Immigration New Zealand’s new Employer Accreditation scheme opens in a few days. The scheme is designed to combat migrant exploitation, reduce employers’ reliance on lower-skilled migrants and make it easier for employers to fill genuine skill gaps.

• Step 1: Employer Accreditation – From 23 May employers will be able to apply for accreditation. Employers must be a genuine and viable business and comply with immigration, employment and business regulations. Only employers who hold accreditation will be able to support an Accredited Employer work visa.
• Step 2: Job check – From 20 June employers will be able to apply for a job check. Employers will need to demonstrate that there are no New Zealanders available to fill the vacancy they have. All jobs must be paid at the median wage of $27.76/hour or above, unless there is an exemption in place.
• Step 3: Accredited Employer work visa – From 4 July migrants will be able to apply for a work visa. The visa must be supported by an Accredited Employer and the employer must have an approved job check.

We have packages in place to support employers through the first two steps of the process. We are also able to provide assistance to migrants with obtaining an Accredited Employer work visa. If you require any help to navigate the changes, get in touch today!