If New Zealand employers want to employ overseas workers they have to prove to us that they have
genuinely searched for suitably qualified or trained New Zealand workers.
In providing this evidence, an employer must explain why:
- their particular job specifications are necessary for the work
- New Zealand applicants weren’t suitable
- New Zealand applicants couldn’t be readily trained.
We also need to be satisfied that they have previously met - and will continue to meet - New Zealand employment and immigration laws.
Before deciding on the employer’s application, we’ll usually conduct a labour market test to confirm that no suitable New Zealand workers are available.
We will not give approval if:
- advertising for the position is written in a way that discourages New Zealand workers from applying
- there are suitable New Zealand workers available. This includes cases where New Zealand workers are unwilling to take up the work because of the terms and conditions, such as salary or wages, the employer is offering.