Hiring Foreign Workers in New Zealand

If you're a New Zealand employer facing skill shortages and considering hiring skilled overseas workers, you're likely already aware of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). While this new system streamlines the process in theory, the reality is that it can be complex, time-consuming, and fraught with risk if not managed correctly.

At Intergate Emigration, our licensed Immigration Advisers assist employers in navigating the AEWV system, helping to avoid costly mistakes and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

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Understanding the AEWV System

The Accredited Employer Work Visa system in New Zealand has three key stages:

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1. Employer Accreditation

Before hiring a migrant worker, your business must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This process involves demonstrating:

• Financial viability and compliance with immigration and employment laws
• A commitment to training and hiring New Zealanders first
• The ability to support migrant workers through settlement in New Zealand

There are different types of accreditation depending on your business size and employment practices. Selecting the wrong type of accreditation is a common and costly mistake.

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2. Job Check

Once accredited, you must apply for a Job Check. This step assesses the specific role you're offering to ensure:

• It meets New Zealand labour market standards
• It pays market-rate wages
• It has undergone adequate labour market testing, unless it's on an exemption list

If the job doesn’t meet the specified criteria or if documentation is incomplete, the application can be declined—delaying your ability to recruit and costing your business valuable time.

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3. Visa Application (by the Migrant Worker)

Only after the Job Check is approved can the migrant worker apply for the AEWV for New Zealand. Errors made during the employer stages can cause visa delays or rejections at this point, even if the migrant is highly qualified.

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Why It’s Risky to Do It Alone

Many employers underestimate the strict requirements and complex documentation involved. Common pitfalls include:

• Applying for the wrong type of employer accreditation
• Failing to provide proper evidence for labour market testing
• Using employment agreements that don’t meet INZ standards
• Underestimating timeframes and application processing periods
• Inadvertent non-compliance with immigration or employment laws.

A declined application—whether at accreditation, job check, or visa stage—can result in lost recruitment opportunities, financial losses, and delays in project timelines.

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The Value of Using a Licensed Immigration Adviser

As licensed Immigration Advisers, Intergate Emigration ensures your applications are fully compliant, accurately completed, and professionally submitted.

We:

• Advise on the correct accreditation type for your business
• Help draft compliant employment documentation
• Assist in labour market testing and evidence collation
• Liaise directly with INZ on your behalf
• Support you through every stage of the AEWV process

Hiring overseas workers is a strategic investment. Getting it wrong can be expensive. Let us help you get it right the first time.