FAQs - Upcoming Employer Accreditation Changes

Update as of 7 April 2022

• INZ released further updates on the fee and estimated processing timeframes for the 3 steps to hiring a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Find out here!

Update as of 22 March 2022:

• INZ released further updates on the accreditation and job check steps. Please see them here.

Update as of 22 October 2021:

• INZ has deferred the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) policy from 1 November 2021 to 4 July 2022.
• INZ has also deferred the new Employer Accreditation system from 1 November 2021 to 04 July 2022. 
• Applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022.

Recently the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment (NZAMI) conducted a webinar with Immigration managers on the upcoming Employer Accreditation changes and how this would impact employers.

There were many questions asked during the session - some answered, some not. However, further clarification is now received. These clarifications, together with the questions that were sourced from our various online and in-person events are summarised here for you.  NZAMI is to be thanked for sharing this information with its members.

What happens to currently accredited employers, come 1^st November?

Currently accredited employers will need to apply and meet the policy requirements of the new employer accreditation system, if they want to hire migrants on the new AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa)  

Why do current accredited employers need to reapply under the new scheme? 

Because the policy settings are different for the new scheme. Employers accredited under the current system will need to apply and meet the policy requirements of the new accreditation system.

When does INZ start accepting applications for the new accreditation?

The applications open in INZ's online portal from late September 2021. The scheme becomes mandatory for employers wanting to support migrants on a work visa from 1^st November 2021.

What happens to employers who have an accreditation application already lodged with INZ? 

If you submit a fresh application now before 30^th June (cut-off date for applying under the current accreditation scheme), the employer accreditation team will contact you asking if you want to withdraw for a full refund (if no work has commenced on the application) due to the pending changes. Applications that have already been submitted can be withdrawn if an employer decides that they no longer want or need accreditation under the existing policy. However if employers want to support talent work visas before 31^st October 2021, they should not withdraw and proceed with the application submitted.

What happens to employees of currently accredited employers that may choose not to renew their accreditation?

The existing settings allow a residence visa to be granted to a Talent work visa holder even if their employer did not renew their accreditation. A Talent visa holder’s pathway to residence won’t be jeopardised by the employer not renewing their accreditation. Work to Residence visa holders can apply under Residence from Work instruction for residence from work after 31^st October.

When are further details about the new employer accreditation scheme expected?

Further announcements can be expected by end of June/ early July.

What are the Immigration fees for the two new schemes?

The application fees for the new schemes - standard and high volume accreditations are still being worked through and are awaited.

What date in September will the system open to accept applications?

The specific date has not been announced yet but INZ has advised that the online portal would start accepting applications by late September.

What happens if an employer wants to move from being accredited under Standard scheme to High Volume scheme? 

This detail has not been shared by INZ yet.

The new mandatory employer accreditation and associated changes to temporary work visas, is a rapidly evolving change and many further announcements are expected over the next few months. We will be conducting seminars and webinars from time to time to ensure that employers, HR managers and recruiters have access to correct and timely information.

Questions about the new employer accreditation system?
Contact us for a complimentary consultation.