FAQs - Upcoming Accreditation Changes

Recently the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment (NZAMI) conducted a webinar with Immigration managers on the upcoming Accreditation changes and how this would impact employers.

There were many questions asked during the session - some answered, some not. However, further clarification is now received. These clarifications, together with the questions that were sourced from our various online and in-person events are summarized here for you. NZAMI is to be thanked for sharing this information with its members.

What happens to employers that are currently accredited, come 1st November?

Employers accredited under the current system will need to apply and meet the policy requirements of the new accreditation system, if they want to hire migrants on the new AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa).  

Why do current Accredited Employer need to reapply under the new scheme? 

Because the policy settings are different for the new scheme. Employers accredited under the current system will need to apply and meet the policy requirements of the new accreditation system.

When does Immigration New Zealand (INZ) start accepting applications for the new accreditation?

The applications open in INZ's online portal from late September 2021. The scheme becomes mandatory for employers wanting to support migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa from 1st November 2021.

What happens to employers who have an accreditation application already lodged with INZ?

If you submit a fresh application now before 30th June (cut-off date for applying under the current accreditation scheme), the accreditation team will contact you asking if you want to withdraw for a full refund (if no work has commenced on the application) due to the pending changes. Applications that have already been submitted can be withdrawn if an employer decides that they no longer want or need accreditation under the existing policy.

However if employers want to support talent work visas before 31st October 2021, they should not withdraw and proceed with the application submitted.

What happens to employees of currently accredited employers that may choose not to renew their accreditation?

The existing settings allow a residence visa to be granted to a Talent work visa holder even if their employer did not renew their accreditation. A Talent visa holder’s pathway to residence won’t be jeopardized by the employer not renewing their accreditation. Work to Residence visa holders can apply under Residence from Work instruction for residence from work after 31st October.

When are further details about the new scheme expected?

Further announcements can be expected by end of June/ early July.

What are the immigration fees for the two new schemes?

The application fees for the new schemes - standard and high volume accreditations are still being worked through and are awaited.

What date in September will the system open to accept applications?

The specific date has not been announced yet but INZ has advised that the online portal would start accepting applications by late September.

What happens if an employer wants to move from being accredited under Standard scheme to High Volume scheme? 

This detail has not been shared by INZ yet.

The new mandatory accreditation and associated changes to temporary work visas, is a rapidly evolving change and many further announcements are expected over the next few months. We will be conducting seminars and webinars from time to time to ensure that employers, HR managers and recruiters have access to correct and timely information.

To ensure you do not miss out, join us for our panel discussion “Immigration changes and the future for Employers & Recruiters” with industry leaders and experts from Immigration New Zealand, FIND Recruitment, RCSA and Aims Global in Wellington on 30th June, please register here.