New Zealand Updates Accreditation Rules for Business Sales and Mergers

October 30, 2024 – In response to business sales and mergers involving Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, the New Zealand Government has introduced changes to simplify the accreditation and Job Check processes for affected employers and AEWV workers.

Effective Changes from November 6, 2024:

  1. Job Change Requirements:
    • If an AEWV holder’s job role and location remain the same but their employer changes due to a business sale or restructuring, the visa holder must still apply for a Job Change.
    • However, if the new employer already holds or has applied for accreditation, Immigration New Zealand will process the Job Change application while the new employer’s accreditation application is under review.
  2. No New Job Check Needed:
    • The new employer is exempt from submitting a Job Check unless there is a change in the AEWV holder’s role or work location.
  3. High-Volume Accreditation for Larger Transfers:
    • AEWV holders transferring to a new employer after a sale or restructure will count towards the employer’s quota of 5 AEWV employees under standard accreditation.
    • Employers expecting to exceed this number should apply for high-volume accreditation before their employees submit Job Change applications.

Immigration New Zealand’s Commitment to Efficiency

Immigration New Zealand continues to prioritise the efficient processing of AEWV applications, recognising the scheme’s importance to both individuals and the economy. To enhance processing times, the department has streamlined certain operations, such as grouping applications for bulk processing where applicable, like large sectoral or location-based submissions.

Applications submitted with complete, accurate documentation will be prioritised, ensuring faster turnaround times.

Conclusion:
These changes reflect New Zealand’s commitment to supporting both employers and migrant workers through smoother transitions during business sales or mergers. By simplifying the accreditation and Job Check processes, the government aims to reduce administrative hurdles, ensure faster processing, and help employers retain skilled workers. Immigration New Zealand’s continued focus on efficiency and priority processing underscores its dedication to keeping the AEWV scheme responsive to the needs of both New Zealand’s economy and its growing workforce.

Reference

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

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