For many New Zealand businesses, growth depends on having the right people in the right roles. But finding suitably skilled workers in a competitive labour market can be easier said than done. When local recruitment efforts fall short, looking beyond New Zealand’s borders may be the key to securing the talent your business needs.

Employer accreditation is the gateway to hiring migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Whether you’re looking to fill a skills shortage, support business expansion, or secure specialist expertise that is difficult to source locally, accreditation can provide access to a broader and more diverse talent pool.

While the accreditation process is generally straightforward, there is more to it than simply submitting an application. Employers must understand which type of accreditation is right for their business, the requirements they need to meet, and the ongoing obligations that come with employing migrant workers.

In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about employer accreditation, explain the different accreditation pathways available, and outline what businesses should consider before beginning the application process.

Why become an accredited employer?

Becoming an accredited employer can provide significant benefits for New Zealand businesses experiencing skills shortages or struggling to recruit suitable local candidates.

Accreditation allows employers to:

• access a wider pool of skilled workers;
• fill critical labour shortages;
• support business growth and expansion;
• recruit workers through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme; and
• build workforce stability in industries facing ongoing recruitment challenges.

For many employers, accreditation provides a practical solution when suitable New Zealand workers cannot be found.

Does my business need accreditation?

Generally, accreditation is required if your business wants to:

• hire workers from overseas on an Accredited Employer Work Visa;
• retain an existing employee who requires visa sponsorship;
• bring specialist skills into the business that cannot be sourced locally; and/or
• recruit migrant workers as part of a long-term workforce strategy.

Any employer intending to hire migrants under the AEWV scheme must usually obtain accreditation before progressing to the Job Check stage.

What types of employer accreditation are there?

There are three types of accreditation available to employers: standard accreditation, high-volume accreditation, and triangular employer accreditation. 

What is standard employer accreditation?

Standard accreditation is the employer accreditation category for New Zealand businesses that want to hire up to five migrant workers at any one time under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

Example: A Southland engineering company requires two qualified welders and cannot find suitable local applicants. The company obtains standard accreditation and supports two migrant workers through the AEWV process.

What is high-volume accreditation?

High-volume accreditation is for employers wanting to hire more than five migrant workers on an AEWV at one time.

Example: A national construction company requires 15 workers for several large projects. Because it intends to employ more than five migrant workers, the company applies for high-volume accreditation.

What is triangular employer accreditation?

Triangular employer accreditation applies where the migrant worker is engaged to work for a controlling third party, but the employment relationship remains with the principal employer. This is typically used by labour hire, staffing, and recruitment companies that employ migrant workers but place them with client businesses that supervise and direct the workers on a day to day basis.  

Example: A labour hire company recruits overseas workers and places them with various manufacturing businesses throughout New Zealand. Although the workers perform their duties at the client sites, they remain employed by the labour hire company. In this situation, triangular employer accreditation is required.

How much does employer accreditation cost?

The cost of employer accreditation depends on the type of accreditation required. As at July 2026 standard accreditation costs $775 and high-volume accreditation costs $1,280. Employers requiring triangular employer accreditation can expect to pay $4,060.

There are also costs associated with Job Checks, before employers can recruit migrant workers under the AEWV scheme. It’s best to check current pricing on the Immigration New Zealand website before starting the process.

What does an employer need to become accredited?

For an employer to become accredited, they must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a genuinely operating business or organisation;
2. Provide certain support to migrant workers when they arrive;
3. Be compliant with immigration, employment and business requirements; and
4. Take steps to ensure an applicant for a job meets the skill requirements.

What does it mean to be a genuinely operating business or organisation?

Businesses need to be able to prove that they are in a financial position to support and provide for migrant workers as part of gaining accreditation. To do this, businesses should be registered with the Inland Revenue Department, and general partnerships or limited partnerships should not be bankrupt or subject to a No Asset Procedure.

The employer must show one of the following:

1. That it has not made a loss (before depreciation and tax) over the past 24 months; or
2. That it has positive cash flow for each of the last six months; or
3. That it has sufficient capital and/or external investment to ensure the business can meet its financial obligations (such as paying wages and all other operating expenses) and purchase inventory if needed; or
4. That it has a credible, minimum two-year plan, supported by contracts for work, to show the business can meet its operating expenses.

What can an employer do to prove its financial position for the accreditation process?

An employer should produce documents such as financial profit and loss statements, income tax returns, revenue forecasts, stock lists or official bank statements.

The key is providing enough information to show Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that the business can support a migrant worker on an ongoing basis. Most organisations that have trouble at this stage typically have insufficient evidence to support the claims they make to INZ about their financial position. All claims need to be supported by evidence.

A business must confirm that it will provide migrant workers with relevant settlement support, such as explaining how to get an IRD number, the cost of living and information about community or religious migrant groups.

How long does accreditation last?

Initial accreditation lasts 12 months before renewal.

What happens after a business is accredited?

Obtaining accreditation does not automatically allow an employer to hire migrant workers. Once accredited, employers must generally complete additional immigration steps, including:

1. Applying for a Job Check.
2. Recruiting a suitable candidate.
3. Supporting the worker’s visa application.

Being aware of the full process can help with planning recruitment timeframes and prevent unnecessary delays.

How can I get assistance with becoming accredited?

The team at Copeland McAllister can walk you through the accreditation process.

Give us a call on 03 21 0153 or email admin@cmalaw.co.nz.

Or take a look at the Immigration New Zealand website for more information.

Need support? If you would like assistance with any immigration matter, please get in touch with our team. Email admin@cmalaw.co.nz or phone 03 211 0153.

Disclaimer: This update provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.