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Employer Work Permit
The application process for the New Zealand Employer Work Visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa) can be divided into three main steps:
- Employer certification: First, the employer needs to go through the certification process of Immigration New Zealand. Only certified employers can recruit overseas workers. The purpose of certification is to ensure that employers have good recruitment and employment compliance and the ability to support overseas employees working and living in New Zealand.
- Advertise for job review: After an employer is accredited, it must advertise for the required position and conduct a market test to confirm whether a New Zealand resident or citizen can fill the position. This step ensures that employers can only hire overseas staff if there are no suitable local candidates
- Employee applies for a visa: Once the position is approved, the employee can start applying for an employer work permit. During the application process, employees are required to provide necessary personal information, proof of qualifications, and work experience relevant to the position for which they are applying. Immigration will review the application to ensure that the employee meets the visa requirements and that working in New Zealand will not adversely affect the local labor market.
Applicants need to meet the minimum skill requirements: Level 4 or above or 3 years of relevant industry work experience. If the position is ANZSCO4-5, the applicant also needs to reach IELTS 4 level.
These steps are designed to balance New Zealand’s labor market needs while providing legitimate job opportunities for overseas workers.
Immigration New Zealand’s employer certification is categorized as Standard Employer Certification (for employers employing ≤ 5 employees), High-Volume Employer Certification (for employers employing > 5 employees), and Franchise Employer Certification (for employers employing > 5 employees). Initial certification is valid for 12 months, which is then extended to 24 months until renewal is required.
Immigration New Zealand encourages all employers to obtain certification. While certification is relatively minor, it is crucial. It allows Immigration New Zealand to verify that a business is genuine and that its operators have not committed immigration or employment crimes. This helps address migrant exploitation and prevents underprivileged employers from hiring migrants, leveling the playing field for employers who do the right thing.
Grand Immigration Limited has successfully assisted hundreds of companies in obtaining employer certification, including newly registered companies and those experiencing limited cash flow. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
After receiving employer certification, the employer can undergo a job check. This requires submitting a job advertisement demonstrating that the employer has attempted to recruit New Zealand citizens or resident visa holders.
Preparing the advertisement requires attention to detail and meeting certain criteria for a successful job check. Interlink’s professional advice is recommended. The advertisement should be posted on a New Zealand job website for at least two weeks, clearly state the job requirements and benefits, and genuinely consider all New Zealand applicants.
The job check examines the terms of the employment contract, the qualifications required for the job, and its consistency with New Zealand immigration policy. Additionally, the hourly wage should match the current median wage in New Zealand. For any job check inquiries, please contact Interlink Customer Service.
