How to prevent errors in your accredited employer applications
- How is the process working out in practice so far?
- What are the most common errors in job check applications?
- Check that you can tick these off before you apply for a job check
NZ employers will be relieved to hear that applications are now open for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme!
The new process involves successfully completing three steps before an employer can hire a migrant worker on a temporary AEWV:
- The business needs to apply for accredited employer status.
- Once approved, the employer needs to apply for job check(s).
- Once that’s successful, the offer of employment can be made, and the migrant worker can submit their application for their AEWV.
How is the process working out in practice so far?
Immigration New Zealand estimates it’s taking about 10 working days for most employer accreditation applications to be processed, and the same period for the processing of complete job check applications.
However, they’ve identified some errors that are coming up repeatedly in job check applications – and this causes delays in their ability to process applications within the 10-day timeframe.
So if you’re in a hurry to recruit migrant workers, it’s well worth taking the time to ensure your applications meet the requirements.
What are the most common errors in job check applications?
A large number of the errors in job check applications relate to employment agreements. Specifically, information is missing or insufficiently detailed, such as:
- A detailed job description.
- Locations of work (all).
- The minimum and maximum number of hours the employee may be asked to work, including any hours paid at overtime rates, if applicable. If this isn’t applicable, the employment agreement will need to state this.
- The guaranteed hours of work, and what they will actually be paid.
Important: Even employment agreements for salaried employees who don’t get overtime rates, these still have to detail the minimum and maximum hours worked.
Check that you can tick these off before you apply for a job check
- You have received accreditation approval from INZ to hire on the AEWV.
- Your job offer is an acceptable one, i.e. it has a job description and proposed employment agreement.
- Evidence that you have advertised if the job pays less than twice the median wage or is not on the Green List.
- You have the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code that best matches the job you are offering based on the INZ view of ANZSCO.
You can include multiple vacancies in one job check if the job details are the same, and they are covered by the same advertising and employment agreement.
It’s important to note though that if the location, job title, or terms of work vary at all, you will need a separate job check for each role.
Need some help or advice around accredited employer applications and job checks?
If you’d like to have a chat about the new AEWV requirements or need help with your application so that you meet INZ’s criteria, please get in touch with us at People Inc.
People Inc has many decades of combined experience working with clients on matters relating to migrant workers, including arranging visas and recruiting workers. We’re fully up to date with what’s required for you to meet the conditions of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. Find out more about how we can help you with employer accreditation.