News and Updates
July Month Newsletter for Employers
Greetings from Kiwiana Immigration!
Welcome to our July newsletter, where we bring you the latest updates, essential tips, and important reminders to help you navigate New Zealand's immigration landscape with ease and confidence. As we continue to support your business and your immigration journeys, staying informed and prepared is key to success.
This month, we're focusing on crucial aspects of maintaining and renewing your employer accreditation, as well as understanding the job check process. With the ever-evolving immigration policies, it’s vital to stay ahead and ensure compliance. Whether you're an employer looking to renew your accreditation or planning to hire new staff, we're here to provide you with all the information and guidance you need.
Employer Accreditation Renewals 🔄
As your trusted partner in immigration services, we want to ensure your business remains compliant and your employees feel secure. Here are essential reminders for renewing your employer accreditation:
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute! ⏰
If your accreditation is due to expire in a few months, take action now to avoid any last-minute hassles.For a Successful Employer Accreditation Renewal Application, INZ Ensures:
Business Stability: ✔️ Your business must be financially stable and viable.
Training Completion: ✔️ Key persons in your business should have completed the required employer modules.
Employee Support: ✔️ Ensure settlement support is provided to AEWV holders.
Module Completion: ✔️ AEWV holders must complete the employee modules within the first month of their employment.
Compliance Policies: ✔️ Have robust policies in place to ensure compliance.
We suggest starting the renewal process early to address any potential issues promptly. If you need assistance, our team is here to help you navigate the requirements efficiently.
If you don't renew, your accreditation will expire, impacting your ability to hire new migrants and support current workers' visa applications.
Job Checks 🔍
Understanding the timelines and requirements for job checks is crucial for your hiring plans. Here’s what you need to know:
Processing Time ⏳
Job checks currently take up to 8 weeks to process. For occupations listed in the Green List, processing times are shorter, typically around 2-3 weeks.Escalations 🚀
If there's an urgent need, job check escalations are possible. However, these are subject to strong grounds that justify the urgency.Planning Ahead 📅
If you're planning to hire AEWV staff in the upcoming months, start the process now to ensure a smooth and timely hiring process.
Investigations & Infringements 🔍
As at 16 July 2024, there are 291 active investigations on Accredited Employers (on 281 employers since there are some duplicates in cases).
23-24FY Prosecutions Summary
Cases Prosecuted
6
Total Individuals Prosecuted
10
Number of Charges
66
Reparation for victims
$91,000
Custodial Sentences
6
Community Service
1
Here is a short summary by sector, region and employer status of the first infringements.
All figures as at 30 June 2024:
Sector Wise:
Sector (ANZIC)
Count Accommodation and Food Services3 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing3 Construction 3 Health Care and Social Assistance1 Other Services2 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services1 Retail Trade1 Transport, Postal and Warehousing1 Total 15
Region wise:
Region Count Auckland 2 Canterbury3 Manawatū-Whanganui2 Otago1Waikato2 Wellington5 Total15
Accreditation Status:
Accreditation StatusCount Declined2 Never Been Accredited6Revoked3 Suspended4 Total15
*Source: NZAMI
🎉 Exciting event coming soon!
Kiwiana Immigration is excited to host an Immigration & Education Fair on September 7th! We invite migrants currently in New Zealand who are looking for options to secure their future. We are also welcoming those who are planning to invite their friends or relatives from overseas on a student visa.
Entry is free for everyone. Join us and be a part of the experience!
In this newsletter, we are showcasing Kiwiana Immigration's Director, Mr. Pawandeep Singh, in an exclusive interview with Anna Hayat. As they discuss an inspiring journey and how Kiwiana Immigration has become a trusted consultant among the people.
If you need assistance or have any questions, Kiwiana Immigration is here to help!
Contact us at 📞 09-220-2098 or 📧 advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz
Warm regards,
The Kiwiana Immigration Team 🌏
June Month Newsletter
Further changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)Is your employer accreditation renewal deadline coming up? Get expert guidance from Kiwiana Immigration to renew now.
How significant is the Employment Learning Module?
Important Update for AEWV Holders in ANZSCO Levels 4 and 5
Effective June 26, 2024, AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway can no longer support work, visitor, or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children.
Partners and dependent children can still apply for visas independently, such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa or an international student visa, provided they meet the requirements.
This change aligns with broader updates to the AEWV scheme made earlier this year and reverts to settings similar to the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.
The change will not affect: -
Individuals who already hold visas as partners or dependent children.
AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with a residency pathway (e.g., Green List, sector agreements, or those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage for the Skilled Migrant Category).
Applications for partners or dependent children currently in progress, which will be assessed based on the requirements in place at the time of application.
Is Your Employer Accreditation Expiring Soon? Time to Renew!
Renew to:
Employ new AEWV workers
Change your accreditation type
Support AEWV holders with further applications
If you don't renew, your accreditation will expire, impacting your ability to hire new migrants and support current workers' visa applications.
Click here to start your renewal process!
Have you made progress on your Employment Learning Modules?
Understanding your rights and responsibilities in New Zealand is crucial, whether you're an employee or an employer.
Visit the website here and register yourself
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz or give us a call at 092202098.
May Month Newsletter
Franchisee accreditation category to be removed in June 2024.
Is your employer accreditation renewal deadline approaching? Renew with the expert guidance of Kiwiana Immigration now.
Learn about Employment Learning Module
Removal of Franchisee Accreditation Category Scheduled for June 2024
In April, the Minister of Immigration signalled that the franchisee accreditation category will be discontinued this year, following Cabinet decisions. There is no significant evidence to suggest that franchisee employers are more likely to be non-compliant and require additional accreditation requirements. This change will take effect from 16 June 2024.
Instead of franchisee accreditation, employers will have the option to hold standard, high-volume, or controlling third-party employment accreditation, depending on their circumstances.
This change aims to lower costs for franchisee employers and ensure they are on an equal footing with other businesses in the same industry. Franchisee employers who wish to apply for accreditation or who currently hold franchisee accreditation do not need to take immediate action. They will have the option to apply for another type of accreditation after 16 June 2024. However, applications submitted before this date must meet the existing franchisee accreditation requirements.
Source INZ *
Are You Looking to Renew Your Employer Accreditation?
Is your employer accreditation expiring soon? Looking to renew?
Renew to:
Employ new AEWV workers.
Change accreditation type.
Support AEWV holders with further applications.
If you don't renew, your accreditation expires, affecting your ability to hire new migrants and support current workers' visa applications.
Click on this link to register today
Have you completed your Employment Learning Modules yet ?
Whether you're an employee or employer, it's essential to know your rights and responsibilities in New Zealand.
Visit the website here and register yourself
Stay compliant. Contact us for details.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz or give us a call at 092202098.
April Month Newsletter
Changes to Job Check Process and Accredited Employer Work Visa Applications
On April 7th, the government announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa that are affecting employers and workers in low-skilled jobs. These changes entail the implementation of minimum English language standards, experience and qualification prerequisites, restrictions on the duration of employee stays in the country, evaluations of roles based on ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, and mandates for engaging with Work and Income prior to applying for job checks. As of April 7th, 2024, occupation classifications will be assessed with ANZSCO. Overall, the stages remains largely unchanged, with a few additional requirements and the process.
STAGES
Employer Accreditation StageJob Check StageAEWV Stage
Stage 1 Employer Accreditation:
Stage 1 remains consistent; the process and criteria for obtaining employer accreditation remain unchanged.
Stage 2 Job check:
Roles assessed equivalent to ANZSCO Skill level 1-3
14 days advertising
Roles assessed equivalent to ANZSCO Skill level 4-5
21 days advertising
Engage with work and income
Detail report on labour market test conducted
Stage 3 AEWV Application:
AEWV Application:
For AEWV – Applicants
that comes under ANZSCO Skill level 1-3
For AEWV – Applicants
that comes under ANZSCO Skill level 4-5
PTE / IELTS Requirements
No IELTS / PTE required
* IELTS / PTE required
Skill Requirements
The Applicant needs to hold either of these:
Minimum (relevant) level 4 qualifications, or
Bachelors degree in any field, or
3 Years of relevant work experience
The Applicant needs to hold either of these:
Minimum (relevant) level 4 qualifications, or
Bachelors degree in any field, or
3 Years of relevant work experience
Visa DurationUpto 5 Years
ANZSCO Skill level 4-5 jobs with AEWV pay rate paying at or above, the visa will be granted initially for 2 years with one year of extension possible subject to new job check approval
* English Language tests requirements are:-
TestMinimum Score IELTS (General or Academic module or OSR)4 OverallPearson test of English (PTE Academic) 29 Overall TOEFL iBT31 Overall OETGrade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Accreditation Renewal:
In May month, we'll reach out to employers with scheduled renewals, offering them essential information and support to facilitate a seamless renewal process.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz or give us a call at 092202098.
