New Zealand attracts skilled international workers seeking new opportunities in a stable, high-quality environment. With its strong economy, welcoming culture, and growing demand for expertise across various sectors, the country has become a top destination for professionals pursuing overseas careers.
Securing employment in New Zealand, however, involves a structured visa process. For most work visa categories, especially the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), a key requirement is receiving a job offer from an accredited employer. Accreditation confirms that an employer meets the standards set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is authorized to hire foreign talent. Without this verification, applicants may face delays, complications, or outright rejections.
To simplify this crucial step, Immigration New Zealand has introduced a new online employer check tool. This digital feature enables visa candidates to quickly verify whether a potential employer holds accredited status. It enhances transparency, reduces uncertainty, and supports applicants in making informed decisions before submitting their visa applications.
Understanding Employer Accreditation
In New Zealand, an accredited employer is a business or organization formally approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to hire workers from overseas. Accreditation confirms that the employer meets specific legal, financial, and workplace standards required to recruit international talent. It also demonstrates a commitment to fair employment practices and compliance with immigration regulations.
For individuals applying for a New Zealand work visa, employer accreditation is critical. Most notably, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requires applicants to secure a job offer from an accredited employer. Without this accreditation, the job offer is not valid for the AEWV, and the visa application cannot proceed.
The AEWV has become a central pathway for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in New Zealand. It replaced several older visa categories, consolidating the process under a streamlined system. This visa allows eligible applicants to work for accredited employers in approved roles, often leading to residency opportunities for those in high-demand occupations.
The Employer Check Tool: What It Is
The Employer Check Tool is a new online feature introduced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to support foreign nationals applying for work visas. This digital tool allows users to verify whether a New Zealand employer is officially accredited to hire international workers. It is accessible through the INZ website and offers a quick, reliable method to confirm an employer’s status before submitting a visa application.
This tool’s primary purpose is to streamline the employer verification process. It eliminates uncertainty by providing accurate, up-to-date information about an employer’s accreditation status. This reduces the risk of applicants accepting invalid job offers or submitting incomplete visa applications, contributing to a more efficient, transparent process for both applicants and employers.
This resource is particularly beneficial for individuals applying under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. It also supports those who are changing employers while holding an AEWV or reapplying for a new visa. In each case, verifying that the new or existing employer is accredited is essential for a successful application.
How the Tool Works
The Employer Check Tool is designed to be simple, intuitive, and accessible to all visa applicants. It provides a step-by-step process to confirm an employer’s accreditation status before proceeding with a visa application. Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website and navigate to the Employer Accreditation Check Tool.
- You can search for an employer in two ways:
- Enter the 13-digit business identifier if available.
- Type at least the first three characters of the employer’s name to begin the search.
The tool will display a list of accredited employers matching your search. Each entry includes the business name and NZBN, confirming that the employer is authorized to hire under the AEWV scheme.
Tool Update Frequency
The Employer Check Tool is updated daily. It reflects new accreditations, renewals, and changes to employer status. This ensures that applicants receive the most current information available when checking an employer’s eligibility.
If an Employer Isn’t Listed
If your prospective employer does not appear in the search results, it does not automatically mean they are unaccredited. In such cases:
- Contact the Employer directly to confirm their current accreditation status.
- Encourage the Employer to apply for accreditation if they intend to hire overseas workers but are not yet listed.
Work Visas Supported by This Tool
The Employer Accreditation Check Tool plays a central role in supporting applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the primary pathway for skilled foreign nationals seeking employment in New Zealand. This visa type requires a valid job offer from an accredited employer. The tool allows applicants to confirm the employer’s status before applying, ensuring compliance with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The AEWV is designed for skilled workers who have secured employment with a New Zealand employer that holds current accreditation. Without this accreditation, a job offer is not eligible under this visa category. The tool allows AEWV applicants to:
- Confirm employer accreditation before applying.
- Avoid invalid offers and visa rejections.
- Make informed decisions about job opportunities.
AEWV Job Switches and Renewals
AEWV holders who wish to change employers or renew their visa must ensure that their new or continued employer is accredited. The Employer Check Tool supports these scenarios by helping applicants verify employer status during:
- Transitions between accredited employers.
- Applications for continued employment with an accredited business.
- Renewals are tied to updated employment terms or roles.
Other Visas Benefiting from Employer Transparency
While the tool is designed primarily for AEWV applicants, it also benefits individuals applying for other work visas that require employer information. These include:
- Applicants must work for accredited employers in Tier 2 Green List roles.
- While not always requiring accreditation, transparent employer practices can support stronger applications.
- Graduates looking to transition into accredited employment can use the tool to identify eligible employers.
Other Work Visa Options in New Zealand
In addition to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), New Zealand offers several other visa pathways for skilled workers, recent graduates, and individuals undertaking specific assignments. Each visa type has its eligibility criteria and benefits, catering to different career stages and professional goals.
Straight to Residence Visa
The Straight to Residence Visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals. It is available to those who:
- Hold a job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation.
- Work for an accredited employer in New Zealand.
- Meet health, character, and English language requirements.
This visa eliminates the need for a temporary work period and allows immediate application for residency. It is designed to attract high-demand professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and ICT.
Job to Residence Visa
This visa offers a route to residency after two years of skilled work in New Zealand. It applies to individuals who:
- Work in Tier 2 Green List occupations.
- Hold a valid job offer from an accredited employer.
- Meet all necessary visa requirements.
Applicants must maintain employment with an eligible employer and role throughout the two years before submitting a residence application. This option supports New Zealand’s long-term workforce development goals.
Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is suitable for individuals undertaking a defined task or assignment in New Zealand. This may include:
- Project-based work.
- Participation in events such as sports tournaments, film production, or corporate expansions.
- Visiting academics, specialists, or businesspeople on short-term contracts.
Applicants must provide a clear outline of their purpose, duration of stay, and supporting documentation from the New Zealand-based entity they will work with.
Post-Study Work Visa
The Post-Study Work Visa supports international graduates who wish to gain relevant work experience in New Zealand after completing their studies. Key features include:
- Eligibility is for graduates of approved qualifications from recognized New Zealand institutions.
- Duration of up to three years, depending on the level of qualification and location of study.
- No requirement for a job offer at the time of application, offering flexibility to seek employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Employer Accreditation Important for Work Visa Applicants?
Employer accreditation is a key requirement for certain New Zealand work visas, especially the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Only job offers from accredited employers are valid under this visa type. Verifying accreditation helps applicants avoid delays or rejections.
What does the New Employer Check Tool do?
The tool allows applicants to verify if a New Zealand employer is currently accredited. By entering the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) or company name, users can confirm the employer’s status before accepting a job offer or submitting a visa application.
Does this Tool Apply to All Work Visa Types?
The tool is designed primarily for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. However, it indirectly benefits applicants of other visa categories, such as Straight to Residence or Job to Residence, which also require employment with accredited firms.
Conclusion
Employer accreditation plays a critical role in New Zealand’s work visa process, especially under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. It ensures that international workers are hired by legitimate, compliant businesses that meet Immigration New Zealand’s standards. For visa applicants, confirming an employer’s accreditation status is a key step in avoiding unnecessary delays and improving the chances of approval.
