New Zealand Employer Accreditation

Employer Accreditation is a program in New Zealand that allows employers to demonstrate that they are reliable, compliant, and committed to hiring and retaining skilled workers. Accreditation is granted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is based on a set of criteria that employers must meet.

The purpose of the program is to make it easier for employers to hire skilled migrants from overseas and to ensure that those migrants are being employed in ethical and lawful working conditions. Accreditation can benefit employers and skilled migrants, including streamlined visa processes, enhanced reputation, and potential cost savings.

Employer Accreditation is valid for 36 months, after which employers must apply for renewal. The program is designed to encourage employers to continually improve their employment practices and commitment to compliance with immigration and employment laws.

To obtain Employer Accreditation in New Zealand, an employer must meet criteria established by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). These criteria are designed to demonstrate that the employer is reliable, compliant, and committed to hiring and retaining skilled workers. The criteria for Employer Accreditation may include the following:

• Compliance with Employment and Immigration Laws

  Employers must have a record of compliance with all employment and immigration laws, including minimum wage requirements, health and safety regulations, and visa-related requirements.

• Commitment to Training and Upskilling Staff

  Employers must demonstrate a commitment to training and upskilling their staff and have a training plan outlining how to achieve this.

• Financial Viability and Stability

  Employers must have a financial viability and stability record and demonstrate that they have the financial resources to sustain their business and pay their employees.

• Ethical Employment Practices

  Employers must demonstrate ethical employment practices, including non-discriminatory hiring practices, compliance with labour laws, and a commitment to treating their employees fairly.

• Workplace Health and Safety Practices

  Employers must have good workplace health and safety practices in place and must be able to demonstrate that they have a safe working environment for their employees.

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

  Employers must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion and have policies to ensure their workplace is inclusive and welcoming to all employees.

Employers should allow sufficient time to prepare their application for Employer Accreditation, as the process can take several weeks or months to complete. Ensuring all documentation and evidence are complete and accurate is essential, as this will help expedite the application process.

1. Eligibility Requirements

   Employers must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for Employer Accreditation in New Zealand. These requirements include being a registered business in New Zealand, having a good record of compliance with employment and immigration laws, and having a genuine need for skilled migrant workers.

2. Required Documents and Evidence

   Employers must provide a range of documents and evidence to support their application for Employer Accreditation. This may include financial statements, training plans, evidence of compliance with employment and immigration laws, and policies related to workplace health and safety, diversity and inclusion.

3. Application Process

   Employers must submit their application for Employer Accreditation to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The application must be complete and include all required documentation and evidence. INZ will review the application and may request additional information or documentation if necessary.

4. Application Fees

   Employers must pay an application fee when applying for Employer Accreditation. The fee varies depending on the size of the business and the number of employees, and the fee is non-refundable, even if the application is unsuccessful.

Employers must maintain accreditation for their employees to be eligible for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. If an employer’s accreditation is not renewed, their employees may need to find alternative visa options or leave New Zealand.

1. Accreditation Benefits

   Employer Accreditation provides a range of benefits for both employers and skilled migrants. For employers, accreditation can enhance their reputation and make it easier to recruit skilled migrants from overseas. Accredited employers also have access to streamlined visa processes, which can save time and reduce costs.

2. Accredited Employer Work Visa

   The Accredited Employer Work Visa is an option available to skilled migrants with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. This visa allows the migrant to work for the accredited employer for up to 36 months and may be renewed if the employer remains accredited.

3. Skilled Migrant Category

   Employer Accreditation can also be beneficial for skilled migrants who are applying for the Skilled Migrant Category visa. Skilled migrants with a job offer from an accredited employer may receive additional points towards their visa application, increasing their chances of being selected for immigration to New Zealand.

Employer Accreditation can provide various benefits for employers and skilled migrants, including streamlined visa processes, enhanced reputation, and potential cost savings.

1. Streamlined Visa Processes

   One of the main benefits of Employer Accreditation is access to streamlined visa processes. Accredited employers can request priority processing of visa applications for their employees, significantly reducing processing times and allowing for faster recruitment and onboarding of skilled migrants.

2. Enhanced Reputation

   Employer Accreditation can enhance an employer’s reputation within New Zealand and internationally. Accreditation demonstrates that the employer is committed to ethical and compliant employment practices and is a reliable and reputable employer.

3. Access to Skilled Migrant Workers

   Accreditation can make it easier for employers to recruit skilled migrant workers from overseas. This can be particularly beneficial for industries with skill shortages or regions with few available local workers.

4. Cost Savings

   Streamlined visa processes and faster recruitment of skilled migrant workers can result in cost savings for employers. Employers may also be able to reduce recruitment costs by targeting skilled migrant workers who are already in New Zealand.

5. Increased Employee Retention

   Employer Accreditation requires employers to have a commitment to training and upskilling their staff, as well as a commitment to treating their employees fairly. This can increase employee retention, as employees are likelier to stay with employers who invest in their development and well-being.

6. Access to Additional Visa Options

   Employer Accreditation can provide access to additional visa options for skilled migrants, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This can provide more flexibility and security for skilled migrants, as they are tied to an accredited employer and may be renewed if the employer remains accredited.

It is vital for accredited employers to maintain ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements and to notify INZ of any changes to their circumstances. This can ensure ongoing access to the benefits of accreditation and avoid penalties for non-compliance.

1. Renewal Requirements

   Employer Accreditation is valid for a period of 36 months, after which it must be renewed. To renew their accreditation, employers must demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and criteria for accreditation. Employers must also provide updated documentation and evidence to support their renewal application.

2. Compliance Monitoring

   Immigration New Zealand (INZ) monitors accredited employers to ensure ongoing compliance with employment and immigration laws. INZ may conduct site visits or request additional information or documentation to verify compliance. Employers who fail to comply with accreditation requirements may have their accreditation revoked.

3. Changes to Business Circumstances

   Accredited employers must notify INZ of any changes to their business circumstances that may affect their accreditation. This includes changes to ownership, financial circumstances, and employment practices. Failure to notify INZ of these changes may result in the revocation of accreditation.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

   Employers who fail to comply with accreditation requirements may be penalised, including fines, revocation of accreditation, and restrictions on recruiting skilled migrant workers. Skilled migrants affected by an employer’s non-compliance may also be impacted, as their visas may be affected or revoked.