Whether they require Employer Accreditation depends on the type of visa the migrant worker needs.

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Your client does need accreditation if:

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• They want to hire or support a migrant worker (someone who is not a New Zealand citizen or resident) on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• The candidate either does not hold a work visa or holds a restricted visa tied to another employer or job

 

Your client does not need accreditation if:

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• They do not plan to hire anyone on an AEWV

• They only hire migrants who already hold open work rights, meaning their visa allows them to work for any employer in New Zealand

 

Recruiters must ensure any migrant candidate they wish to place can meet Immigration New Zealand’s visa requirements. Even a perfect recruitment match cannot progress if the candidate cannot secure the appropriate work rights—leading to wasted time and resource for all parties.

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The AEWV Three-Step Process

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If a role requires visa support under the AEWV, the employer must complete all three stages before the migrant can begin work.

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1. Employer Check (Accreditation)

   • The employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand.

2. Job Check

   • Immigration New Zealand assesses:

     • Whether the role is genuine

     • Whether it pays at least the market rate

     • Whether advertising requirements (labour market test) were met

     • Only once the Job Check is approved can a migrant be matched to that role.

3. Migrant Check (AEWV Application)

   • The candidate submits their Accredited Employer Work Visa application, showing they meet the identity, health, character, and skill requirements for the job.