Who is eligible to apply for employer accreditation?
New Zealand employers who are unable to find suitably qualified and/or experienced New Zealand workers can apply for employer accreditation to supplement their own workforce. Once accredited, they can recruit non-New Zealand citizen or resident workers.
What kind of information do I need to submit with my initial application?
Along with the completed Application for Employer Accreditation (NZIS 1090) PDF [95KB], employers are required to provide:
Detailed information can be found in our checklist for employer accreditation.
Can a parent company gain accreditation that covers all its subsidiaries or does each subsidiary company have to apply independently?
This will depend on whether the accreditation can be proven to cover the company’s entire operations.
If the company has centrally-controlled functions and policies in areas such as human resource and health and safety, which apply across the organisation, then accreditation will likely apply across the organisation.
If the company operates as a series of separate entities — for example if they are separate companies or consist of a group of franchises — then one accreditation might not cover the whole organisation.
The business relationship advisor will determine to what extent the standards demonstrated through the accreditation process can be shown to cover the entire organisation.
How long will it take INZ to process an employer accreditation application?
The Business Migration Branch usually processes applications for employer accreditation within three to five weeks. We will notify you If the processing time is expected to be longer.
How do I check the status of my application?
Once your file is allocated, one of our business relationship advisors will be in touch to give you their contact details.
What if I have already made an offer of employment to someone?
If you are renewing your accreditation status and are currently in the process of recruiting, please tell us. Your application will then be made a priority and will move up in our managed queue.
How long is accreditation valid for and what does it cost?
An intial application for employer accreditation costs NZ$1,400 and, if granted, is valid for 12 months. Thereafter, an accredited employer can apply to renew their accreditation annually at a cost of NZ$400 per application.
What documentation does an employer need to provide for a renewal application?
To apply for a renewal of your accreditation you must submit:
How do I prove my continued commitment to training and employing New Zealanders?
Examples of the documents you may provide include:
- training calendar/schedule for the last 12 months
- invoices as evidence of funding of training
- proof of in-house training (eg a brochure)
- training certificates gained by your employees
- evidence of apprenticeship, cadetship, or graduate programmes (if applicable).
What happens if an accreditation application is declined?
There is no statutory right of appeal against the decision to decline an application for employer accreditation, but we will reconsider a declined application where new and compelling information is promptly provided. However, not all reconsideration applications are accepted and they are assessed on a case by case basis.
What are the requirements for an offer of employment to a non-New Zealand citizen or resident worker?
Any offer of employment you as an accredited employer make to a non-New Zealand citizen or resident worker must:
- be genuine
- be for a period of at least 24 months
- be for full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week)
- have a minimum base salary of NZ$50,000 per annum
- be in the employer’s main business activity where they are directly responsible for the employee work output.
Could you please clarify the base salary requirement of NZ$50,000 per year?
The gross base salary will be calculated on the basis of 40 hours work per week. It does not include any allowances or overtime payments.
Is there a limit to the number of people I can hire under accreditation?
There is no limit as such to the number of overseas people you can recruit but note that the Accredited Employers Policy is designed to supplement your New Zealand workforce, not substitute it.
What does the visa/permit application process for prospective employees entail?
See our Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy requirements for information about applying for work visas and permits under the Work to Residence Category. Applications should be lodged at your local onshore or offshore INZ branch.
What type of temporary visas should dependants of prospective employees apply for?
Partners or dependent children will need to apply for their own work, visitor, or student visa to come to New Zealand. For details about how to apply see Applying for a Work to Residence visa or permit.
These applications are usually made at the same time as the principal applicant's application, and visas and permits are usually issued or granted for the same period as the principal applicant's visa or pemit.