Employers across New Zealand are facing challenges with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) declining Job Check applications under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. A declined Job Check not only delays recruitment but can also result in significant financial losses and operational setbacks. At Immigration Chambers, we help accredited employers navigate these complexities to ensure every Job Check is approved the first time.
Understanding the Purpose of the Job Check
The Job Check is a critical step in the Accredited Employer Work Visa process. It ensures that New Zealand employers have genuinely attempted to hire local talent before offering positions to migrants. INZ uses this step to confirm that employers are offering fair pay, genuine employment, and market-aligned conditions.
However, even minor inconsistencies in the application can trigger a decline. Common pitfalls include incorrect pay rates, insufficient advertising evidence, or inaccurate job descriptions, all of which can lead INZ to question the genuineness of the recruitment process.
Top Reasons Job Check Applications Are Declined
1. Pay Rates Below Market Standards
One of the most frequent reasons for Job Check rejection is advertised pay rates falling below the “market rate”. INZ determines this using national job platforms such as Seek, Trademe Jobs, and MBIE data.
Even if an employer believes their offer aligns with industry norms, INZ may disagree if comparable listings suggest higher remuneration.
Tip: Always review salary benchmarks from trusted sources before advertising. If your rate is near the lower end, provide justification, such as regional pay variations or unique job factors, in your submission.
2. Incomplete or Non-Compliant Job Advertising
INZ requires employers to advertise the job nationally for at least 14 days on recognized platforms. The advert must include:
- The job title and description
- Required qualifications and experience
- Work location
- Hours of work
- Pay rate or range
- Company name and contact details
Failure to include any of these details, or posting ads that don’t appear publicly accessible, can result in automatic rejection.
Tip: Maintain screenshots and URLs of all advertisements as proof of genuine efforts to recruit locally.
3. Ignoring Local Applicants
When New Zealand citizens or residents apply for the advertised position, INZ expects employers to interview or assess them before moving forward with a migrant candidate.
If an employer rejects local applicants without reasonable explanation, INZ may conclude that the employer has not made a genuine attempt to hire domestically.
Tip: Keep written records of why local candidates were unsuitable, such as lack of specific experience or qualifications, and include these details in your Job Check submission.
4. Misalignment Between Job Description and Visa Criteria
Another common issue arises when the job description doesn’t match the occupation listed in ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).
INZ uses this classification to determine whether the role’s skill level and remuneration are consistent with immigration policy.
Tip: Verify that the job title, duties, and pay rate correspond to the correct ANZSCO code. Inconsistencies can lead INZ to decline both the Job Check and the subsequent visa application.
5. Employer Accreditation Issues
Even before a Job Check can be submitted, the employer must hold valid accreditation. Any compliance breaches, expired accreditation, or incomplete information in the employer profile can halt the process entirely.
Tip: Ensure your accreditation details are up to date, including company structure, financial standing, and employment practices.
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How to Avoid Job Check Rejections
1. Ensure Market-Rate Compliance
Regularly check industry pay scales and reference authoritative sources such as MBIE’s Labour Market Insights. Document your reasoning if offering slightly below-market pay.
2. Maintain Transparent Advertising Records
Save dated screenshots, links, and copies of your job adverts to provide verifiable proof of compliance.
3. Provide Genuine Recruitment Evidence
Show that you gave fair consideration to New Zealand citizens and residents. Include interview notes or assessment summaries.
4. Align Job Details with ANZSCO Codes
Review job descriptions for accuracy. The advertised duties should closely reflect the role’s ANZSCO definition.
5. Seek Professional Immigration Advice
Partnering with a Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland ensures compliance with INZ’s evolving requirements, helping avoid delays and costly reapplications.
What to Do If Your Job Check Is Declined
A Job Check decline is not necessarily the end of the process. Employers can address INZ’s concerns and resubmit once the issues are resolved.
In some cases, providing additional documentation, pay evidence, or clarifications can lead to approval on review.
However, repeated declines can negatively impact your company’s immigration reputation and delay your ability to hire skilled migrants. Engaging an expert immigration lawyer early can make the difference between approval and rejection.
Final Thoughts
Job Check rejections are preventable, provided employers understand and adhere to INZ’s standards. By ensuring market-aligned pay, transparent advertising, and accurate documentation, employers can streamline their AEWV process and secure skilled talent faster.
At Immigration Chambers, we specialize in helping New Zealand employers manage every stage of the Accredited Employer Work Visa process, including Job Check preparation, advertising compliance, and documentation accuracy.
Contact our Licensed Immigration Lawyer in Auckland for tailored advice that ensures your Job Check application is approved the first time, saving you time, money, and stress.
Email: advice@iclegal.co.nz
Call: +64 (0)9 218 9991
FAQs
1. What is a Job Check in New Zealand?
A Job Check is a mandatory process under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. It ensures employers have made a genuine attempt to recruit local New Zealand residents or citizens before offering a position to a migrant worker.
2. Why does Immigration New Zealand decline Job Check applications?
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Advertised pay below the market rate
- Incomplete or non-compliant job advertisements
- Failure to consider local applicants
- Misalignment with ANZSCO occupation codes
- Issues with employer accreditation
3. How can employers ensure their Job Check gets approved?
Employers should:
- Offer market-aligned pay rates based on trusted industry data
- Advertise jobs publicly for at least 14 days
- Properly document interviews or assessments of local candidates
- Align job duties with the correct ANZSCO code
- Maintain up-to-date employer accreditation
4. What documents are required for a Job Check?
Required documents typically include:
- Job advertisements (screenshots and URLs)
- Evidence of applicant assessments/interviews
- Proof of offered pay meeting market standards
- ANZSCO code justification for the advertised role
- Employer accreditation details
5. How long does a Job Check approval take?
The approval timeline can vary, but typically INZ processes Job Checks within 20-30 working days, depending on application completeness and the need for additional information.
6. Can a declined Job Check be resubmitted?
Yes. Employers can address INZ’s concerns and resubmit the application. Providing clear evidence of pay, recruitment efforts, and compliance usually leads to approval on resubmission.
7. What is considered the “market rate” by INZ?
INZ uses online job platforms such as Seek, Trademe Jobs, and MBIE Labour Market Data to determine market-aligned pay rates. Employers must ensure advertised salaries are competitive within the specific industry, region, and role level.
8. Do all Job Check roles require advertising?
Most roles require a minimum 14-day national advertisement, but there are limited exceptions, such as highly specialized positions or roles with recognized recruitment challenges. Legal guidance is recommended to confirm exemptions.
9. How does the Job Check affect hiring migrant workers?
A successful Job Check allows employers to offer a position to a migrant worker under the AEWV program. Without approval, hiring a migrant could violate INZ rules, delay recruitment, or result in visa refusals.
10. Where can I get expert help with Job Check applications?
Immigration Chambers in Auckland specializes in preparing, reviewing, and submitting Job Check applications to ensure compliance and increase the likelihood of approval.