Post-Accreditation Checks Guide

Helping accredited employers stay compliant and meet their ongoing obligations

Once you receive employer accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ), your responsibilities don’t end there. Accredited employers are subject to post-accreditation checks, which are used to ensure ongoing compliance with immigration and employment law.

These checks can occur at any time and may affect your ability to continue hiring migrant workers. Understanding how they work and how to prepare can make a significant difference if your business is reviewed.

POST-ACCREDITATION CHECKS GUIDE – FAQ

These checks may be:

  • Random (spot checks)
  • Targeted (in response to complaints or concerns)
  • Scheduled (as part of monitoring or renewal)

They can take place at any point during your accreditation period.

  • Prevent migrant exploitation
  • Ensure employers remain compliant
  • Confirm workers are treated fairly and lawfully
  • Check that commitments made during accreditation are being upheld

Employment law compliance

  • Employment agreements
  • Wage and leave records
  • Time and wage compliance reports

Financial stability

  • Recent bank statements
  • IRD payment history
  • Tax compliance records

Settlement support for migrants

  • Evidence of settlement information provided
  • Resources supplied to support migrant workers

No recruitment cost recovery

  • Confirmation migrants were not charged recruitment, visa, or Job Check fees

Use of approved Job Check roles only

  • Evidence that only approved roles were offered under AEWV

Red flags that may trigger a check

Some factors that may prompt closer scrutiny include:

  • Complaints from workers
  • Negative media coverage
  • Inconsistencies in visa applications
  • Mismatches between Job Check details, job ads, and contracts
  • Failure to renew accreditation or report business changes
  • Maintain complete and accurate employment records
  • Use up-to-date and lawful employment agreements
  • Provide genuine settlement and workplace support to migrant workers
  • Notify INZ of changes such as ownership or structure
  • Offer only roles that match approved Job Checks
  • Revoke your accreditation
  • Decline Job Checks or AEWV applications
  • Prevent you from hiring migrant workers
  • Refer matters to MBIE or the Labour Inspectorate

In some cases, INZ may allow you to rectify issues within a set timeframe.

  • Keeping documentation organised and accessible
  • Training HR staff on AEWV obligations
  • Running internal compliance reviews
  • Maintaining induction and settlement checklists
FOCUS TIPRegular internal audits can help identify and resolve issues before INZ raises them.
Advisor

DISCLAIMER: This guide is general information only and does not constitute immigration advice. You should seek advice based on your personal circumstances from a New Zealand licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer. To discuss your situation, book a Discovery Call with us.

When To Get Advice

Applying for a visa looks simple, but the fine print can cause problems. If you're unsure about eligibility, worried about the risks, or want the best chance of success, it's worth talking to a licensed adviser.

At Visa Matters, we'll review your situation, highlight risks, and prepare a strong application that meets Immigration NZ standards.

 Contact our team to get help with your Post-Accreditation Checks Guide

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