For Employers

Being able to access skills from offshore has never been more important with local unemployment levels at all time lows. There is a world of skills out there, however attracting and retaining them can be complicated, particularly when it comes to the Visa process.

The introduction of an employer-led Work Visa scheme (referred to as the Accredited Employer Work Visa) from July 2022 means that it is now even more important for employers to understand their obligations when it comes to recruiting and employing migrant workers.

The Accredited Employer scheme, requires employers to become “Accredited” with INZ through an online application process. This Accreditation requires renewal and must be maintained in order for any employer to support a new Work Visa applicant.

• Employer Accreditation - Any employer wanting to recruit overseas staff, first needs to become Accredited with Immigration New Zealand. This is an online application, consisting of several declarations and providing supporting evidence where required.

• Job Check - Once Accreditation has been secured an employer can then put forward a job check, outlining the details of the role to be filled and attempts to fill that role locally. There are some exemptions to the advertising details required for specific roles.

• Work Visa Application - Once the job check has been approved, an employer can then invite an offshore candidate to apply for their Work Visa. The applicant can then also support their partner and children with associated temporary visas.

Once you have become an Accredited employer, you need to maintain that status by providing your Work Visa candidates with various settlement and support information, maintaining their salary and working conditions and abiding by all employment legislation. Remember, the Accreditation process is a way for INZ and the Government to make sure that employers, supporting migrants are following the rules.

If you are looking to bring in skilled staff from overseas or currently employ temporary Work Visa holders, securing Accreditation should be on your “to-do” list. We can assist with the entire process from your initial Accreditation application, through to providing a step-by-step guide for any potential Visa applicants. Our initial step will be to assess your businesses eligibility, outline the overall plan and then identify (and address) any issues during the process.

To assist employers we have also developed a full service programme for both Accreditation with INZ (the Visa details) and also access to employment law experts to guide you through all of the compliance and regulatory requirements. If your HR processes need a refresh or you just want to wrap all of your onshore and offshore recruitment needs under one umbrella, visit our Workplus program.