Written by For Employers previously accredited
Q: If we have been accredited under the previous system, do we have to apply for accreditation if we would like to hire migrants?
A: Yes, you must apply for accreditation.
For Employers to be newly accredited
Q: If we would like to hire migrants on work visa types, such as post-study work or working holiday visas, or migrants who do work covered by the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, do we have to get accredited?
A: No, you don’t have to get accredited.
Q: When can we apply for accreditation?
A: From 23 May 2022.
Q: If we would like to hire 1 migrant worker, which type of accreditation should we apply?
A: Go for Standard accreditation if you want up to 5 migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.
Q: If we would like to hire 6 or migrant workers, which type of accreditation should we apply?
A: Go for High-volume accreditation if you want 6 or more migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.
Q: Can we upgrade from standard to high-volume accreditation?
A: Yes, you can pay a fee NZD 480 to upgrade.
Q: We do not hold a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), are we eligible?
A: No, you must hold a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).
Q: If we are not registered as an employer with the Inland Revenue Department, are we eligible?
A: No, you must be a viable and genuinely operating business or organisation which is registered as an employer with the Inland Revenue Department.
Q: If we are the general partnership or sole trader and we are bankrupt or subject to a No Asset Procedure, are we eligible?
A: No, you must not be bankrupt or subject to a No Asset Procedure.
Q: if we are the limited partnership and the general partners are bankrupt or subject to a No Asset
Procedure, are we eligible?
A: No, your general partners must not be bankrupt or subject to a No Asset Procedure.
Q: If we do not provide information about the local community and services such as accommodation and transportation options and employee work-related matters such as specific job or industry hazards to the employees, are we eligible?
A: No, you must provide the information.
Q: If we are currently be included on a list of non-compliant employers for breaches of employment standards, are we eligible?
A: No, you must comply with specific employment, immigration and business standards and not currently be included on the list.
Q: If we are subject to a stand-down period, are we eligible?
A: No, you must not currently be subject to a stand-down period. If you have previously been subject to a stand-down period for an immigration offences or have previously been convicted for immigration offences and the penalty was a fine, the issue must have been rectified and the employer must have taken sufficient steps to prevent it from happening again.
Q: If we or our key people are banned from acting as a director or have a pattern of immigration offences in other businesses, are we eligible?
A: No, you or your key people must not be banned from acting as a director or have a pattern of immigration offences in other businesses you or your key people have been involved in.
Q: How long will it take for accreditation processing?
A: The estimated processing timeframe for standard and high-volume accreditation is 10 working days, where the employer has a standard business model, no history of non-compliance and all information necessary to make a decision has been provided with the application.
Q: How long we can be accredited?
A: When you are approved for the first time you will receive employer accreditation for 12 months. Except franchisees and employers placing migrants on AEWVs with controlling third parties, all other employers will get accreditation for 24 months when they renew, providing their previous accreditation has not lapsed for 12 months or more.
Q: How can we maintain accreditation?
A: You must still meet the accreditation requirements. INZ may do check include requesting information or doing a site visit. You must provide information requested, and provide access for site visits. If you do not, your accreditation will be revoked.
Q: What if we are under investigation or being prosecuted for breaching accreditation requirements?
A: Your accreditation can be suspended, and you won’t be able to support any job check applications.
Q: What if our accreditation expires or is revoked?
A: Any migrants already working for you can continue working for you, but you cannot hire any more migrants on AEWVs.
Q: What if we have submitted an application to renew our accreditation and it has not been processed by the time our existing accreditation expires?
A: You may be granted interim accreditation valid for 3 months or until the subsequent application has been decided, whichever occurs first.
Job Check
Q: Once we are accredited, what is the next step?
A: You can apply for a job check for each job you want to hire a migrant worker for from 20 June 2022.
Q: How many job quota can we apply?
A: If you hold standard accreditation a job quota of up to 5 will apply. Each quota space is used when a job check is approved.
Q: What if the migrant in the job has their visa expire or cancelled, or the migrant is granted a variation of conditions to work for another employer?
A: The job quota space will become available again.
Q: What are the basic requirements for job check?
A: All jobs must pay the market rate and have terms and conditions that comply with New Zealand employment laws and standards. Other job check requirements will depend on the job’s pay rate and occupation.
Q: Do we have to advertise the job to New Zealanders?
A: Except highly paid jobs (at least 200% of the median wage), all other jobs must be advertised.
Q: What is the median wage?
A: Every job must pay at least the median wage. The median wage will increase from NZD $27.00 an hour to NZD $27.76 an hour on 4 July 2022, when the Accredited Employer Work Visa opens for applications. The median wage increase will apply to job checks submitted from 20 June 2022, when applications for the job check open.
Q: What are the advertising requirements?
A: It should be for a minimum of 2 weeks, show significant terms and conditions including the minimum and maximum pay rate, the minimum guaranteed hours of work, the location of the job, the estimated actual earnings as well as minimum qualifications, work experience, skills or other specifications necessary to do the job.
Q: If we hire multiple positions for the same job, can it be included in one job check?
A: Yes, it can be included in one job check if the job details are the same and are all covered by the same advertising (where required) and proposed employment agreement.
Q: How long will it take for job check processing?
A: 10 working days.
Q: How long can Job check last?
A: An approved job check is valid for 6 months or until you no longer hold accreditation, whichever is earlier.
For Migrants who look for a work visa
Q: If I am currently living and working in New Zealand on my current visa, do I have to apply for an AEWV?
A: No, you can continue to work under the conditions of your current visa until it expires or you no longer meet the conditions of the visa.
Q: What if my current visa expires and I wish to remain in New Zealand?
A: You will have to find a job paying at or above the median wage and your employer is accredited and has an approved job check. Once they have done these things, they can send you an invitation to apply for the AEWV.
Q: Do I have to provide the employment agreement?
A: Yes, your accredited employer must provide you with a copy of the employment agreement and a copy of the signed employment offer and this agreement must comply with New Zealand labour laws and clearly show you the location, pay and working conditions for the job.
Q: What if I am currently paid below the median wage and my current visa expires?
A: Your job must be paying at or above the median wage to apply for an AEWV. As the Government is considering whether there will be any exemptions to the median wage rule and whether additional restrictions should apply for a limited number of roles, and those will be further announced. On the other hand, some migrant workers who are currently paid below the median wage may qualify for the 2021 Resident Visa if they meet the scarce or settled criteria.
Q: Can I apply for AEWV if I am self-employed?
A: AEWV holder cannot be self-employed.
Q: What are the other requirements for AEWV?
A: You will need to show health, character, and skills and experience. If you have shown skills and experience previously, or through holding occupational registration, you won’t need to provide evidence again.
Q: When can I apply for an AEWV?
A: It opens on 4 July 2022.
Q: How long will it take for AEWV processing?
A: 20 working days.
Q: Would there be a pathway to residence?
A: A pathway to residence will be introduced in the future for migrants who have held an AEWV for 2 years and are paid at least 200% of the median wage.
