New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa: Complete Guide

Key Takeaways:

• The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows temporary work in New Zealand with a job offer from an accredited employer.
• Eligibility includes good character, health, and qualifications, and no New Zealanders are available for the job offer.
• Required documents: passport, photo, police certificate, job offer, employment agreement, and evidence meeting job requirements.

Have you ever dreamed of working in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, surrounded by rolling hills, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities? With the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), your dream can become a reality. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to obtain this temporary visa. The AEWV allows you to work in New Zealand if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, and it replaces several older work visas, making the process more streamlined and accessible.

We’ll cover all the essential details, from the eligibility requirements to the necessary documents, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re curious about the specific qualifications needed or the type of job offer you must have, this guide has you covered. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help you embark on your New Zealand adventure. So let’s dive in and explore how you can take the first step towards working in one of the most picturesque and welcoming countries in the world!

How to Obtain a New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa

What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary visa allowing you to work in New Zealand. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer. This visa has taken the place of six former NZ work visas:

• Essential Skills Work Visa
• Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
• Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
• Silver Fern Job Search Visa
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

To qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa, you need to meet several criteria:

• Be of good character.
• Maintain good health.
• Meet the conditions set by your visa.
• Have a job offer from an accredited employer.
• Possess the necessary qualifications for the job.
• Not require a stand-down period outside New Zealand.
• Ensure no New Zealanders can perform the job you are offered.

What Other Visas Can You Get with an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you might also be eligible for:

• Straight to Residence Visa
• Work to Residence Visa
• Highly Paid Residence Visa
• Care Workforce Work Visa
• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa

For more detailed information on the application process and additional eligibility criteria, you can refer to the official New Zealand Immigration website.

Applying for a New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa can open up multiple opportunities. Ensure you meet all requirements and gather all necessary documentation to make your application process smooth.

What Documents Are Needed for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

Passport

To apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand, you need to provide your passport. Here are the key points:

• Upload a copy of your passport during the online application.
• Your passport should be valid for at least three months after your anticipated departure from New Zealand.
• You may be required to send your passport after applying.

Photo Requirements

You must upload a photo of your head and shoulders for your AEWV application. Important details include:

• The photo must meet New Zealand’s photo specifications.
• It should be uploaded as a JPG or JPEG file during the online application.

Police Certificate

If you are over 17 and plan to stay in New Zealand for more than two years, you must supply a police certificate. This is to prove that you are of good character. Specific requirements are:

• Certificates from your home country or any country where you hold citizenship (if applicable).

Job Offer Details

You need to have a job offer from an accredited employer to be eligible for an AEWV. The key criteria for this job offer include:

• Recency: The job offer must be current when applying.
• Work Hours: At least 30 hours per week.
• Accredited Employer: Your employer must be accredited to hire migrants and have an approved job check for your role.

The documents to submit include:

• A signed job offer.
• Employment agreement and job description detailing:
• Employer’s name, address, and phone number.
• Your name and address.
• Job title and responsibilities.
• Relevant qualifications or experience.
• Information on whether NZ registration is needed.
• Work hours and duration.
• Timeframe to take up the job offer.
• Compliance with NZ employment laws in terms of pay and work conditions.

The employment agreement should come from an employer with a history of compliance with immigration and employment law.

For detailed guidelines and further information, you can visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.

By preparing these documents carefully, you can streamline your application process for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand.

How Can You Prove You Meet Job Requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

To apply for an Accredited Employer Work visa, you need to show that you meet the specific qualifications, work experience, and other job requirements. Here are the types of evidence you can provide:

• Qualifications: Original or certified copies of your qualifications
• Recognition: Proof that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recognizes your qualification
• Work Documentation:
• Details of the work you did
• Dates of employment
• Number of hours worked per week
• Contact details of your employer(s)
• Explanation of how your work experience is relevant to the job offer in New Zealand

“For specific qualifications and experience needed, refer to the INZ view of ANZSCO.”

Do You Need Occupational Registration to Work in New Zealand?

If your occupation requires registration in New Zealand, you must provide:

• Confirmation from the proper registration body that you are eligible for registration
• A certified copy of your provisional or full NZ registration

“Check here if you need to be registered in your occupation to work in NZ.”

Can I Spend Time Outside of NZ During a Stand Down Period?

Certain sectors allow employers to hire at below the median wage but come with stand down periods where you may need to leave New Zealand before applying again. These sectors include:

• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Care Workforce
• Construction

Stand-down periods vary by sector. For roles exempt from median wage requirements, you can check the specific AEWV roles.

What Is the Process to Apply for an Accredited Employer Work NZ Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for an Accredited Employer Work visa:

1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand, including:

• Job offer letter
• Job description
• Employment agreement

1. Online Application: Complete the online application form using the link provided by Immigration New Zealand in their email.
2. Document Upload: Scan and upload the relevant documents in PDF format (max 10MB). Photos should be in JPEG format.
3. Payment: Pay the required fees using Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay during the online application process.
4. Submission: Submit the application. If you are already in NZ and your temporary visa expires, you will be issued an interim visa to stay legally in NZ.

What Are the Fees for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The application fee for the Accredited Employer Work visa is NZD $750, which includes the immigration levy. Note that these fees are non-refundable.

What Is the Processing Time for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand?

Typically, the Accredited Employer Work visa takes about 49 days to process. You’ll be notified once your application is completed.

How Long Can I Stay in New Zealand with an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

With an Accredited Employer Work visa, you can stay in New Zealand for up to three years. However, the duration depends on your salary:

• At or above the median wage: Up to three years.
• Below the median wage: Up to two years.

If you’re earning below the median wage, you may be subject to a stand-down period. This means you’ll need to leave New Zealand before applying for another Accredited Employer visa at a lower salary. When your visa expires, you have the option to apply for another type of visa or an Accredited Employer Work Visa paid at the median wage or higher.

What Are the Conditions of an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Once granted an Accredited Employer Work visa, you must adhere to specific conditions:

• Apply for entry permission.
• Present the arrival card when entering New Zealand.
• Hold multiple-entry conditions to enter and leave the country.
• Work only in the specified job, for the specific employer, and in the stipulated location.
• Study permissible for up to three months in any 12-month period.
• Leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Does the Accredited Employer Work Visa Lead to Residence?

If your job is on the Green List, you have two options:

• Fast-track to residence.
• Apply for residence after two years of employment in this role in New Zealand.

Can I Study with an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Yes, you can study for up to three years in a one-year period in New Zealand. If your employer requires additional work-related study, they must cover the costs.

Can I Support My Dependent Child’s Visa?

You can support your dependent child’s visitor or student visa if you earn at least NZD $43,322.76 annually.

What Are the Types of Accreditation for Employers?

Employers must apply for accreditation to hire workers on an Accredited Employer Work visa. There are four accreditation levels:

1. Standard Accreditation: Suitable for businesses employing up to five workers.
2. High Volume Accreditation: For businesses with six or more employees.
3. Franchise Accreditation: For franchise businesses, allowing an unlimited number of migrants.
4. Controlling Third Party Accreditation: For businesses placing migrants with third parties while being the direct employer, also allowing an unlimited number of migrants.

Criteria for Employer Accreditation

Employers must meet at least one of these financial requirements:

• No financial loss over the last two years.
• Positive cash flow each month for the last six months.
• Sufficient capital or investments for continued operations.
• A credible two-year plan ensuring business viability (revenue forecast or cash flow projection).
• Compliance with New Zealand immigration law, employment, and business standards.

Other specific conditions depending on the type of business include:

• Franchise Businesses: At least one year of trading as a franchise or one year of experience in a similar business.
• Businesses Placing Migrants with Third Parties: At least one year of experience placing staff in New Zealand; at least 15% of these staff must be New Zealand citizens or residents, with guaranteed work hours of at least 30 per week.
• Trusts, Partnerships, or Sole Traders: Requirements include not being bankrupt, the business entity holding an NZBN, and the employer named on the employment agreement being a sole trader or one or more of the trustees or partners.

For official information on immigration requirements and processes, please visit the New Zealand Immigration website.

What Are the Steps for Employers Applying for Accreditation in New Zealand?

To apply for Employer Accreditation in New Zealand, follow these steps:

• Gather Necessary Information:

• Business IRD number
• New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) matching details in the Companies Register (unless a foreign diplomatic mission)
• Business Industry Classification (BIC) Code
• Full name, passport number, and date of birth of key people (with their consent)

• Complete the Online Application:

• Create or log in to a RealMe account.
• Navigate to the ‘How to apply for AEWV employer accreditation’ page.
• Use the Immigration Online dashboard to start your application.
• Ensure all required information is provided accurately.

• Pay the Accreditation Fees:

• Job check: $610
• Standard accreditation (up to five migrants): NZD $740 (upgrade to high-volume: NZD $480)
• High-volume accreditation (six or more migrants): NZD $1220
• Franchisee accreditation: NZD $1980
• Controlling third-party accreditation: NZD $3870
• Note: If a Job Check is declined and you request a reassessment, a fee of NZD $240 applies.
• Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, China UnionPay, or POLi

• Submit the Application:

• Complete and submit the online form.
• Await a response once the application is processed.

How Should Employers Advertise Job Roles?

Employers must advertise roles to determine if any New Zealand citizens or residents are suitable for the job. However, advertising isn’t required if the job:

• Pays at least twice the NZ median wage, or
• Is listed on the Green List

When advertising, ensure the job is listed for at least two weeks on a national website or channel within 90 days before submission. The advertisement must include:

• Job description
• Minimum and maximum pay
• Location
• Minimum hours of work
• Estimated actual earnings (for jobs paid by piece, commission, or other rates/bonuses)
• Minimum skills, experience, and qualifications required
• A pay range meeting market rate, and
• Confirmation that pay is at least the NZ median wage of NZD $27.76 (unless exempt)

How Do Employers Apply for a Job Check?

After gaining accreditation, employers need to apply for a job check. This process ensures the job details meet immigration criteria and remains valid for six months or until accreditation expires.

To Apply for a Job Check:

• Job description
• Employment agreement
• Results of any required advertising

Upon Job Check approval, employers can guide migrants to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. The job’s required experience and qualifications must align with the Job Check approval.

How Can Migrants Apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?

Once an employer’s job check is approved, they need to request the migrant to apply through the Immigration Online dashboard. This process involves:

• Sending an application request to the migrant via email link
• Migrant selecting the link and accepting the request
• Migrants starting the application process

For more detailed information on the Employer Accreditation process, you can visit the Immigration New Zealand official website.

Ensuring accurate information and timely submissions will facilitate a smoother experience for both employers and prospective employees.

Based on the provided content and the title ‘New Zealand Accredited Employer Visa: Complete Guide’, here is a structured list of five official and helpful external resources. These resources are crucial for anyone interested in the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and include immigration resources, government sites, and official forms.

1. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Official Website

• Link: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
• Description: The primary source for all immigration-related information, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and updates on work visas, including the AEWV. This site provides comprehensive details about visa types, documentation, and official announcements.

2. INZ Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Information Page

• Link: Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Description: A specific section on the Immigration New Zealand website is dedicated to the Accredited Employer Work Visa. It covers detailed information about the visa, eligibility criteria, application steps, and required documents.

3. New Zealand Police – Information for Obtaining a Police Certificate

• Link: Police Certificates
• Description: Official link to obtain a New Zealand police certificate. This is necessary for visa applicants over 17 years old who plan to stay in New Zealand for more than two years, to meet the good character requirement.

4. New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

• Link: NZQA Recognized Qualifications
• Description: The New Zealand Qualifications Authority website provides information about the recognition of foreign qualifications in New Zealand. Applicants may need to prove that their qualifications are recognized by NZQA as part of the visa application process.

5. RealMe® – Secure Online Identification

• Link: RealMe® Login
• Description: A secure online identification system used for creating an account and logging into Immigration New Zealand’s online services. Applicants will need a RealMe account to submit their visa applications and check their application status online.

These resources collectively cover essential steps and requirements for obtaining a New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa, ensuring a clear and credible roadmap for prospective applicants.