Want to hire migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?Employer accreditation is the first step to becoming eligible to employ migrants in New Zealand under the AEWV scheme.
for first-time accreditation
For renewals (subject to eligibility)
Sufficient Funds: Your business is genuinely operating and financially viable
Valid NZBN : Your business entity holds a New Zealand Business Number
Not Bankrupt: You are not bankrupt or subject to a No Asset Procedure
Exclusion: You and your key people are not on any immigration or employment stand-down lists
Meet key requirements: Your business meets all accreditation obligations
If you have reached a stage where engaging overseas talent is necessary to support your business growth or ongoing operations, employer accreditation is required. This involves preparing and lodging a comprehensive application with Immigration New Zealand that addresses a broad range of assessment criteria.
Your business must show it is viable and ongoing by meeting at least one of the following:
No loss (before depreciation and tax) in the last 2 financial years, or
Positive monthly cash flow over the last 6 months, or
Sufficient capital or external funding to continue operating, or
A credible business plan covering at least the next 2 years
There are three accreditation types, depending on your hiring needs:
Standard accreditation
For businesses hiring up to 5 migrants
High-volume accreditation
For businesses hiring 6 or more migrants
Triangular accreditation
For businesses that place migrant workers with controlling third parties, while remaining the direct employer
You can apply for one type at a time and change types later if your needs change.
Triangular employers must show a history of placing staff in New Zealand and ensure at least 15% of placed workers are New Zealand citizens or residents
Trusts, partnerships, or sole traders must show that New Zealand is the primary place of residence for at least one key person, and that a key person is named as the employer
Once accredited, you may:
Apply for Job Checks for migrant roles
Support workers to apply for a regular or seasonal Accredited Employer Work Visa
Hire migrants lawfully where no suitable New Zealanders are available
Accreditation does not automatically guarantee Job Check or visa approval.
Employer accreditation applications require careful preparation of financial evidence, business structure documents, and compliance declarations. Our team works closely with employers to ensure applications meet Immigration New Zealand requirements, helping avoid delays, declines, or compliance issues.
Disclaimer: Immigration requirements can change, and every case is different. This page offers a simplified summary only. Unite Immigration will assess your situation carefully and guide you with personalised advice.
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