If you’re looking to recruit migrant workers, gaining employer accreditation is your essential first step.
Whether you’re hiring skilled migrants already in New Zealand or recruiting internationally, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme requires this approval.
RecruitNZ works with our People Inc partners to create a seamless experience in international recruitment, including visa applications, HR compliance, and Employer Accreditation applications. We also assist with candidate recruitment. Our goal is to make the process stress-free by acting as your single point of contact throughout.
Why accreditation matters
Accredited employers must comply with New Zealand employment laws, including offering competitive pay (at least the market rate) and ensuring fair treatment of migrant workers. RecruitNZ, along with our People Inc partners, ensures that your application meets these standards while simplifying the process.
How do you gain employer accreditation?
Gaining Employer Accreditation is an essential step if you wish to hire migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. While the process can be time-consuming and complex, our RecruitNZ team, in partnership with People Inc, has the expertise to make it simple and efficient.
The accreditation process includes:
- Providing evidence of financial sustainability and compliance with New Zealand’s employment laws.
- Demonstrating that you meet all obligations to support and fairly treat migrant workers.
- Submitting your application through Immigration New Zealand’s online platform.
Why choose professional help?
Our team ensures your application is prepared to meet every requirement, saving you time and ensuring accuracy. We streamline the process, so you can focus on your business while we handle the details.
Contact our friendly team today for expert help with your Employer Accreditation.
What are the different types of employer accreditation?
Immigration New Zealand offers three types of employer accreditation under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. The type you need depends on your business’s size, nature, and employment practices.
1. Standard Accreditation
For businesses hiring up to five migrant workers at any one time. This is suitable for smaller-scale recruitment needs.
2. High-volume Accreditation
For businesses planning to employ six or more migrant workers. High-volume accreditation requires a commitment to supporting and complying with obligations to your workforce.
3. Triangular Accreditation (also known as Controlling Third-Party)
This accreditation is for businesses that outsource workers, such as labour hire companies or franchises.
Note: Franchisee accreditation was removed in June 2024. Franchisee employers renewing or applying for initial accreditation may now apply for standard, high-volume and triangular, depending on their circumstances. Get in touch with our team to find out which may be best for your business needs
To gain and maintain accreditation, businesses must demonstrate financial sustainability, profitability, and overall viability. Immigration New Zealand also requires strict compliance with employment standards, including ensuring fair treatment of workers and paying at least the market rate for all roles.
At what stage can recruitment commence?
The recruitment process can begin at the same time as the Employer Accreditation application, allowing you to save time and streamline the hiring process.
While our partners at VisaAide handle your employer accreditation, the RecruitNZ team can start sourcing skilled candidates from overseas, ensuring you’re ready to move forward as soon as your accreditation is approved.
What happens once you have your employer accreditation?
Once you’re listed as an accredited employer, you’re authorised to recruit skilled workers from overseas. You may be required to complete a job check prior to submitting a work visa for your prospective employee.
It’s important to note that employment agreements and position descriptions must meet the requirements of both the Employment Relations Act and Immigration New Zealand’s standards. To ensure your HR documentation complies with these regulations, our partners at ConsultingHQ provide expert support, giving you confidence that your hiring processes are fully compliant.
Here’s an overview of the international recruitment process
The People Inc group works together to provide you with a seamless service:
Our values: 100% ethical recruitment & HR practices
At RecruitNZ and People Inc, we are committed to ensuring ethical processes are followed when recruiting skilled migrants.
Employer Accreditation is in place to ensure organisations have positive HR practices in recruiting and retaining migrants with high skills and positive work ethics. This aligns with our own values, and we only work with NZ business owners who follow 100% ethical practices in all areas of recruitment and HR management.
Meet our international recruitment and employer accreditation team
Immigration and visa advisory team
Cameron Gray
Senior Licenced NZ & Australia Immigration Adviser
Joanna Caraig
Immigration & International Recruitment Team Leader
Stephanie Feret
Licensed Immigration Adviser
Lesley Burke
Operations Co-ordinator
Xiao Ping
Administrator
Yazmin Ng
Licensed NZ Immigration Adviser
Employment agents and recruitment team
Tanya Gray
Director & HR Consultant
Gerie Rafols
Migration Recruitment Coordinator
Dylan Blick
HR and Recruitment Coordinator
HR consulting team
Vanessa Jenner
HR Consultant
Ruth Manners
HR Consultant
Pat Patterson
HR Advisor
Mark Allan
HR Advisor
Cathy Cooper
HR Assistant
“The team at RecruitNZ have been working with us to bring immigrant construction workers to NZ. They have handled the recruitment process from initial screening to interviewing to liaising with various governments. Their consultants are invaluable to our business. Their local knowledge of the Filipino employment market and government processes is instrumental to ensuring a smooth, efficient recruitment process. They know exactly what we are looking for in an employee and deliver every time.”
Katie Geck | Proclad
Do you need help with employer accreditation?
We can help you with all aspects of international recruitment – contact us for advice.