ifychikwesIntroduction
New Zealand has long been a top destination for immigrants seeking opportunity and a high quality of life. The country consistently ranks near the top of indexes measuring peacefulness, economic freedom, and human development. New Zealand also actively encourages immigration to stimulate its economy and fill skills shortages in key industries.
One of the most popular visa options for immigrating to New Zealand is the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This category allows applicants with a verified job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer to receive a work visa for up to 3 years.
In this complete guide, we will demystify New Zealand’s acclaimed employer work visa by covering:
- Key benefits of the accredited employer visa pathway
- Eligibility requirements and application process
- Finding a job with an accredited company
- Rights and responsibilities with the visa
- Transitioning to permanent residency
Whether you already have a job offer or are just starting your search, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to secure an accredited employer work visa in 2024.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The accredited employer work visa provides an expedited pathway for applicants who secure a job with a New Zealand employer officially recognized by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
To become accredited, employers must demonstrate good workplace practices and meet criteria like:
- Providing reasonable pay and working conditions
- Complying with all immigration and employment laws
- Having low rates of immigration fraud, exploitation, or other violations
Once accredited, these trusted employers are authorized to hire foreign nationals and sponsor them for a work visa.
With an accredited employer work visa, immigrants can:
- Live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years
- Bring dependents like a spouse or children
- They can easily renew their visa as long as they remain employed
This visa offers a streamlined process compared to other temporary work visas. Processing is typically faster, especially if the employer is considered “low-risk.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an accredited employer’s work visa, the key requirements are:
- Job offer for full-time work from an INZ accredited employer
- offer must be for at least 24 months of continued employment
- Good health clearance through medical examination
- Good character clearance through police certificates
- Language ability sufficient for the position, usually proven through an IELTS test
Meeting health and character requirements ensures visa holders will positively contribute to New Zealand society. The language standards also verify you can sufficiently communicate in the job you’ve been offered.
If you don’t meet the minimum language scores for your position, you may still be eligible if your employer can demonstrate your language skills are sufficient through other means.
Most applicants coming from English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or the US can easily meet the language criteria.
With the accredited employer pathway, visa processing generally takes 6–8 weeks, as long as you provide complete documentation up front.
Steps to Apply
Here is an overview of the step-by-step process to secure your accredited employer work visa:
- Get a job offer from an INZ accredited employer in New Zealand. This is the most fundamental requirement to kickstart your visa application.
- Gather required documents like police certificates, medical results, English test scores, passport photos, etc.
- Complete the visa application form online and pay the associated fees.
- Attend your medical examination and provide any biometric information requested.
- Submit your full visa application to Immigration New Zealand with all supporting documents.
- Wait for processing and decision; this typically takes 6–8 weeks. You can check your application status online.
- Once approved, make arrangements to work and settle in New Zealand!
Next, let’s go through each step of the process in more detail.
Finding a Job with an Accredited Employer
The first step is identifying and applying to suitable jobs with accredited New Zealand companies. Here are some tips:
- Search accredited employer lists published by INZ
- Look for openings at major New Zealand companies in your industry
- Check if your current employer has New Zealand locations or partnerships
- Search job boards like Seek NZ and filter by accredited employers
- Connect with recruiters and talent networks in New Zealand
Some of the top accredited employers in major industries include:
- Technology: Xero, Pushpay, Datacom, Orion Health
- Healthcare: Auckland DHB, Southern DHB, St John New Zealand
- Hospitality: SkyCity Entertainment, T&G Global, Delaware North
- Construction: Fletcher Building, New Zealand Steel, City Rail Link
- Primary industries: ANZCO Foods, Alliance Group, Fonterra
Documents Needed for Your Visa Application
Once you secure a job offer, you can start gathering the required supporting documents. Common requirements include:
- Passport – Valid for 3+ months beyond the visa start date
- Birth certificate – To confirm your identity
- Passport photos – Digital, sized to spec
- Medical examination – Signed clearance from an INZ approved doctor
- Police certificates – From all countries where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years
- English test – IELTS, OET or PTE results meeting the visa minimum
- Qualifications – Proving you can do the job, if applicable
- Work experience letters – From relevant past employers
- Job offer – A copy of your written accredited employer job offer
- Cover letter – Explaining why you should be granted the visa
- Additional financial documents may be requested in certain cases to prove you can support yourself.
Follow all instructions provided to ensure your documents will be accepted. Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason for delays.
Completing the Visa Application Form
You will need to complete an online visa application form through Immigration New Zealand’s website. Here are some tips:
- Allow 1-2 hours to complete all sections accurately
- Have all dates, addresses, and documentation ready
- Double check that all details match your supporting documents
- List all dependents you want to bring to New Zealand, if applicable
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card online
- Submit any additional evidence Immigration NZ requests
Carefully completing this form prevents avoidable mistakes and speeds up processing. Make sure all information provided is truthful and consistent across documents.
Visa Processing Times
Most accredited employer work visa applications are processed within 6–8 weeks. But timeframes can vary.
Factors that may delay processing include:
- Submitting an incomplete application
- Missing documents or information
- Inconsistencies in your details
- Changes in immigration policies and priorities
If your visa is taking much longer than 8 weeks with no updates, try contacting your case officer for status. Provide any requested information promptly.
You can continue living in your home country while awaiting the decision. Some planning can happen, but avoid finalizing moving plans until your visa is approved.
Settling in New Zealand
Once approved, it’s time to land your dream job in New Zealand and establish your new life! Here are some tips:
Finding a Job
If you don’t already have an employer arranged, take proactive steps to find a job once in the country:
- Tap into professional networks and associations in your industry
- Attend job fairs and recruitment events
- Research the New Zealand job market extensively for openings in your field
- Connect with recruiters and enroll with talent agencies
- Consider internships or volunteer work to gain local experience
- Be open to starting in adjacent roles and working towards your ideal job
Getting Set Up in New Zealand
Upon arrival, focus on getting the basics set up:
- Housing: Rentals fill up fast in cities like Auckland and Wellington, so start your housing search early. Have records handy for rental applications.
- Bank account: Opening a local bank account enables getting paid, accessing credit and managing finances in New Zealand. Compare banks online for the best account features and fees.
- Transportation: Public transport like buses, trains, and ferries connects most major urban hubs. Buying a car may be better for rural areas.
- Phone/internet: Shop carriers for a local phone plan with calling, texting, and data. Arrange an installation or connection for home internet.
- ID number: Apply for an IRD number for paying taxes, accessing healthcare, and more. This is New Zealand’s version of a SSN or SIN.
Rights and Responsibilities
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When you hold an accredited employer work visa, you enjoy many rights as a citizen and permanent resident:
- Work for any employer in New Zealand
- Access free or subsidized healthcare
- Enroll in schools and universities
- Travel freely to and from New Zealand
- Bring dependents like children and partners
But you must uphold ongoing responsibilities, like:
- Honoring the conditions of your visa
- Only working for accredited employers
- Maintaining minimum language scores, if required
- Abiding by all NZ laws
- Notifying INZ of any changes in circumstances
Fulfilling these duties ensures you stay on the pathway to permanent residency.
Gaining Permanent Residency
A key benefit of the accredited employer work visa is that it enables you to eventually apply for permanent residency.
After holding this visa for 2+ years, you can submit an application under the Skilled Migrant Category. The core requirements are:
- Meeting age, health and character standards
- Proving your employment background and recognized qualifications
- Satisfying English language requirements
- Living in New Zealand for enough time to be familiar with the culture
If approved for residency, you gain the right to:
- Live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
- Access healthcare, social services and welfare
- Travel freely in and out of the country
- Sponsor relatives to join you
After 5+ years as a permanent resident, you can apply for full New Zealand citizenship. This allows for voting, running for public office, and obtaining a New Zealand passport.
Gaining permanent residency or citizenship offers maximum security and opportunities for building your life in New Zealand over the long-term.
Next Steps for a Life in New Zealand
New Zealand’s acclaimed employer work visa provides a proven pathway for immigrants with skills and determination. This guide outlined everything you need to know, from eligibility to application and settling in.
For more help on your immigration journey, check out additional resources like:
- Immigration New Zealand site for forms and official updates
- New Zealand Now for living and working in New Zealand advice
- New Kiwis connecting immigrant communities
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