Employer Accreditation in New Zealand

What is Employer Accreditation?

Employer Accreditation is a mandatory process for New Zealand businesses seeking to hire migrant workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This accreditation ensures that employers meet employment, business, and immigration compliance standards set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

To hire a non-New Zealand citizen or resident worker, an employer must complete the following steps:

1. 1. Obtain employer accreditation – The business must be approved as an accredited employer.
  2. Job Check approval – A Job Check ensures no suitable New Zealanders are available for the role.
  3. Work visa application – Once the Job Check is approved, the migrant worker can apply for a visa.

Key Requirements for Employer Accreditation

To qualify for accreditation, businesses must:

Be a viable and operating business – Employers must prove financial stability through tax records, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, or investment funding evidence.
Comply with immigration, employment, and business standards – Employers and key persons must not have prior immigration or employment law breaches.
Provide settlement support to migrant workers – Employers must help new employees integrate by providing information on housing, transport, cost of living, healthcare, and job training.
Ensure workers meet qualification and skill requirements – Employers must verify applicants’ work experience, qualifications, or relevant occupational registration.
Maintain compliance and update INZ on any business changes – Employers must notify INZ of business changes, compliance issues, or key personnel updates.

Types of Accreditation

There are two main types of employer accreditation:

Standard Accreditation – For businesses hiring up to five migrant workers on AEWVs at any one time.
High-Volume Accreditation – For businesses hiring six or more migrant workers on AEWVs.

Employers placing workers in triangular employment arrangements (e.g., labor hire) must apply for High-Volume – Triangular Employment Accreditation.

Accreditation Duration:

First-time applicants: 12 months.
Renewal (if prior accreditation has not lapsed for 12 months or more): 24 months.

How MK Law Can Help You

At MK Law, we understand that obtaining and maintaining Employer Accreditation can be complex and time-consuming. Immigration policies are constantly evolving, and non-compliance can lead to accreditation suspension or revocation, affecting your ability to hire migrant workers.

We provide expert legal advice and hands-on assistance to ensure your business meets all requirements, reducing the risk of compliance breaches and visa refusals.

🔹 Employer Accreditation Applications

We guide businesses through the entire accreditation process, including:

✔ Assessing your business eligibility and ensuring financial viability.
✔ Preparing and submitting the application with the necessary documentation.
✔ Ensuring compliance with immigration and employment laws to avoid delays or refusals.

🔹 Job Check Applications

Before hiring a migrant worker, employers must pass a Job Check to prove no New Zealanders are available for the role. We assist with:

✔ Drafting and submitting Job Check applications that meet INZ requirements.
✔ Ensuring job advertisements and offers comply with immigration rules.
✔ Resolving Job Check rejections due to minor errors or compliance issues.

🔹 Accreditation Renewals & Compliance Reviews

Accredited employers must renew their accreditation before expiry and demonstrate compliance since their previous accreditation. We help by:

✔ Reviewing your compliance history to ensure a smooth renewal process.
✔ Compiling settlement support and training records as required by INZ.
✔ Identifying and rectifying potential non-compliance issues before renewal.

🔹 Handling INZ Investigations & Compliance Issues

If your business is under investigation or facing compliance issues, we provide legal representation to protect your accreditation. Our services include:

✔ Responding to INZ compliance notices, warnings, or audits.
✔ Representing employers in case of accreditation suspension or revocation threats.
✔ Advising on corrective actions to address past breaches and restore compliance.

🔹 Legal Advice for Hiring & Managing Migrant Workers

New Zealand’s immigration laws impose strict conditions on hiring and managing migrant workers. We help employers:
✔ Draft compliant employment agreements that align with visa conditions.
✔ Understand wage and job role requirements to prevent underpayment issues.
✔ Ensure smooth visa processing for employees by guiding them through AEWV applications.

🔹 Appeals & Special Cases

If an accreditation application, Job Check, or work visa is declined, we can:
✔ Advise on reconsideration and appeal options.
✔ Prepare strong appeal submissions to challenge unfounded refusals.
✔ Assist with special immigration cases, including Section 61 visa requests for unlawfully present workers.

Why Choose MK Law?

✔ Specialists in NZ Immigration & Employment Law – We focus on providing tailored legal solutions for businesses hiring migrant workers.
✔ Proactive Compliance Support – We help you stay ahead of policy changes and avoid compliance risks.
✔ Strategic Advice for Long-Term Workforce Planning – We assist businesses in structuring sustainable recruitment strategies for skilled migrants.
✔ End-to-End Support – From initial accreditation to renewals, compliance, and legal disputes, we are with you at every step.

💡 Need Expert Help? Contact Us Today!

Let us handle the complexities of Employer Accreditation while you focus on growing your business.

🔹 Visit: www.mklaw.nz
🔹 Call: (09) 365 1110 | 021 717 909
🔹 Email: michael@mklaw.nz