Hiring Migrant Workers: What the New AEWV Means for You

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) that replaces and consolidates six temporary work visas.

Employers must now apply for accreditation to hire migrants under the AEWV pathways by showing they are a good employer who will:

• Run a viable, genuine business which meets certain financial criteria

• Comply with New Zealand employment and immigration law

• Commit to pay all recruitment fees, and

• Assist the migrant with settling in New Zealand.

Once accredited, you (as the employer) can apply to INZ for ‘job checks’ and, in doing so, must provide evidence that:

• You have recently advertised the role on a national job listing website for at least two weeks to determine whether any suitable New Zealand candidates exist

• The job meets INZ’s requirements, and

• You have provided an acceptable offer and an employment agreement to the applicant.

If INZ grants the job check, the relevant role must be filled within six months, or you will have to reapply. INZ will then add the relevant migrant’s details into Immigration Online and send the AEWV applicant a unique link to apply for their visa.

If you have any questions about the AEWV or the accreditation process, please don’t hesitate to contact us or an immigration advisor.

DISCLAIMER: All the information published is true and accurate to the best of the authors knowledge. It should not be a substitute for legal advice. No liability is assumed by the authors or publisher for losses suffered by any person or organisation relying directly or indirectly on this article. Views expressed are those of individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of this firm. Articles appearing in this newsletter may be reproduced with prior approval from the editor and credit given to the source. Copyright, NZ LAW Limited, 2019. Editor: Adrienne Olsen. E-mail: adrienne@adroite.co.nz. Ph: 029 286 3650 or 04 496 5513.