application process

The system introduced 3 checks before an employer can hire a migrant worker. These checks are:
1. the employer check — employers need accreditation to pass this
2. the job check
3. the migrant worker check

1. Employer check​

The employer check will replace 3 current employer schemes:
  • approval in principle (AIP) before an employer hires workers on an Essential Skills Work Visa
  • Accreditation as a Talent Accredited Employer, and
  • Labour Hire employers' accreditation for essential skills work visas.

To pass the employer check you need accreditation in the new system. Only accredited employers can hire a migrant worker on the AEWV.
​

​2. Job check

The job check will confirm the job pays the market rate, the terms and conditions comply with our employment laws, and you have done a labour market test if you need to. 

A labour market test shows you have genuinely advertised the role to New Zealanders and there are no New Zealanders available to do the job. For jobs paying below the median wage, the labour market test includes checking with the Ministry of Social Development.

Jobs paying 200 % of the median wage do not need a labour market test. Jobs paying at, or above, the median wage in regions also do not need a labour market test. In cities, jobs that are on a skills shortage list and pay at, or above, the median wage don’t need a labour market test.

You can only hire a migrant worker if the job check is passed. Employers pay for a job check.
Current labour market test requirements continue to apply for essential skills visa applications.

Note: More information on the specific advertising requirements, jobseeker engagement and confirmation of the different region and city settings will be available in June or July 2021.

Some industries hire large numbers of migrant workers — sector agreements may be negotiated with them. Agreements will include a workforce plan and conditions on recruiting a temporary migrant worker for specific occupations in the sector.

3. ​Worker check

The migrant worker check is where the migrant worker applies for a visa.

It is the last step in the AEWV process. The migrant worker must show they meet INZ’s character, identity and health requirements, and meet the skills and experience stipulated as part of the employer’s job check application.  Migrant workers or employers pay for this check.

INZ Application Fees

The accreditation, job check and AEWV application processes are all undertaken online.

Employer accreditation:
Standard:
$740
High Volume:
$1220
Franchise:
$1980
Labour Hire:
$3870

Job check:
$610

AEWV application:
$750

​Temporary work visas not affected

The following temporary work visas will not be changed by the new visa system:
  • Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
  • Working holiday schemes
  • Post-study Work Visa
  • Fishing Crew Work Visa
  • Religious Worker Work Visa
  • Specific Purpose Work Visa
  • Partnership work visas including Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa and Partner of a Student Work Visa
  • Work visas granted for international or humanitarian reasons, such as domestic staff of diplomats, consular and official staff, and for refugee or protection status claimants.

Work in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a variety of visas that permit individuals to work and stay in the country. Take the following assessment to determine if you are eligible to start your immigration journey.

Check the recent updates to AEWV

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