AEWV job check: Work and Income engagement rules clarified for employers
New Zealand employers using the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme are being reminded of their obligation to engage with Work and Income in good faith before hiring migrant workers.
Recent post-decision checks have identified that around 15% of employers did not meet this requirement, despite declaring compliance in their job check applications. This has prompted a tighter investigation from Immigration New Zealand to ensure employers follow the correct process.
The AEWV framework is designed to prioritise New Zealand workers. Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally before turning to overseas talent.
When Work and Income engagement is required
Engagement with Work and Income is a mandatory step in the AEWV job check process for roles classified at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5.
The only key exception applies where:
- The employer is applying for a Peak Seasonal Visa job check, and
- They have already obtained a Work and Income endorsement
For all other applicable roles, employers must complete this step before progressing their job check application.
What ‘good faith engagement’ means in practice
To meet compliance requirements, employers must take a structured and genuine approach when working with Work and Income.
This includes:
- Completing the official Work and Income job vacancy form
- Responding to any communication within 3 working days
- Ensuring job requirements are genuine, consistent, and aligned across all advertising platforms
- Listing the role with Work and Income (unless advised there are no suitable candidates)
- Allowing sufficient time for candidate referrals
- Genuinely considering and interviewing suitable candidates put forward
These steps are not administrative formalities. They are assessed as part of Immigration New Zealand’s verification process.
Common risks identified by Immigration New Zealand
Recent checks have highlighted several areas where employers are falling short:
- Declaring engagement without completing all required steps
- Failing to respond to Work and Income within required timeframes
- Listing roles but not genuinely considering referred candidates
- Inconsistent job requirements across advertisements
- Rushing the process without allowing time for candidate referrals
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These gaps can directly impact application outcomes and broader accreditation status.
Consequences of non-compliance
Employers who do not meet Work and Income engagement requirements may face:
- Declined job check applications
- Delays in hiring migrant workers
- Increased scrutiny on future applications
- Suspension or loss of accredited employer status
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This reinforces the importance of treating engagement as a compliance obligation, not a procedural step.
Practical considerations for employers
To reduce risk and improve application outcomes, employers should:
- Plan recruitment timelines early to allow for proper engagement
- Align job descriptions across all platforms before advertising
- Document all communication with Work and Income
- Build internal processes to track compliance steps
- Review job check applications carefully before submission
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A structured approach helps avoid delays and ensures applications meet current expectations.
Work and Income engagement is a central component of the AEWV system. It reflects the government’s priority to ensure New Zealanders are given fair access to job opportunities before migrant labour is considered. Employers who understand and follow these requirements will be better positioned to secure approvals, maintain accreditation, and support long-term workforce planning.
Get in touch
Absolute Immigration NZ provides structured, compliant guidance to support AEWV job check applications and employer obligations. For tailored advice and support, contact our team of immigration advisers at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
