Accredited Employer Work Visa prioritisation process

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has recently acknowledged the delays in the processing of applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. These delays have impacted employer accreditation, Job Check, and AEWV applications, which have been taking longer than anticipated to process. INZ is prioritising efforts to reduce these processing times, recognising the importance of efficient application handling for all parties involved.

New group processing approach

To address the backlog and improve efficiency, INZ has introduced a new approach by grouping similar applications. This involves assessing applications together based on common factors such as the sector, location, or applicants with similar circumstances. This method allows the processing team to manage applications more efficiently while ensuring all necessary checks are completed.

INZ has also emphasised the importance of complete applications, with those including all required documentation being given priority.

How AEWV applications are allocated

When an application is allocated, it is assigned to an immigration officer for assessment. INZ adopts a flexible approach to allocating AEWV applications across its three processing gateways, focusing on efficiency while safeguarding quality decision-making. The current strategy involves grouping similar applications and assigning them to dedicated teams for more streamlined processing.

This approach allows for the prioritization of applications that are fully complete, enabling INZ to make visa decisions more swiftly across the AEWV gateways.

The AEWV process has three critical steps

1. Employer Accreditation: employers must first apply for accreditation, which confirms they meet New Zealand’s employment standards and are capable of supporting migrant workers.
2. Job Check: accredited employers must then apply for a job check to verify that no New Zealanders are available for the role. If approved, the employer can offer the position to a migrant worker.
3. AEWV Application: once the job check is passed, the migrant can apply for an AEWV. This application includes verification steps to ensure the role and employer meet the criteria.

Weekly allocation priorities

For the week of October 14, INZ has introduced specific allocation priorities for AEWV processing. These priorities are reviewed and updated weekly to ensure the most time-sensitive applications are handled appropriately. The current focus includes:

• Employer Accreditation: Priority is being given to employer accreditation applications where the employer’s interim accreditation is set to expire within six weeks.
• Job Check: Priority is being given to Job Check applications for:
  • Green List roles
  • ANZSCO skill level 1 roles
  • ANZSCO skill level 2 roles in the hospitality sector
• Accredited Employer Work Visa: Priority is being given to:
  • Work visa applications where the employer’s accreditation is due to expire before the end of October
  • Visa holders currently in New Zealand who are on an interim visa without work rights and are transitioning from a visa with open work rights.

It’s important to note that while these applications may be allocated first, this does not necessarily guarantee they will be processed in the same order. The quality and completeness of an application remain significant factors in determining how long it will take to process each case.

Ensuring faster processing: key recommendations

To help expedite the processing of AEWV applications, INZ recommends the following steps for employers and advisers:

1. Submit complete applications: ensure all necessary evidence and documentation are included when submitting employer accreditation, Job Check, or AEWV applications. Incomplete applications contribute to delays and may take longer to process.
2. Understand advertising requirements: when applying for a Job Check, employers must ensure that their job advertisements comply with INZ’s requirements. Providing the correct evidence upfront will speed up the approval process.
3. Check accreditation validity: employers should regularly check the status of their accreditation, ensuring it remains valid throughout the AEWV application process. Employers with expired or soon-to-expire accreditations must renew them promptly to avoid application delays.

Statistics as of 23 September 2024

• 127,228 AEWV applications approved since the scheme began.
• 29,540 accredited employers.
• 83,894 AEWV holders.

Post-Accreditation Checks, employers should expect ongoing compliance checks, with 16% of accredited employers reviewed annually. Random and targeted checks ensure employers meet their AEWV obligations, with penalties for non-compliance.

For more details on AEWV applications and employer responsibilities, please contact Arno Nothnagel, Director of New Zealand Immigration, at arno.nothnagel@ absoluteimmigration.com.