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    Accredited Employer Matters

    Supporting NZ employers in navigating immigration compliance.

    In the current immigration environment, hiring skilled migrant talent is a sophisticated legal process that begins long before a candidate arrives. For New Zealand businesses, being an "Accredited Employer" is more than just a status—it is an ongoing commitment to high standards of employment and immigration law.

    At McMellon Law, we act as strategic partners to New Zealand businesses. We simplify the complexities of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, ensuring your business remains compliant while you focus on growth and operations.

    The Three Stages of Hiring Migrants

    The AEWV system requires employers to lead the process. We provide end-to-end management of each critical stage:

    1

    Employer Accreditation

    Your business must be formally approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrants. Whether you require Standard, High-Volume, or Triangular (Labour Hire) accreditation, we ensure your application is robust. We focus on:

    Financial Viability: Assisting you in providing the necessary evidence (profitability, cash flow, or business plans) required for 2026 standards.
    Compliance History: Ensuring your business has a clean record with the Labour Inspectorate and no history of immigration breaches.
    2

    The Job Check

    Before a migrant can apply for a visa, the specific role must be approved via a Job Check.

    Advertising & Market Rates: We guide you through the mandatory advertising periods and ensure your salary offerings align with the current Market Rate requirements, which have replaced the old median wage system.
    Employment Agreements: We review your contracts to ensure they include the mandatory clauses required by Immigration New Zealand, such as those regarding recruitment costs and trial periods.
    3

    Migrant Visa Support

    Once the Job Check is approved, we work with your chosen candidate to ensure their visa application is "decision-ready," reducing the risk of delays that can impact your start dates.

    Maintaining Your Status: Compliance & Audits

    Immigration New Zealand has significantly increased its focus on post-accreditation monitoring. With a high percentage of employers now being audited annually, McMellon Law helps you mitigate risk by:

    Audit Preparation

    We perform internal audits of your record-keeping, ensuring you have documented proof of meeting your Settlement Support obligations (providing housing, transport, and community information).

    Workforce Monitoring

    We help you track visa expiry dates and maximum continuous stay limits, preventing the risk of employing workers unlawfully.

    Regulatory Advice

    We provide immediate counsel if your business faces a site visit, a request for information, or a potential Infringement Notice under the 2025 compliance scheme.

    Why Choose McMellon Law?

    Immigration compliance is now a critical part of business risk management. By partnering with McMellon Law, you gain:

    Legal Certainty

    Advice that integrates New Zealand employment law with immigration policy.

    Efficiency

    A streamlined process that secures Job Checks and accreditations faster, minimising recruitment downtime.

    Integrity

    We protect your reputation as an employer, ensuring you stay off the "stand-down" list and maintain your ability to hire global talent.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Employer Accreditation & Compliance

    Protect Your Ability to Hire

    Whether you are applying for your first accreditation or preparing for a mandatory renewal or audit, the team at McMellon Law is ready to assist.

    Book a Consultation

    Let’s Start Your Journey

    Ready to take the next step? Our immigration experts are here to help you achieve your goals.

    Get Started Today