Accredited Employer Work Visa in NZ

Accredited Employer Work Visa

If you’re aiming for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand, pay attention: your future employer must be accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ (AEWV) system. This isn’t just red tape; it’s a sign that the employer plays by the rules, offering fair and legal working conditions that meet strict government criteria.

To get this accreditation, employers have to show they’re on the up-and-up with New Zealand’s employment and immigration laws. They need to demonstrate their dedication to hiring and training locals, maintaining decent working conditions, financial stability, and solid HR practices.

For you, landing a job with an accredited employer means you’re getting a job as well as a fair deal in a workplace that’s been vetted and approved by INZ. This is about making sure you’re stepping into a position that’s ethical, legal, and sustainable for foreign workers like you in New Zealand.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

New Zealand’s job market is bustling with opportunities, thanks to significant labour shortages in various sectors. This demand has led accredited employers to actively seek out skilled individuals from around the globe to bridge the employment gap.

If you possess the right skills and experience, you could be the perfect candidate for these roles, which range from technology to healthcare, and engineering to education. The AEWV is your key to entering the NZ job market.

Applying for the AEWV involves a job check by Immigration New Zealand to ensure the offer comes from an accredited employer. Offered to candidates who secure employment with an accredited employer, this visa is valid for up to five years, providing a stable and substantial period to build your career and life in New Zealand. But the opportunities don’t end there; the AEWV can be a stepping stone to a permanent resident visa, offering a long-term future in this beautiful country.

Accredited Employer

You can explore a variety of industries with an accredited employer. Whether it’s technology, healthcare, engineering, education, or other sectors facing critical labour shortages, your skills and experience can make a significant impact, especially after passing the job check process. Here’s what you can do after acquiring an accredited employer:

You can work a minimum of 30 hours per week with your Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Take advantage of short-term study (up to 3 months) opportunities in New Zealand to enhance your skills and knowledge.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you have the flexibility to consider various visa pathways, including the Straight to Residence Visa, Green List Work to Residence Visa, and options like the Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visa.
Your work experience in New Zealand under the Accredited Employer Work Visa can earn you valuable points for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, a key step if you plan to settle permanently in New Zealand.

Find an Accredited Employer

As a migrant looking to work in New Zealand, you must find a job with an accredited employer. These employers are vetted and approved by the New Zealand government, ensuring they uphold high standards in treating their employees. This matters to you because it guarantees that your job will be fair and compliant with the law.

Despite complex visa matters, when you secure a position with an accredited employer, obtaining your work visa becomes much easier. The process can often be overwhelming, but the government recognises accredited employers for their reliability, which means your visa application is likely to be processed more smoothly and quickly.

By choosing an accredited employer, you can avoid common issues like poor working conditions, unfair pay, or legal troubles that many migrants face. Accredited employers offer a safer and more supportive environment, giving you peace of mind and stability. So, it’s not just about landing a job; it’s about finding the right employer who provides a secure and lawful working experience.

Employer accreditation checklists

For job seekers, especially those aiming for the Skilled Migrant Category or any work visa under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, here are the key points to check with potential employers:

Make sure the employer is accredited under the AEWV scheme by checking the official Immigration New Zealand website or asking the employer directly for their accreditation details.
Confirm the job offer includes clear job descriptions, salary details, and employment conditions that meet New Zealand’s legal requirements. Check if the job is on the Immigration New Zealand Green List, as this could mean faster processing and more stable visa conditions.
Ask for proof that the employer complies with New Zealand’s employment laws, including fair pay, work conditions, and no history of immigration or employment law breaches.
Inquire about the employer’s HR policies, especially those related to training, development, and support for migrant workers.
Check if the employer is genuinely committed to training and employing New Zealanders, indicating a balanced and fair recruitment approach.
Ensure the employer has completed job checks for the role they are offering you, proving that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the job.

These checks are crucial in ensuring that your potential employment in New Zealand will be secure, legally compliant, and supportive of your career and well-being as a migrant worker.

Guide for Small Business Employers

If you are a small business employer in New Zealand, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process may seem complex. Still, it’s a crucial step in expanding your team with overseas talent. This guide is designed to help you understand and successfully navigate the AEWV process.

Understanding the AEWV Process

The AEWV replaces the Essential Skills work visa, streamlining the hiring of foreign workers. It involves three stages: employer accreditation, job check, and the visa application itself.

Step 1: Employer Accreditation
Before hiring overseas workers, you must become an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand. This accreditation demonstrates your commitment to fair and legal employment practices. You’ll need to show compliance with employment laws, financial stability, and a commitment to training and employing New Zealanders.
Step 2: Job Check
Once accredited, you’ll need to conduct a job check for each role you want to fill with an overseas worker. This involves proving that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the job, which may require advertising the position.
Step 3: Visa Application
After the job check application is approved by INZ, your prospective employee can apply for their AEWV. They’ll need to meet certain criteria, including a minimum hourly wage, relevant qualifications, sufficient relevant work experience, health and character.

Supporting Your Migrant Workers

As an accredited employer, it’s important to create a supportive environment for your migrant workers. This includes providing clear employment agreements, ensuring good working conditions, and helping them settle into their new community.

Maintaining Your Accreditation

Keep your accreditation up to date by adhering to immigration and employment laws and updating Immigration New Zealand with any changes to your business. Regularly review your HR practices to ensure they remain compliant.

Resources and Support

For more detailed information, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website. Additionally, consider seeking advice from New Zealand licensed immigration advisers or legal experts to ensure a smooth process.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to successfully hiring overseas talent and enriching your business with diverse skills and perspectives.

Application Checklists for Migrants

The following application checklist for migrants applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand is designed to ensure that applicants meet all the necessary criteria and provide the required documentation for a successful visa application. Here’s an overview of what the checklist might include:

A written job offer from an employer accredited under the AEWV scheme.
The job offer must include details such as position, salary, location, and terms of employment.
Evidence that the employer has completed a job check and that Immigration New Zealand has approved the role.
Minimum Salary Requirement: Proof that the job offer meets the minimum hourly wage requirement set by Immigration New Zealand for the specific occupation.
Relevant qualifications, certifications, or evidence of work experience necessary for the job.
Verification of qualifications and work experience, such as reference letters or professional registration.
Medical certificates or health assessments, if required.
Police certificates or background checks to meet character requirements, if required.
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay in New Zealand.
Passport photographs.

If applicable, evidence of English language proficiency through recognised tests or assessments ( IELTS, PTE, GRE, or TOEFL).

If you are a migrant, you should carefully review this application checklist and ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate before submitting your visa application. It’s also advisable to check the most current requirements and guidelines on the official Immigration New Zealand website or call Visa Matters to seek assistance.

FAQs

What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a type of work visa in New Zealand designed for skilled workers. It allows them to work for an accredited employer in New Zealand. Employers must first obtain accreditation from INZ to show they are genuine and can provide suitable employment that complies with New Zealand’s labour laws.

Who is eligible for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Eligibility for an AEWV is based on having a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand, meeting the skill and salary requirements for the job, and passing health and character checks. The job offered must also align with the skills and experience of the visa applicant.

What is an accredited employer?

An accredited employer is a New Zealand employer that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand after demonstrating they meet specific requirements. These include having good workplace practices, being financially stable, and committing to training and employing New Zealand citizens or residents before looking overseas.

How long is an Accredited Employer Work Visa valid for?

The validity of an AEWV can vary depending on the terms of the job offer and other factors, but typically, these visas can be issued for up to five years. After this period, the visa holder may need to apply for a renewal or a different type of visa depending on their situation.

Can I change employers while holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Yes, but you can only change to another accredited employer and must apply for a variation of conditions to your visa. This variation application is known as a Job Change application. This process involves getting a new job offer from another accredited employer and applying to Immigration New Zealand to change the employer details on your visa.