Employer Accreditation Renewal in New Zealand

If you want to retain your current migrant workforce or continue hiring new staff on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must renew your employer accreditation before it expires.

Many employer accreditations granted in 2024 are now approaching expiry. If your business relies on migrant staff, reviewing your accreditation status should be treated as a priority.

Due to the volume of renewal applications currently being lodged, processing times are expected to be extended. Immigration New Zealand advises that typical processing times are around two months, but delays are likely during peak renewal periods. Waiting too long to apply creates unnecessary commercial and staffing risk.

Getting professional guidance during the renewal process can help avoid common issues that lead to delays or declines, including compliance gaps, misunderstood obligations, and missing or insufficient documents.

Why Maintaining Accreditation Matters

In the current economic environment, some businesses consider allowing their accreditation to lapse as a cost-saving exercise. This decision should be approached cautiously.

If your accreditation expires while you employ staff on AEWVs, those workers may continue working for you until their current visas expire. However, you cannot support any visa extensions, new hires, or residence pathways - including the Skilled Migrant Category - until your accreditation is reinstated.

Loss of accreditation directly affects your ability to retain skilled staff.

Migrant workers who rely on employer sponsorship may be forced to seek alternative employment to protect their immigration status. This significantly increases staff turnover risk, particularly for those working toward residence. Maintaining accreditation is therefore a critical workforce retention strategy.

Interim Accreditation and Timing Risks

If you submit your renewal application before your accreditation expires but a decision has not yet been made, Immigration New Zealand may issue a three-month interim accreditation.

However:

• Interim accreditation comes with limitations.

• If no final decision is made before the interim period ends, your business will no longer be considered accredited.

This creates a serious operational risk. For this reason, renewal applications should be prepared and submitted as early as possible.

What Immigration New Zealand Assesses at Renewal

At renewal stage, Immigration New Zealand primarily checks whether you have complied with the obligations you agreed to when first becoming accredited.

This typically includes evidence of:

• Settlement support provided to AEWV migrants

• Paid time given to workers to complete Employment New Zealand modules

• Completion of required Employment New Zealand modules by key recruitment staff

• Proof that the business is genuinely operating and financially viable

Immigration New Zealand now has expanded enforcement powers.

Accredited employers who breach their obligations can face infringement notices, fines starting from NZD $1,000, and potential suspension or cancellation of accreditation - even for seemingly minor breaches.

If there have been gaps in your compliance, it is still often possible to remedy these issues before lodging your renewal. Early action is critical.

Why Professional Support Matters

Extended processing times, increased enforcement, and the commercial impact of losing accreditation make renewal a high-risk process if handled incorrectly.

NZ Immigration Help Service (NZIHS) supports employers through every stage of the accreditation renewal process.

We provide:

• A full compliance review

• A structured document checklist

• Risk identification before submission

• End-to-end preparation of your renewal application

This approach reduces the risk of delays, declines, penalties, and workforce disruption.

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Disclaimer:

This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute individual immigration or legal advice. Specific advice should always be obtained before acting.