For Employers
Job Checks — what employers need to know.
Before a migrant worker can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, your business must obtain an approved Job Check from Immigration New Zealand for the specific role. Head Start Visas manages this process for employers.
The Job Check Process
How the Job Check process works.
The Job Check is step two of the three-step AEWV process (Accreditation → Job Check → Visa application). Each Job Check is role-specific and must be approved before the employee applies.
Confirm accreditation
Before applying for a Job Check, your business must hold current AEWV Employer Accreditation. Job Checks are only available to accredited employers.
Advertise the role
Most roles require a labour market test — advertising the role for at least 2 weeks on relevant NZ job boards to confirm no suitable local candidates are available.
Prepare the Job Check application
The Job Check application covers the role description, pay rate, employment conditions, and evidence of the labour market test. We prepare this documentation for you.
INZ approval
Immigration New Zealand reviews the Job Check and either approves or declines. Approved Job Checks are required before your migrant employee can apply for an AEWV.
Employee applies for AEWV
With an approved Job Check in hand, your prospective employee can apply for their Accredited Employer Work Visa to take up the role.
Take the Next Step
Need a Job Check for your role?
We manage the full Job Check and AEWV process for New Zealand employers, from advertising guidance to the final visa application.