An online system has been introduced by the Department of Labour to help employers check if job applicants are entitled to work in New Zealand.

The system is called VisaView and you can find out how to register at www.immigration.govt.nz/VisaView.

Once registered, you’ll be able to check a prospective employee’s entitlement to work simply by providing information such as a passport number and the last name of the applicant.  VisaView will check against the Department’s database and in most cases provide the employer with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer, together with any specific work conditions that may apply. VisaView is free to use and will provide a real-time response in the majority of cases.

VisaView also maintains a history of enquiries you’ve made, which will be a useful way for employers to demonstrate due diligence in relation to compliance with requirements of the Immigration Act 2009, which comes into effect on 29 November 2010.

FAQs are available about employer obligations under the Immigration Act 2009.

If you have any queries about VisaView, please email us at VisaView@dol.govt.nz.

New Immigration Act commences 29 November 2010