New application process
The new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application process will require the employers to do the following before hiring a migrant on AEWV,
- apply for accreditation under the new system
- apply for a job check to make sure the role they want to fill cannot be done by New Zealanders, and
- request a migrant worker to apply for a visa.
The migrant will need to meet the skills and experience stipulated as part of the job check.
New system has 3 checks
The system will introduce 3 checks before an employer can hire a migrant worker. These checks are:
- the employer check — employers need accreditation to pass this
- the job check
- the migrant worker check.
Job check
For Job Check, INZ will mainly check that:
- the employer holds accreditation and continues to meet the requirement of accreditation.
- the employment is acceptable (the job pays the market rate, at least 30 hours per week, the terms and conditions comply with employment laws)
- there are no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents available to do the work specified (labour market test).
Labour market test
A labour market test shows you have genuinely advertised the role to New Zealanders and there are no New Zealanders available to do the job. For jobs paying below the median wage, the labour market test includes checking with the Ministry of Social Development.
Jobs paying 200 % of the median wage do not need a labour market test. Jobs paying at, or above, the median wage in regions also do not need a labour market test. In cities, jobs that are on a skills shortage list and pay at, or above, the median wage don’t need a labour market test.
You can only hire a migrant worker if the job check is passed. Employers pay for a job check.
Details of the advertising requirements and other elements of the labour market test will be announced by INZ soon.
