Post-Accreditation Checks

Post-Accreditation Checks in New Zealand: What Employers Need to Know

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 part of the government’s efforts to ensure ongoing compliance with immigration and employment laws. These checks can happen at any time and are crucial to maintaining your ability to hire migrant workers.

This guide explains what post-accreditation checks involve, why they matter, what documents you need to maintain, and how to prepare for a successful outcome.

What Are Post-Accreditation Checks?

Post-accreditation checks are audits or reviews conducted by INZ to ensure that employers continue to meet the conditions of their accreditation. These checks can be:

• Random (spot checks)
• Targeted (based on complaints or concerns)
• Scheduled (as part of renewal or monitoring)

They can occur at any time during your accreditation period and may impact your ability to renew accreditation or sponsor future visa applications.

Why INZ Conducts These Checks

The goals of post-accreditation monitoring include:

• Preventing migrant exploitation
• Verifying that accredited employers remain compliant
• Ensuring workers are treated fairly and lawfully
• Evaluating whether employers uphold commitments made during the accreditation process

What INZ Might Review

During a post-accreditation check, Immigration New Zealand may request evidence to verify:

1. Compliance with employment law
   –  Employment agreements
   –  Wage and leave records
   –  Time and wage compliance reports

1. Financial stability
   –  Recent bank statements
   –  IRD payment history
   –  Tax compliance

1. Settlement support for migrants
   –  Evidence that workers were given settlement information
   –  Resources provided to help migrants adjust

1. No recruitment cost recovery
   –  Confirmation that migrants were not charged for visa, recruitment, or job check fees

1. Use of approved Job Check roles only
   –  Verification that only approved positions were offered under AEWV

Red Flags That May Trigger a Check

• Complaints from workers
• Negative media coverage
• Irregularities in visa applications
• Mismatched information between Job Check, job ads, and contracts
• Failure to renew accreditation or report changes

Your Responsibilities as an Accredited Employer

To remain compliant and pass a post-accreditation check, you must:

• Maintain full and accurate employment records
• Use updated and legal employment agreements
• Provide genuine support for migrant workers
• Notify INZ of any changes, such as in business structure or ownership.
• Only offer roles that match approved job checks

What Happens If You Fail a Post-Accreditation Check?

If INZ finds non-compliance, possible consequences include:

• Revocation of accreditation
• Decline of job checks or AEWV applications
• Loss of ability to hire migrant workers
• Investigation by Labour Inspectorate or MBIE

INZ may also instruct you to rectify issues or ban you from reapplying for a period of time.

Preparing for a Post-Accreditation Check

1. Keep documentation organised – Ensure pay records, contracts, and communication with staff are easily accessible
2. Train HR staff – Your team should understand AEWV obligations and what to expect from an INZ check
3. Schedule internal reviews – Periodically audit your processes to ensure compliance
4. Provide induction support – Maintain a checklist to prove that each migrant received settlement guidance

How Visa Matters Can Help

Our team has helped many employers successfully manage post-accreditation checks. We offer:

• Pre-check audits
• Documentation reviews
• Employment agreement templates
• Strategic advice and INZ liaison

We act swiftly if your business is under scrutiny, helping you respond clearly and demonstrating your compliance (or proving to INZ that you have addressed any compliance issues).

Final Thoughts

Post-accreditation checks are not just routine audits; they’re a key part of the immigration framework. Passing them smoothly can safeguard your ability to access international talent and protect your business reputation.