How To Become An Accredited Employer NZ: A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an Accredited Employer in New Zealand is a critical requirement for businesses that wish to legally hire skilled migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented strict eligibility, compliance, and monitoring standards, making it essential for employers to follow a structured, well-documented approach.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to become an Accredited Employer in NZ, covering eligibility requirements, accreditation types, documents, costs, timelines, employer obligations, and proven strategies to ensure approval. This guide is designed to outperform Immigration NZ overview pages by providing deeper clarity, practical insights, and compliance-focused guidance.

What Is an Accredited Employer in New Zealand?

An Accredited Employer is a New Zealand business that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand to employ migrant workers on AEWV visas. Accreditation confirms that the employer:

• Is a genuine and financially viable business

• Meets New Zealand employment and immigration laws

• Has systems in place to support and protect migrant workers

Without employer accreditation, businesses cannot hire migrants under AEWV, regardless of skill shortages.

Why Becoming an Accredited Employer in NZ Is Important

We consistently advise employers that accreditation is not merely a visa requirement, it is a long-term workforce strategy.

Key benefits include:

• Legal authority to hire migrant workers

• Faster and smoother visa processing

• Increased trust and credibility with INZ

• Improved HR, recruitment, and compliance systems

• Greater workforce stability and planning certainty

Types of Accredited Employer Accreditation

Immigration New Zealand offers three accreditation types, depending on business size and hiring needs.

1. Standard Accreditation

This is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

• Allows hiring of up to 5 migrant workers

• Lower compliance threshold

• Ideal for SMEs, startups, and growing companies

2. High-Volume Accreditation

Designed for larger employers.

• Required if hiring 6 or more migrant workers

• Higher scrutiny of HR, payroll, and workforce systems

• Strong compliance history expected

3. Franchisee Accreditation

Applicable to franchise businesses.

• Requires proof of franchise agreements

• Additional compliance checks

• Individual franchise units must apply separately

Eligibility Requirements to Become an Accredited Employer NZ

Business Legitimacy Requirements

To qualify, we must demonstrate that the business is genuine and operational:

• Active NZBN registration

• GST registration (if applicable)

• Financial statements showing sustainability

• Evidence of ongoing business activity

Employment & HR Systems

Immigration NZ expects employers to have robust systems, including:

• Compliant employment agreements

• Lawful recruitment practices

• Health and safety policies

• Payroll and wage compliance

• Clear grievance and dispute resolution processes

Compliance History

Employers must show:

• No history of migrant exploitation

• Compliance with employment law

• No serious immigration or labour breaches

Documents Required for Accredited Employer Application

A strong application relies on clear, well-structured documentation, including:

• Business registration and ownership details

• Financial statements or bank records

• Employment agreements compliant with NZ law

• HR and recruitment policies

• Health & safety documentation

• Declarations and INZ forms

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a leading cause of delays and refusals.

Read more: Accredited Employer NZ: How to Secure Employment with Recognized Companies

Step-by-Step Process: How To Become An Accredited Employer NZ

Step 1: Prepare Internal Systems

We recommend conducting a compliance audit to ensure:

• HR policies meet legal standards

• Employment agreements are updated

• Payroll systems meet minimum wage obligations

Step 2: Create a RealMe & Immigration Online Account

Employers must:

• Register via RealMe

• Access Immigration Online

• Set up an employer profile correctly

Step 3: Submit the Accreditation Application

At this stage, we:

• Select the correct accreditation type

• Upload all required documents

• Pay the applicable INZ fee
  Accuracy here is critical to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 4: Immigration NZ Assessment

INZ may:

• Request additional documents

• Verify business information

• Assess compliance history

• Conduct interviews or checks (in some cases)

Step 5: Accreditation Decision

Once approved:

• Accreditation is typically valid for 12 months

• Conditions apply and must be followed strictly

• Employers can proceed to Job Check and visa support

Accredited Employer NZ Fees & Processing Time

Fees (Indicative)

• Standard Accreditation: NZD $740

• High-Volume Accreditation: NZD $1,220

• Franchisee Accreditation: NZD $740

Processing Time

• Average: 10–30 working days

• May vary depending on application quality and INZ workload

Employer Obligations After Accreditation

Accreditation comes with ongoing responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining lawful employment conditions

• Supporting migrant worker settlement

• Keeping accurate employment records

• Reporting business or role changes to INZ

• Ensuring continued compliance with wage thresholds

Failure to meet obligations can lead to suspension or revocation.

What Happens After Accreditation?

After accreditation approval, employers must:

1. Complete a Job Check

2. Offer compliant job roles

3. Support migrant workers in AEWV applications

Each step is assessed separately by INZ.

Common Mistakes Employers Make (And How We Avoid Them)

• Choosing the wrong accreditation type

• Submitting weak or outdated HR policies

• Non-compliant employment agreements

• Underestimating post-approval obligations

• Ignoring INZ follow-up requests

Professional guidance significantly reduces these risks.

Can Accredited Employer Status Be Declined or Revoked?

Yes. Accreditation may be:

• Declined due to insufficient evidence or compliance concerns

• Revoked due to exploitation, false declarations, or breaches

Re-application is possible, but only after addressing INZ concerns.

How Immigration Chambers Help Employers Become Accredited in NZ

At Immigration Chambers we provide end-to-end accredited employer support, including:

• Eligibility assessment

• HR and compliance audits

• Document preparation

• Application submission and INZ liaison

• Ongoing compliance guidance

Our structured approach significantly improves approval success rates. Book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Lawyer in New Zealand today and take the first step toward becoming an accredited employer in NZ.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can become an accredited employer in NZ?

Any genuine, compliant NZ business meeting INZ requirements.

2. Is accreditation mandatory for hiring migrants?

Yes, for AEWV roles.

3. How long does accreditation last?

Usually 12 months, with renewal required.

4. Can small businesses apply?

Yes, under Standard Accreditation.

Wrapping up

Becoming an Accredited Employer in New Zealand is a strategic investment in workforce growth and compliance. When done correctly, it enables businesses to attract global talent while meeting all legal obligations. With proper preparation and expert support, accreditation becomes a clear, achievable process rather than a compliance risk.

Apply to Become an Accredited Employer NZ Today

Ensure accuracy, compliance, and faster approvals with professional guidance tailored to your business.