Employer Accreditation & the AEWV
Hiring Migrant Workers, Done Right
A general overview of how New Zealand employers become accredited to hire migrant workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and what the job check involves. This is general information only — not personalised advice. Rules and fees change over time; current detail is on immigration.govt.nz, and how they apply to a specific business is assessed by a licensed adviser.
What Accreditation Involves
What Employer Accreditation Generally Involves
Choose Your Accreditation Type
Standard accreditation generally suits businesses hiring up to five migrants; high-volume is for six or more; triangular accreditation is for businesses that place migrants with controlling third parties.
Advertise & Engage Work and Income
Before a job check, employers generally need to advertise the role so New Zealanders have first opportunity, and engage with Work and Income for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles.
The Job Check
A job check confirms the role, pay and conditions meet requirements. It is generally valid for six months, and you typically apply within 90 days of your advertising closing.
Employer Obligations
Accredited employers generally must support workers to settle, must not pass on recruitment costs, and must continue to meet immigration and employment-law obligations.
Pay & Conditions
Roles generally must meet the applicable wage threshold and employment-law standards, with compliant employment agreements free of unlawful clauses.
Renewal
Initial accreditation generally lasts 12 months before it needs to be renewed, and the type can be changed as a business grows.
The Accreditation Journey
From Accreditation to a Settled Worker
- 1
Apply for Accreditation
Confirm your business meets the rules and apply online for the accreditation type that fits your hiring plans.
- 2
Advertise & Engage
Advertise the role and, where required, engage with Work and Income before applying for a job check.
- 3
Job Check
Apply for a job check confirming the role, pay and conditions meet requirements.
- 4
Support the Worker
Once approved, the migrant applies for their AEWV, and you meet your ongoing obligations to help them settle.
Common Questions
Common Questions for Employers
It depends on your accreditation type — standard is generally for up to five migrants, high-volume for six or more, and triangular has no set limit. The current rules are on immigration.govt.nz.
Initial accreditation generally lasts 12 months before renewal. Job checks are generally valid for six months. Current settings and fees are published by Immigration New Zealand.
Advertising is generally required so New Zealanders have first opportunity, with some exceptions (for example certain seasonal visas). Whether an exemption applies is confirmed against current policy.
VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. A licensed immigration adviser can review your business and guide your accreditation, job check and compliance for your situation.
Next Step
Plan Your Accreditation
Tell us about your business and hiring needs and our licensed adviser will review how AEWV accreditation and the job check apply to you.