Employer Accreditation and Job Checks

Pitt & Moore & your migrant workers

Strategic advice for New Zealand employers hiring migrant workers.

Hiring migrant workers in New Zealand requires more than a visa application.  

Under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, employers must first obtain accreditation and then complete a compliant job check before a migrant worker can apply for a visa.

The requirements are detailed, technical and subject to change. Early legal advice reduces risk, protects your business and ensures your recruitment strategy remains compliant. 

Speak with our immigration team

If you need advice, we are ready to help with clear, strategic guidance tailored to your needs. 

Contact us today to discuss your next steps. 

What is employer accreditation?

Employer accreditation is the first step in hiring migrant workers under the AEWV scheme.

To become accredited, employers must demonstrate that they: 

Accreditation is not a one-off formality. It carries ongoing compliance obligations. 

What is a job check?

Once accredited, an employer must apply for a job check before offering a role to a migrant worker. 

A job check requires Immigration New Zealand to assess: 

If a job check is declined, recruitment plans can be significantly delayed or disrupted. 

Why compliance matters

Immigration and employment law now intersect more than ever. 

Employers who fail to meet AEWV obligations risk: 

In addition, recent legislative changes have increased scrutiny on migrant pay rates, employment agreements and settlement obligations. 

Ongoing employer obligations

Accredited employers must:  

Failure to comply can result in accreditation being suspended and/or revoked. 

How Pitt & Moore can assist

We advise employers across Nelson, Tasman and nationally on: 

Where immigration issues intersect with employment disputes, restructuring or litigation, our integrated employment and immigration teams provide coordinated advice. 

A strategic approach to migrant workforce planning

For many businesses, including farming, hospitality, construction, fishing and professional services, access to migrant labour is critical. 

We help employers align immigration strategy with workforce planning to reduce disruption and ensure long-term compliance. 

Speak with our immigration team

If you are seeking employer accreditation, need assistance with a job check, or are concerned about compliance, contact our team for clear, strategic advice. 

Key contact

Elly Fleming

Email: elly.fleming@pittandmoore.co.nz
DDI: +64 3 545 6714

Senior Associate, Immigration
Learn more

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