New Zealand's employer accreditation system has three categories designed for different types of employers. Understanding which category applies to your business ensures you apply correctly and meet the right requirements from the start.
Overview of Categories
Three Options
Standard Accreditation: For most employers.
High-Volume Accreditation: For larger employers with many migrant workers.
Triangular Employment Accreditation: For labour hire and recruitment agencies.
Choosing the Right One
Business Size: How many migrants will you hire?
Business Type: Are you direct employer or labour hire?
Recruitment Plans: What are your ongoing hiring plans?
Standard Accreditation
Who It's For
Standard accreditation suits most employers:
Small to Medium: Planning to hire up to 5 migrant workers annually.
Direct Employment: Employing workers directly (not labour hire).
Most Businesses: The default option for most NZ businesses.
Requirements
Business Viability: Operating, viable business.
Compliance History: Good employment and immigration record.
Employment Standards: Meeting employment law requirements.
Tax Compliance: Up to date with tax obligations.
Duration and Costs
Duration: Valid for 2 years.
Fee: Standard application fee (check current rates).
Renewal: Renew before expiry.
What It Allows
Hire Migrants: Support up to 5 AEWV applications per year.
Standard Process: Use standard Job Check and visa processes.
Straightforward Requirements: Less extensive HR requirements.
High-Volume Accreditation
Who It's For
For employers with significant migrant workforces:
Larger Operations: Planning to hire more than 5 migrants annually.
Established Employers: Have HR systems and resources.
Ongoing Needs: Persistent need for migrant workers.
Additional Requirements
Beyond standard requirements:
HR Systems: Documented HR policies and procedures.
Training Commitments: Commitment to NZ worker training.
Settlement Support: Support for worker settlement.
Employment Relations: Good employment relations track record.
Career Development: Worker development pathways.
Duration and Costs
Duration: Initially 1 year, then renewable for longer.
Fee: Higher than standard accreditation.
Greater Scrutiny: More thorough application assessment.
What It Allows
More Workers: No cap on number of AEWV applications.
Appropriate for Scale: Matches larger operational needs.
Recognition: Recognition as significant employer of migrants.
Triangular Employment Accreditation
Who It's For
For labour hire and recruitment arrangements:
Labour Hire Agencies: Placing workers with host employers.
Recruitment Firms: Recruiting for client companies.
Staffing Companies: Temporary staffing arrangements.
What Is Triangular Employment
Three Parties: Worker, labour hire agency, and controlling third party (host).
Agency Employs: Agency is legal employer.
Host Controls: Host directs day-to-day work.
Complex Arrangement: Special oversight needed.
Requirements
Most stringent requirements:
All Standard/High-Volume Requirements: Plus additional.
Host Employer Details: Information about host arrangements.
Worker Protection: Strong worker protection measures.
Monitoring: Ongoing compliance monitoring.
Transparency: Clear communication of arrangements.
Duration and Costs
Duration: Typically 1 year.
Fee: Highest fee category.
Intensive Scrutiny: Most intensive assessment.
What It Allows
Labour Hire Operations: Operate labour hire for migrant workers.
Placement Services: Place migrants with host employers.
Industry Access: Enable recruitment industry to serve migration needs.
How to Choose
Consider Your Situation
Number of Migrants: How many do you expect to hire?
< 5 per year: Standard likely sufficient.
> 5 per year: High-volume may be required.
Labour hire: Triangular required.
Consider Your Structure
Direct Employment: Standard or high-volume.
Contracting Arrangements: Triangular if controlling third party involved.
Mixed: May need multiple accreditation types.
Consider Your Resources
HR Capacity: High-volume requires HR systems.
Compliance Resources: Higher categories need more compliance effort.
Costs: Higher categories have higher fees.
Applying for Accreditation
Standard Application
Gather Evidence: Business documentation, compliance evidence.
Online Application: Apply through Immigration NZ online system.
Pay Fee: Application fee required.
Await Decision: Processing time varies.
High-Volume Application
Additional Evidence: HR policies, training commitments.
More Documentation: Evidence of systems and processes.
Longer Processing: More extensive assessment.
Possible Interview: May involve discussions with INZ.
Triangular Application
Extensive Documentation: Host employer details, worker protection measures.
Detailed Processes: Evidence of how arrangements work.
Compliance Systems: Monitoring and compliance systems.
Thorough Review: Most intensive assessment.
Upgrading or Changing
From Standard to High-Volume
If you outgrow standard accreditation:
Apply for High-Volume: Submit new application.
Meet Requirements: Must meet high-volume requirements.
Transition: Process transition carefully.
Timing Considerations
Before Needed: Apply before you need the capacity.
Processing Time: Allow for processing.
Continuity: Maintain existing while upgrading.
Compliance Obligations
All Categories
Maintain Standards: Continue meeting requirements.
Pay Correct Wages: Pay at least agreed wages.
Good Conditions: Provide agreed working conditions.
Report Changes: Report significant business changes.
Additional for High-Volume
Maintain HR Systems: Keep documented HR processes.
Training Delivery: Deliver training commitments.
Settlement Support: Provide migrant support.
Career Pathways: Demonstrate worker development.
Additional for Triangular
Host Oversight: Monitor host employer conduct.
Worker Protection: Maintain protection measures.
Compliance Monitoring: Active compliance management.
Reporting: Additional reporting requirements.
Common Questions About Categories
What If I'm Not Sure How Many I'll Hire?
Start Standard: Apply for standard if unsure.
Upgrade Later: Can apply for high-volume when needed.
Plan Ahead: Processing takes time.
Can I Have Multiple Accreditations?
Different Categories: Usually not needed.
Different Businesses: Separate businesses need separate accreditation.
Advice: Get advice on complex structures.
What If I Previously Had Problems?
May Affect Application: Past issues considered.
Demonstrate Improvement: Show how things improved.
Professional Help: Use adviser for complex histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need high-volume accreditation?
If you expect to sponsor more than 5 AEWV applications in a 12-month period, you need high-volume accreditation. Standard accreditation is capped at 5.
What makes triangular employment different from normal employment?
In triangular employment, the controlling third party (host) directs day-to-day work, while the agency is the formal employer. This creates additional worker protection concerns.
Can I apply for a higher category than I need?
Yes, but higher categories have more stringent requirements and higher fees. Apply for the category that matches your actual needs.
Do I need separate accreditation for each business location?
Generally one accreditation covers your business entity. Multiple separate legal entities need separate accreditations. Get advice on complex structures.
How long does accreditation take for each category?
Processing varies. Standard is typically faster than high-volume, which is faster than triangular. Allow weeks to months depending on category and complexity.
Unsure which accreditation category your business needs? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your situation and guide your application.