Introduction to Changes in Employer Accreditation and Work Visas
Immigration New Zealand has announced several updates regarding the new employer accreditation and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). These changes affect how businesses qualify for accreditation and manage their workforce.
Basic Requirements for Employer Accreditation
To qualify for employer accreditation, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Genuine Operating Business: Businesses must hold a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).
- Registration with Inland Revenue (IRD): Employers must be registered with IRD.
- Financial Soundness: Businesses need to demonstrate financial stability.
For businesses operating for more than 12 months, evidence of these requirements is not needed with the initial application but may be requested later.
Regulatory Compliance and Recruitment Costs
- Regulatory Compliance: Employers must have no recent history of immigration or employment-related offenses.
- Recruitment Costs: Employers are responsible for all recruitment costs within and outside New Zealand. They must also ensure that recruitment decision-makers complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules on employment rights.
Commitment to Settlement Support
Employers must show a commitment to supporting the settlement of migrant workers by:
- Allowing time for workers to complete modules on employment rights during work hours.
- Maintaining a register of these settlement support activities throughout the duration of their accreditation.
Previous Accreditation and Transition to New System
Previous accreditation statuses do not influence the new process; all businesses must apply for new accreditation under the AEWV system. However, businesses with six months or more remaining on their existing accreditation after May 23, 2022, will have the first AEWV accreditation fee waived.
Levels of Accreditation: Standard vs. High-Volume
There are two levels of accreditation under the AEWV:
- Standard Accreditation: For businesses employing up to five migrant workers on AEWVs at any time.
- High-Volume Accreditation: For businesses employing six or more migrant workers on AEWVs at any time.
While the basic requirements for both levels are currently the same, high-volume accreditation incurs a higher fee. Additional requirements, such as evidence of training and a commitment to employing New Zealanders, may be introduced for high-volume employers in the future.
Upgrading Accreditation and Special Conditions
Employers can upgrade from standard to high-volume accreditation at any point by paying an additional fee. Further requirements apply to employers who are franchisees or who place AEWV holders with controlling third parties. There is no longer a cap on the number of AEWV holders these employers can have at one time.
