How to Become an Accredited Employer in New Zealand

A business becomes an accredited employer in New Zealand by applying to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) online, showing it is viable, genuinely operating and compliant with employment and immigration law, and paying the accreditation fee. Once accredited, you can apply for Job Checks and hire on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

By Sejoo Han, Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA full licence 202400274), at Concord Visa. This article is general information about New Zealand immigration law as at October 2026. It isn't immigration advice for your situation and doesn't promise any outcome; your options depend on your own facts.

What is AEWV employer accreditation, and when do you need it?

Accreditation is INZ's assessment of the business itself, before it looks at any role or worker. You need it to hire anyone on an AEWV, including people already in New Zealand on another visa, and to support some resident visa applications such as the Skilled Migrant Category. If you only hire New Zealand citizens, residents or people on open work visas, you don't.

A common sequencing mistake is to find the right overseas hire, agree a start date, and only then learn the business isn't accredited. Accreditation is the first of three approvals, so I'd start it before the recruitment conversation gets serious.

The rules are immigration instructions made under the Immigration Act 2009 and published in the INZ Operational Manual. The requirements for all employers are in section WA2.10, and accreditation terms are in section WA2.45.

Which type of accreditation do you need?

TypeWho it's forKey conditionsStandardBusinesses hiring up to 5 migrantsCore WA2.10 requirementsHigh-volumeBusinesses hiring 6 or more migrantsCore requirementsTriangularBusinesses placing migrants with controlling third parties while remaining the direct employer12-month history of placing staff in New Zealand; at least 15% of placed staff are NZ citizens or residents guaranteed at least 30 hours a week

You can change type later, but you can't upgrade an application while INZ is assessing it, so I'd choose based on your hiring plan for the whole term. Source: INZ's accreditation types page.

What are the accreditation requirements?

Under WA2.10, the business must be registered with Inland Revenue as an employer and be viable and genuinely operating. Viability is tested against at least one of four measures: no loss before depreciation and tax over the last 24 months; positive cash flow in each of the last 6 months; sufficient capital or external investment; or a credible plan covering at least the next two years, such as contracts for work. Key people must not be on the Employer or Immigration stand-down lists or permanently banned from supporting visas.

The financial test is where I'd spend time first, particularly for newer businesses. The evidence INZ lists includes financial statements, cash-flow statements, contracts for work, GST, PAYE and income tax returns, and bank statements. A new business can qualify, but it should expect closer questions about funding and forecasts.

Two points from WA2.10 often surprise employers. Settlement information, covering accommodation, transport, cost of living, healthcare, IRD numbers, community services and job hazards, must be given within one month of the worker starting. And since 27 January 2025, employers no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand's online modules, so older guides saying otherwise are out of date.

How do you apply?

Choose the accreditation type, fix gaps such as overdue tax filings, then apply through Immigration Online and pay the fee. Answer any INZ request quickly and in full. Once approved, you can move to the Job Check. Our guide to hiring someone from overseas in New Zealand covers the full sequence.

The main ways to get accredited, side by side:

DimensionConcord VisaDoing it yourselfGlobal mobility firms (Fragomen, Vialto Partners, Newland Chase)What it isImmigration advice for employers from a licensed adviserSelf-filing through Immigration OnlineGlobal immigration and mobility servicesTypical fitNZ employers hiring on the AEWVSmall employers with clean, simple recordsLarge multinationals with mobility programmesCheck before filingPre-assessmentSelf-check against INZ instructionsConfirm with providerBeyond accreditationJob Check, AEWV and residence questionsEach stage filed by youConfirm with provider

How long does accreditation last, and how does renewal work?

Under WA2.45, a first accreditation is granted for 12 months. A renewal is granted for 24 months for standard and high-volume accreditation, but 12 months for triangular accreditation or where the previous accreditation has lapsed for 12 months or more. INZ recommends allowing at least five weeks to renew. If accreditation expires, any unused job tokens expire with it.

What obligations come with accreditation?

As I see it, accreditation isn't the finish line. You need to keep paying correctly, provide settlement support, keep records, not pass recruitment costs to workers, and tell INZ about changes such as new key people. INZ can inspect compliance and can suspend or revoke accreditation.

One more point I'd raise with any employer: once a worker gains residence, they're no longer tied to you. A conversation about their goals before that point is worth having, particularly where pay decisions interact with residence wage thresholds.

FAQ: becoming an accredited employer in New Zealand

Can a new business become an accredited employer in New Zealand?

Yes. A new business can be accredited if it is genuinely operating and meets at least one of INZ's four financial tests, such as a credible business plan covering at least the next two years.

How long does AEWV employer accreditation last?

A first accreditation lasts 12 months. Renewals last 24 months for standard and high-volume accreditation, and 12 months for triangular accreditation.

Do employers still need to complete the Employment New Zealand modules?

No. The requirement was removed on 27 January 2025. Employers must still give AEWV workers settlement information within their first month.

What are the financial requirements for accreditation?

The business must meet one of four tests: no loss over the last 24 months, positive cash flow for each of the last 6 months, sufficient capital or investment, or a credible plan for at least two years. These are set out in Operational Manual section WA2.10.

Do I need an immigration adviser to apply for accreditation?

No, employers can apply directly. If you want help, section 6 of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 requires anyone giving immigration advice to be licensed or exempt, for example a New Zealand lawyer.

Get accreditation right the first time

Concord Visa doesn't find candidates. A pre-assessment helps you understand where your business stands before you file, and any advice on your specific case comes from a licensed immigration adviser.

Book your Concord pre-assessment before you file, and find out where your application stands.