Immigration & Visa Consulting
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Understanding INZ’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Scheme
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme is a new policy introduced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in 2022 to streamline the hiring of overseas workers while ensuring fair employment conditions. This scheme replaced several older visa categories, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa and the Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa.
This AEWV visa allows employers who are accredited with INZ to hire migrant workers for approved job positions.
Key Aspects of the AEWV Scheme 3 steps to follow before hiring a migrant worker
✅ 1st Step: Employer Accreditation
Employers must first obtain accreditation from INZ, proving their financial stability, compliance with employment & immigration laws, and commitment to fair labor practices.
✅ 2nd Step: Job Check Process
Employers must demonstrate that the job cannot be filled by New Zealand citizens or residents before offering it to a migrant worker. In most cases, job advertising in the local market of New Zealand is required.
✅ 3rd Step: Applicant Eligibility Check - applying for an AEWV
Workers must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to the job, and they must meet health and character requirements. After being approved an AEWV, they can then be hired by NZ employers for the proposed positions.
Key Factors Affecting Employer Accreditation Approval
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Meeting the Eligibility Criteria
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The employer must be financially stable and have a good track record of compliance with employment and immigration laws.
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They should not have a history of employment law breaches, exploitation, or financial instability.
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Providing Supporting Documentation
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Employers must provide evidence of genuine business activity, financial stability, and a commitment to fair employment practices.
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This includes tax records, financial statements, and proof of past compliance with New Zealand labor laws.
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Demonstrating Commitment to Hiring New Zealanders
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While hiring migrants is allowed, INZ wants to see that the employer has made efforts to recruit New Zealanders first.
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This means showing evidence of job advertisements and recruitment efforts within New Zealand.
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Compliance with the New Accreditation Scheme
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As of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, employers need to meet new accreditation standards.
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There are different accreditation levels, including Standard Accreditation (for small employers) and High-Volume Accreditation (for larger businesses hiring multiple migrants).
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Employers must show they can support and train migrant workers appropriately.
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No Past Immigration Offenses or Exploitation Issues
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If an employer has a history of breaching immigration laws or exploiting workers, their application will likely be denied.
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How to Improve Accreditation Approval Chances?
Job Check Application
The Job Check application is a crucial step in Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Before hiring a migrant worker under AEWV, an employer must pass a Job Check to prove that the role cannot be filled by a New Zealander and that the job meets fair employment conditions.
Exemptions from Advertising Requirements
Certain jobs are exempt from advertising requirements, such as roles that are:
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On the Green List (highly skilled occupations in demand).
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Paying twice the median wage (high-income roles).
