Accreditation For Employers
Mandatory employer accreditation is essential for hiring migrant workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand, which can extend up to five years.
To legally employ a migrant under an employer-assisted work visa, all employers must first gain accreditation. This is part of a comprehensive three-part assessment process conducted by Immigration New Zealand, which evaluates the employer, the labor market conditions, and the migrant worker. Without accreditation, it is not permissible for employers to hire migrants under this visa category.
Accreditation Timing
Employers currently hiring migrants who are on talent or essential skills visas are not required to seek accreditation until they plan to recruit under the new visa system or when they need to renew their existing employees’ visas after July 4, 2022. It is important to note that accreditation should be obtained prior to submitting any visa applications.
Employers are not required to seek accreditation if they are hiring migrants who are on open work rights visas, such as student visas, partnership-based work visas, working holiday visas, and post-study work visas.
For employers previously accredited under the old system, re-application is necessary due to the updated accreditation criteria, although the process may not begin from the initial stage. There are two primary levels of employer accreditation: Standard and High Volume. Employers will need to apply for the appropriate level based on their needs. Additionally, franchisees and labour hire companies face more stringent requirements under this system.
Upcoming Changes in 2024
Starting in 2024, a new policy will require all employers to obtain accreditation to hire any migrant workers, including those on open work visas like working holidaymakers and students. This upcoming requirement underscores the importance of preparing early and understanding the specific accreditation requirements to ensure compliance and maintain workforce stability.
What type of accreditation to apply for?
For businesses aiming to comply with New Zealand’s new accreditation guidelines, it’s critical to understand the different accreditation options available. The category of accreditation you choose will determine how many migrant workers you can support with visas and the effort required to meet accreditation standards.
Companies that opt for Standard Accreditation can support up to five visas annually. In contrast, those that choose High Volume Accreditation have no limit on the number of visas they can sponsor, allowing for greater flexibility in hiring migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
While the requirements for obtaining Standard and High-Volume Accreditation are currently the same, future regulations may introduce additional criteria for High Volume Accreditation. Companies needing to employ more than five migrant workers at the same time must apply for High Volume Accreditation and will be subject to a higher fee.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for employers, as it affects both strategic planning and operational capabilities when it comes to expanding their workforce with international talent.
How much does it cost?
For Standard accreditation, which allows up to 5 migrants simultaneously, the cost is NZD $740.
- For High-volume accreditation, suitable for employers hiring 6 or more migrants at one time, the fee is NZD $1220.
- An upgrade fee is required for employers shifting from standard to high-volume accreditation, costing NZD $480.
- Employers who plan to assign migrants to work under controlling third parties will face a fee of NZD $3870.
- Franchisees must pay a fee of NZD $1980.
- If an employer accreditation application is declined and a reconsideration is requested, the fee is NZD $240.
Timeframes
Standard and high-volume accreditation: 10 working days
Job Check: 10 working days
Accredited Employer Work Visa: 20 working days
Why are these changes being made?
The government’s objective with these new regulations is to prevent the exploitation of migrants by imposing stricter conditions on employers. Additionally, these policies aim to motivate employers to invest in training and developing the skills of New Zealand workers. Consequently, the revamped system is expected to offer significant advantages, enabling businesses to hire migrants primarily in areas where there are authentic skill shortages.
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