Understanding the Accredited Employer Work Visa Process
Planning to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ? Understand the big picture to avoid missing important timelines!
To give you a general idea, here are the timeline for sponsoring a migrant on a work visa:
Step 1 – Employer Accreditation
To be eligible to sponsor a migrant, the employer must be accredited. The employer needs to meet the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) criteria to obtain this accreditation.
Step 2 – Job Check Compliance
The accredited employer must comply with INZ requirements for employers sponsoring migrants on a work visa (AEWV). This includes submitting a Job Check to INZ to prove that the employer has advertised the job to New Zealand citizens and residents and that they are either not available or not willing to take the position. Therefore, the employer is requesting a token to INZ to be able to sponsor a migrant on a work visa (AEWV).
Step 3 – Job Check Approval
Once the accredited employer has passed the Job Check, they will receive a token from INZ.
Step 4 – Token for sponsorship
The token is required to be able to sponsor migrants on a work visa (AEWV). Your accredited employer will provide it to you so that you can apply for the work visa (AEWV).
Important Considerations for AEWV Applicants
If you are planning to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), here are some important questions to ensure you are on track:
1. Is there an employer who is willing to sponsor you on an AEWV?
- If no, you need to find a company that is eligible and willing to sponsor you on an AEWV.
- If yes, move to question 2.
2. Is the employer accredited?
- If no, do they want to become accredited to sponsor your work visa?
- If yes, are they prepared to meet all the INZ compliance requirements to sponsor your work visa?
3. Has the employer received the token from INZ to sponsor your work visa?
- If no, do they need assistance with INZ compliance requirements such as the Job Check? Reach out for assistance.
Current waiting times at the time this article is published are :
- Company Accreditation: 9 weeks
- Job Check: 11 weeks
- AEWV: 3 months
Also read: Why INZ Declined My New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Common Questions:
1. Since the AEWV takes the longest to process, can I apply for the AEWV before my employer completes the company accreditation and Job Check?
No, you cannot apply for an AEWV without the employer first obtaining and sharing the job token with you. To get the job token, the employer must pass the Job Check stage with INZ. The employer cannot obtain a job token from INZ without successfully passing the Job Check, and they cannot apply for the Job Check if they are not accredited.
2. Is it difficult for a company to become accredited?
It depends. If the employer can demonstrate that they are genuinely operating a business and meet INZ’s criteria for financial sustainability and compliance with NZ laws, then accreditation should not be an issue.
3. What if the company did not pass the Job Check from INZ?
The purpose of the “Job Check” is to prove to INZ that no New Zealand citizen or resident is available or willing to take the job. If the employer fails the Job Check, INZ will not issue the token needed to sponsor a migrant on a work visa. INZ is stringent about protecting the job market for New Zealand locals. However, if you have a job offer from a company that is willing to sponsor your work visa, do not wait until the last minute. Contact us to plan for your success.
If you are currently in New Zealand and your visa is expiring soon, you should be proactive with your employer to determine whether they are aware of the processes involved and are willing to work on them to sponsor your work visa.
If not, you may need to find another employer willing to sponsor you. Failure to address this could result in you having to voluntarily leave New Zealand if you don’t have enough time to apply for the AEWV, especially if the employer has not passed the Job Check and your visa has expired.
Maintaining a clean immigration record is crucial; breaching visa conditions and staying unlawfully in New Zealand can impact future visa applications.
Immigration matters are not as simple as they may seem. It is always best to understand the big picture and be as prepared as possible to achieve your goal.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ involves several important steps and considerations to ensure a smooth process. Staying informed and organized is crucial to meeting all necessary requirements and timelines.
Immigration Chambers can assist you throughout the visa application process by providing expert guidance and support tailored to your unique situation. Contact our Immigration Lawyer in Auckland today for personalized advice and to ensure your application is on track for success.