Help to become an accredited employer in New Zealand

As part of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa process, employers in New Zealand who want to employ migrant workers are required to be accredited and complete a job check before offering a job. 

Employer accreditation

To become an accredited employer in New Zealand, you must apply for accreditation with INZ. Depending on the size and what your business does, there are different types of accreditations. The most common categories include: 

• Standard Employment Permit – For up to 5 migrant employees
• High Volume Employment Permits– Designed mostly towards larger companies that have between 6 or more migrant employees.

What is an accredited employer? 

An accredited employer meets financial viability requirements and has enough capital to remain in business. They also need a plan for how they’ll employ their staff and show compliance with New Zealand employment law.

Contact IDESI LEGAL if you want help with accreditation for your business. If you’re not sure how to become an accredited employer, we can help with all the legal processes.

Job check

In order for migrant staff to qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you need to complete a job check with INZ. 

To pass a job check, you must

• be an accredited employer 
• have a valid job offer 
• advertise the role (unless it is on the Green List or Highly Paid exceptions apply)
• have a valid ANZSCO code. 

When advertising roles, the job will need to be advertised for a minimum of 2 weeks on a recognised national employment website. The wording of the advertisement must not deter New Zealanders. It is important to get it right when advertising new roles. 

Once a job check is approved by INZ a token is given to the employer which their employee can use to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Accreditation to employ NZ migrants is not automatic

For both the employer accreditation and job check, you need to get it right. 

To become an accredited employer in New Zealand, you need to agree to comply with New Zealand employment law and show you are financially viable. 

Immigration New Zealand may decline a job check if:

• they do not think the job offer is valid 
• the job advertising was not done correctly 
• INZ decides there are suitable New Zealanders available to fill the role. 

If Immigration New Zealand does not approve a job check, an employer can request a reconsideration from Immigration New Zealand. Please contact IDESI LEGAL if you need assistance.