Employer accreditation is vital for New Zealand businesses looking to hire and retain top international talent. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released new guidance to support employers and their immigration advisers with the accreditation renewal process.
Understanding this updated information will ensure your business remains compliant, competitive, and ready to take advantage of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme to hire and retain migrant workers in their business.
Renewing your employer accreditation is crucial if you want to continue hiring new workers under an AEWV or support current AEWV holders with further visa applications.
Your accreditation will automatically expire on the specified date. You may continue to employ any migrants already working for you under their existing visas, including AEWV or Partner of a Worker Work Visa holders, until those visas expire. However, to keep employing them under another AEWV or Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you must maintain valid accreditation.
Without valid accreditation, you cannot apply for a Job Check to hire new workers or support a worker in applying for an AEWV balance. Additionally, you will not be able to support a migrant worker’s application for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Work to Residence Visa, Transport Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, or Straight to Residence Visa. Any available Job Check tokens will also expire along with your accreditation.
If you do not intend to hire new migrants or support existing AEWV holders with further visa applications, renewing your accreditation may not be necessary.
INZ recommends submitting your accreditation renewal application at least six weeks before your current accreditation’s expiration date. This allows ample time to process your application without risking any interruptions in your ability to hire and support migrant workers. If your accreditation expires while your renewal is being processed, you will be granted an interim accreditation to bridge the gap. An interim accreditation is granted if you applied for a subsequent accreditation before your current one expired, your application is still under review, and you selected the appropriate type of accreditation for your business.
Selecting the appropriate type of accreditation is crucial for aligning with your business needs:
For expedited processing of your accreditation renewal, INZ advises providing all supporting documents upfront. This documentation should demonstrate:
Including this evidence in the “Optional evidence” or “Further evidence” sections of your application will help prevent delays, as INZ will not need to request additional information.
You can reach out to the Licensed Immigration Advisers at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd for assistance with employer accreditation renewal.
For franchisee employers, it is important to note that applications for franchisee accreditation will close on 16 June 2024. After this date, franchisee employers need to apply for standard, high-volume, or controlling third-party accreditation instead. If you apply before 16 June 2024 and your application is pending, you will be granted an interim franchisee accreditation.
Employer accreditation renewal is a critical process for maintaining your ability to hire and support migrant workers under the AEWV program. By following Immigration New Zealand’s updated guidance, you can ensure a smooth renewal process and continue to benefit from the diverse talent pool that international employees offer.
Stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and act promptly to renew your accreditation. For detailed information and to start your application process, send us an mail on contact@nzimmigration.info
Stay ahead in the industry—renew your employer accreditation today and secure your workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.