AEWV Job Check Process for New Zealand Employers

If you are a New Zealand employer wanting to hire overseas workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), there are several important steps you must complete before your candidate can apply for a visa.

This process is designed to ensure New Zealand employers first consider local workers before recruiting migrants. ( Immigration New Zealand )

Step 1 — Become an Accredited Employer

Before applying for a Job Check, your business must hold valid AEWV employer accreditation from Immigration New Zealand.

Employer accreditation confirms that your business:

• is financially sustainable

• follows New Zealand employment laws

• provides genuine employment opportunities

• supports migrant workers properly.

Once accreditation is approved, you can move to the Job Check stage.

Step 2 — Check if the Role Must Be Advertised

Most AEWV positions require labor market advertising before a Job Check application can be submitted.

However, advertising may not be required if:

• The role is on New Zealand’s Green List

• The role pays a very high salary threshold set by Immigration New Zealand

• The role qualifies under specific seasonal visa categories.

Advertising Requirements

Your job advertisement should include:

• Job title

• Work location

• Duties and responsibilities

• Pay range or salary

• Regardless of working hours

• Required qualifications or experience.

The advertisement must show genuine efforts to recruit New Zealand workers first.

Step 3 — Advertise the Position

The required advertising period depends on the occupation skill level.

ANZSCO / NOL Skill Levels

New Zealand is gradually moving from ANZSCO to the National Occupation List (NOL) system.

Step 4 — Engage with Work and Income (WINZ)

For lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO Level 4 or 5), employers must also engage with Work and Income New Zealand before lodging the Job Check.

This process helps confirm whether suitable New Zealand.

Employers Must:

• Contact Work and Income directly

• I… requests

• Interview suitable New Zealand candidates referred by WINZ

• Engage in “good faith” throughout recruitment.

Step 5 — Submit the Job Check Application

Once advertising and WINZ engagement are completed, the employer can submit a Job Check application through Immigration New Zealand.

The Job Check confirms:

• The role is genuine

• Employment conditions meet New Zealand standards

• No suitable New Zealand workers were available.

Employers May Need to Provide:

• Da Nang Street

• one congratulations

• Business notification

• Happy conditions

• Explanation of why the role is needed.

Step 6 — Receive Job Check Approval

If approved, Immigration New Zealand issues a Job Token (unique link).

The approved Job Check:

• It is usually valid for 6 months.

• allows the migrant workers to apply for their AEWV

• must match the approved role, pay rate, and location exactly.

Step 7 — Migrant Applies for the AEWV

After receiving the Job Token, the overseas worker can submit their AEWV application.

The applicant must provide:

• Passport

• Qualifications

• Work experience

• Medical certificates (if required)

• Police clearances (if required).

Important Employer Obligations

Employers must:

• Pay all recruitment costs

• Not charge migrants for visa sponsorship

• Provide compliant employment agreements

• Support workers settled into New Zealand.

Official Resources

• Immigration New Zealand – Job Check Process

• Work and Income New Zealand – Hiring Migrant Workers