The Government is introducing a new temporary work visa called the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The Accredited Employer Work Visa will be introduced on 1 November 2021 and will replace six of the existing temporary work visa categories. The system will require 3 checks before an employer can hire a migrant worker. These are:
- Every employer needs accreditation*
- The job check
- The migrant worker check.
Employer accreditation
There are two types:
- Standard accreditation for those employers employing less than 5 work visa holders;
- High-volume Accreditation – for those employers employing over 5 work visa holders.
* employers can apply for accreditation from late September.
The Job Check
Employers will pay for this and they can only hire a migrant worker if the job check has been passed. The job check will confirm the job pays the market rate, the terms and conditions comply with New Zealand employment laws, and the employer has done a labour market test if required.
- For jobs paying below median wage, the labour market test will include lodging the vacancy with MSD.
- In cities, jobs that are on the skills shortage list and paying over the median will not need a labour market check.
- For those jobs paying over twice the median wage, no labour market check required either.
Migrant worker check
This is the last step in the new AEWV process and can be paid for by the migrant or employer. In this step, the migrant must show that they meet all visa requirements, including having the skills and experience as stipulated by the empoloyer in the employer’s job check application.
The transitioning to this new system is going to be very tricky to manage. If you require assistance, please email immigration@kpmg.co.nz for an informal discussion.
Our Immigration team is here to help
The transitioning to this new system is going to be very tricky to manage. If you require assistance, please email immigration@kpmg.co.nz for an informal discussion.
