Employer Accreditation – pain points

There is a level of frustration at the current processing delays across the three gateways of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Help is on the way as the Minister of Immigration, Erica Stanford, reviews the next phase of changes to AEWV in an effort to cut down on red tape. We expect improvements to roll out in or around Q1 of 2025.

In the meantime, there are some things your business can do to make the process easier and faster.

• Applications across all gateways need to be right the first time. Don't miss submitting key documents. If you do there is the risk of the application falling into the go-slow queue or being declined.

• Immigration NZ is prioritising certain applications. Job offers (and the visa applicant) that meet all the requirements on the Green List will be looked at first.

• Job checks in most cases require proof of advertising to be included in the application. The job advert needs to include all the information set by Immigration NZ (usually quite different to a normal job advert). Getting the job advert right is key if you want to employ or retain a migrant worker. If certain information is missing in the advert the job check application may be declined which means starting the process all over again (and paying another govt fee)

• Don’t let your accreditation expire if you still employ migrant workers. An AEWV application may be declined if an employer’s accreditation has expired. This means when a migrant worker applies for a new AEWV, or work visa extension and accreditation expires (or has expired) before the AEWV is decided there is a risk of decline. The same applies to Job Checks.

• Restructuring? If you employ migrant workers and they are affected by restructuring (job loss or new role) take advice early. There are immigration procedures that need to be followed which are outside the normal HR process.

• Engage with Work and Income. If you are an employer of migrant workers, particularly in lower-skilled roles it pays to be in regular contact with Work and Income. When it's time to apply for Job Checks Immigration NZ will expect to see your business has been actively engaging with Work and Income.  

• Selling or buying a business that is already accredited and employs migrant workers or intends to employ migrant workers should take advice. The new entity/owner does not automatically keep the accreditation of the business that was purchased and migrant workers will need changes to work visas.

• Employers now face instant infringements and/or being placed on a public register if there are breaches of the accreditation scheme or employ a person who does not have the right visa. As of 23 September 2024, 496 employers have had accreditation revoked and another 138 had accreditation suspended.

Avoid stress, extra costs and compliance drama that may affect your business and growth. Get in touch today with our dedicated team of employer specialists.