Employer’s Accreditation
Heading – Introduction
If you’re considering applying for accredited employer status or hiring an overseas professional to address your organization’s skill gap, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with accreditation and the AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa). While the procedure for obtaining Accredited Employer status from Immigration New Zealand can be intricate, we are here to streamline it by guiding you through all the essential aspects. From achieving accreditation to submitting AEWV applications on behalf of your skilled workers, we will assist you at every stage of the process, ensuring a smooth journey.
First Lets’s Discuss the purpose of accreditation
The purpose of accreditation is to streamline the visa application process, fostering better coordination among the immigration, education, and welfare systems. The ultimate aim is to reduce the risk of migrant exploitation. The fundamental objective is to guarantee that businesses in New Zealand can access the necessary skills and labour force. This involves hiring temporary workers to address labor shortages while simultaneously emphasizing a commitment to recruiting and training more New Zealand residents.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) New Zealand
The Accredited Employer Work Visa enables an individual to work in New Zealand for a maximum of three years with sponsorship from an accredited employer. The employer must meet certain conditions, including demonstrating the viability of the business and a history of compliance with immigration and employment laws. Achieving accreditation status is a rewarding outcome for businesses that fulfill these criteria. Due to the high demand for these visas, obtaining them can be challenging. It is advisable to adhere to all guidelines and compliance requirements set by Immigration New Zealand for employer accreditation.
The newly introduced Accredited Employer Work Visas offer certain occupations a pathway to residence. Occupations listed on the Green List allow migrants to apply for residence immediately within that profession or after completing two years of work in New Zealand. Under the revised system, employers must demonstrate that they considered New Zealand citizens for the role before sponsoring a migrant worker. Advertising requirements include the duration of the advert, necessary qualifications, and experience. Additionally, employers must prove that they are paying migrant employees the median wage or higher for the role and possess the financial stability to support them.
Now, let’s discuss who can be accredited employer
Labour market test
New Zealand maintains a specific employment criteria, requiring potential employers to undergo a ‘labour market test’ for accreditation. Only after confirming the unavailability of qualified New Zealanders for a job, can consideration be given to hiring foreign workers. Prior to engaging migrant workers, businesses are urged to invest in the training and development of local employees. In instances where a suitable New Zealand candidate cannot be found, employers have the option to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to fill the position with migrant workers.
Why become an accredited employer
Companies seeking to hire international workers must obtain accreditation as employers. This requirement applies, for instance, when filling a skilled position with a candidate from another country.
These regulations are in place to ensure that employment opportunities are first extended to New Zealanders before businesses consider overseas candidates. The government also aims to guarantee that New Zealand businesses adhere to robust and beneficial practices in supporting migrant workers.
Advantages of Employer Accreditation
For employers, there are numerous benefits associated with obtaining accreditation. If your business frequently sponsors migrant workers for work visas, the application process becomes more streamlined through accreditation.
Being an accredited employer offers advantages such as enhanced business reputation, demonstrated through financial stability and a low risk profile for migrant workers. Furthermore, accreditation facilitates the recruitment of highly skilled employees, particularly those with talents that may be rare or absent in New Zealand.
Accreditation exempts employers from extra paperwork when candidates apply for work visas in New Zealand.
Benefits of an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for Employees
Companies offering an Accredited Employer Work Visa enable employees to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in New Zealand. Additionally, they can pursue courses for personal enrichment or vocation-related purposes for up to 3 months within any 12-month period.
Migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa can feel confident working for a financially stable and low-risk company, thanks to the employer’s accreditation. In certain situations, the AEWV can assist employees in attaining residence status or work-to-residence status within two years, depending on their pay and role.
How to become accredited employer
Now that you comprehend the concept of an accredited employer and its advantages, let’s delve into the procedure for obtaining this status. We will delineate the prerequisites for achieving accreditation.
While the benefits are substantial, the process may seem challenging. Here are the requirements for an accredited employer work visa that you should take note of:
Adhering to these guidelines facilitates the accreditation of your business as an employer. To initiate the process, contact us straight away. We will be happy to assist you.
Accreditation Levels
Businesses can apply for three distinct accreditation levels based on their size and the number of migrant employees sponsored:
To qualify for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa for your employees, it’s essential to be aware of and adhere to specific conditions. While understanding these conditions is crucial, actual compliance is the key to obtaining approval.
As an employer, you must:
This is how we work