Accredited Employer Work Visa policy published

The government of New Zealand has published a policy outline for the job check application and labor market test portions of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

Job Check:

• Beginning June 20, accredited employers will be able to submit job check applications.
• Multiple positions for the same job can be included in one job check if the job details are the same and are all covered by the same advertising (where required) and proposed employment agreement.
• Employers must provide a job description, an employment agreement and evidence of advertising (when a labor market test is required) within the application.
• Job check applications must be approved before a foreign national can apply for the AEWV and will be valid for six months or until the employer’s accreditation expires.

Labor Market Test:

• Job check applications must include a labor market test when the position is paid less than NZ$55.52 per hour.
• The labor market test must advertise a specific job for at least 14 days on national job websites or other locations that are more likely to attract qualified New Zealand nationals or residents.

AEWV Applications:

• Beginning July 4, foreign nationals can submit their AEWV applications. Applications must include:
  • Evidence that the applicant meets health and character requirements.
  • An employment offer with the same job requirements listed in the job check.
  • Evidence that the applicant is qualified for the offered role.
• New Zealand authorities will grant AEWVs valid for up to three years.

Additional Information: Beginning July 3, the Essential Skills work visa category will no longer be available. Employers will be required to use AEWVs to hire skilled workers from July 4. More information regarding how to hire foreign nationals on the AEWV is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers should note that it may take an additional four to five weeks to complete the Job Check application process after they acquire accreditation.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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