compulsory employer accreditation

What is Compulsory Employer Accreditation?

Immigration Advice NZ, Work Visas New Zealand / By / 21 May 2021

In 2019, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced its intentions of introducing a compulsory employer accreditation scheme.

On 7 May, they provided more confirmed information that we are now able to share with you.

What is It?

All employers who want to employ migrants on the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will need to be accredited starting from 1 November 2021. This means that employers will need to apply for a special approval from INZ to do this.

Accreditation Types

There will be two types of accreditation:

Standard Accreditation

This type is for employers who want to employ up to 5 migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.

Criteria for standard accreditation:

  • Employers must not be on a non-compliant stand-down list; and
  • Employers must be a genuinely operating business, complying with immigration standards, and taking steps to minimize the risk of worker exploitation.

High-Volume Accreditation

This is for employers who want to have 6 or more migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.

Criteria for high-volume accreditation:

  • High-volume employers must meet all the standard requirements; and
  • Commit to improving pay and employment conditions over time.

What is The Process?

You will need a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) so that INZ can link your business information with the new platform. The system will guide you to provide all the information that INZ needs. You will then need to pay the appropriate fee. Your information for the initial application will be kept by INZ for your renewal applications.

Accreditation will be initially granted for 12 months. At renewal, franchisees and employers that want to place migrants on AEWVs with third parties (including labour hire companies) will be granted accreditation for a further 12 months, and all other employers will be granted accreditation for 24 months.

Immigration Advise in Christchurch

Our team of experienced immigration advisors in Christchurch is ready to help you navigate through the accreditation process smoothly and efficiently. 

We understand the complexities involved and are committed to providing you with the best possible support to ensure your business meets all necessary requirements. 

Let us assist you in making this transition as seamless as possible. Contact us now!