As July 2024 approaches, many accredited employers in New Zealand will face the first phase of their accreditation status renewal.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) suggests employers apply for renewal six weeks before their accreditation expires. This timing makes it crucial for employers to start planning now to retain or hire overseas talent smoothly and to effectively sponsor visas for new employees.
Understanding Duration and Renewal Options
When you first receive your accreditation, it is valid for 12 months. Upon renewal, the validity period can change depending on the type:
- Standard Accreditation: Valid for 24 months
- High-Volume Accreditation: Valid for 24 months
- Franchisee or Controlling Third Party Accreditation: Valid for 12 months
- If your accreditation has expired for more than 12 months, any renewal will be valid for 12 months.
Who Needs to Renew?
Renewing your accreditation is essential if you plan to:
- Employ new workers on an AEWV
- Change your accreditation type, such as from high-volume to standard accreditation
- Support an AEWV holder applying for their AEWV balance (maximum continuous stay)
- Sponsor a migrant worker applying for a visa requiring employer accreditation, such as a Work to Residence Visa or Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
If you do not intend to employ new migrants or support current visa holders with further sponsor visa applications, renewal may not be necessary. However, your accreditation will expire automatically on the expiry date if you choose not to renew.
Consequences of Not Renewing Your Accreditation
If your accreditation expires and you do not renew:
- You can continue employing migrants already working for you under their current visas until those visas expire.
- You cannot apply for another Job Check to hire new workers or support workers applying for their AEWV balance.
- You will not be able to support migrant workers in applying for various resident visas.
- Any Job Check tokens you have will expire with your accreditation.
Compliance and Penalties
INZ can issue infringement notices to employers found to be non-compliant in areas such as:
- Employing individuals in breach of their visa conditions
- Employing people unlawfully in New Zealand
- Failing to comply with INZ’s 10-day information request
These penalties apply to all employers, regardless of accreditation status, with fines starting at $1,000 per employee and potential suspension of accreditation status.
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