The AEWV Job Check
What Employers Need to Know
Once a business is accredited, a job check is generally the next step before hiring a migrant on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This is a general overview of what the job check involves — not personalised advice. Rules, fees and wage settings change over time; current detail is published on immigration.govt.nz, and how they apply to a specific role is assessed by a licensed adviser.
What the Job Check Covers
What the Job Check Generally Involves
Checking for Available New Zealanders
Before applying, employers generally must make genuine attempts to attract and recruit suitable and available New Zealand citizens or residents for the role.
Advertising the Role
Advertising is generally required for a minimum of 14 days for ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles and 21 days for skill level 4–5 roles. Some roles are exempt — for example those on the Green List or paying at least NZD $70.00 an hour (as at 2026, per immigration.govt.nz).
Engaging Work and Income
For roles assessed at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, employers generally also need to engage with Work and Income before applying, in addition to advertising.
Pay & Conditions
The role generally must meet the applicable wage requirement and employment-law standards. The employment agreement must include mandatory clauses and cannot contain unlawful deductions or a trial period.
Role & ANZSCO/NOL Code
The job check confirms the job title, number of positions, location, minimum requirements and the ANZSCO or National Occupation List (NOL) code that best matches the role.
Validity & Timing
A job check is generally valid for six months (or until accreditation ends). If you advertised, you generally apply within 90 days of the advertisement closing.
The Job Check Journey
From Vacancy to an Approved Job Check
- 1
Test the Local Labour Market
Check whether suitable and available New Zealanders can do the role, and prepare to advertise unless an exemption applies.
- 2
Advertise &/or Engage Work and Income
Advertise for the required period, and engage with Work and Income where the role is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5.
- 3
Apply for the Job Check
Submit the job check online with the role, pay, conditions and advertising details. Multiple positions for the same job can be combined in one application.
- 4
Hire & Support the Worker
Once approved, you can offer the role and ask the migrant to apply for their AEWV, then meet your ongoing obligations to help them settle.
Common Questions
Common Job Check Questions
Advertising is generally required so New Zealanders have first opportunity, but some roles are exempt — for example Green List roles or roles paying at least NZD $70.00 an hour (as at 2026). Whether an exemption applies is confirmed against current policy on immigration.govt.nz.
A job check is generally valid for six months, or until your accreditation ends. Current settings and fees are published by Immigration New Zealand.
The job check form generally asks you to declare your employment agreement meets employment law and includes the mandatory clauses, rather than uploading the agreement itself. The current form requirements are on immigration.govt.nz.
VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. A licensed immigration adviser can review your specific role, advertising and pay details and guide your job check.
Next Step
Plan Your Job Check
Tell us about the role you want to fill and our licensed adviser will review how the job check requirements apply to your situation.