Employer accreditation

Employer accreditation support for New Zealand businesses

Accreditation is usually the first step before hiring migrant workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa. We help you prepare a first-time or renewal application and get ready to hire with confidence.

The basics

Who needs employer accreditation?

If you want to hire migrant workers on the AEWV, your business generally needs to be accredited first.

That applies whether you are a small business making a first hire or a larger organisation hiring regularly. Requirements can change and depend on your circumstances, so an adviser will assess the relevant facts.

Two routes

First-time accreditation and renewals

First-time accreditation

If you have not been accredited before, we help you understand what is involved and prepare your application and supporting information.

Accreditation renewal

If your accreditation is due to expire, we help you plan ahead so your ability to hire is not disrupted.

Getting ready

Employer readiness checklist

A simple way to see how prepared you are. We can help with any of these.

A clear view of the roles you want to fill
Business details and records in order
An understanding of your obligations as an accredited employer
Sound employment agreements and practices
A plan for supporting migrant workers
An idea of your future hiring needs

Questions employers ask

Common accreditation uncertainties

Which accreditation applies?

You are unsure what level or type fits the size and nature of your business.

What do we need to provide?

You want clarity on the documentation and information involved.

What are our obligations?

You want to understand your ongoing responsibilities once accredited.

When should we renew?

You want to renew in good time without disrupting hiring.

How does this link to hiring?

You want to see how accreditation connects to Job Checks and worker visas.

Will requirements change?

You want advice that reflects current settings, not assumptions.

How we work

A typical accreditation process

1 Understand your business

We discuss your size, structure and hiring plans.

2 Confirm the approach

We explain what your application may involve.

3 Prepare the application

We help you assemble the information and documentation.

4 Plan for hiring

We connect accreditation to your next Job Check and hires.

At a glance

Initial accreditation versus renewal

Aspect	First-time accreditation	Renewal
Starting point	No existing accreditation	Existing accreditation due to expire
Focus	Establishing your business is ready	Confirming continued readiness and compliance
Timing	Before your first AEWV hire	Before your current accreditation expires
Our help	Prepare the full application	Plan ahead and prepare the renewal

Questions

Employer accreditation FAQ

How long does accreditation last?

Accreditation periods and conditions can change. We help you understand current settings and plan your renewal in good time.

Do we need accreditation for every hire?

Accreditation generally applies at the business level, with a separate Job Check for each role. We can explain how the steps fit together.

What obligations come with accreditation?

Accredited employers take on ongoing obligations. We help you understand what they involve.

Can you guarantee our accreditation?

No. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and requirements can change. We help you prepare a complete, well-supported application.

Next step

Get employer accreditation support

Whether it is your first accreditation or a renewal, we will help you prepare and plan ahead.