Hiring Talent from Overseas or Staff on Work Visas? Stay on Top of the Visa Process With Our Handy Checklist

The visa application process for hiring overseas talent or staff on work visas is time-consuming and increasingly complex.

If you’re a New Zealand employer, make sure you’ve ticked the following boxes before submitting an Accredited Employer Work Visa application for your migrant candidate. These tips are also helpful if you’re a candidate applying for a job in New Zealand.

• Make sure that your Employer Accreditation is current, and that you have a valid job check in place. This will need to be approved before the migrant candidate can apply for their Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

• Double-check that the candidate does not have any character or health issues that may impact their visa.

• Double-check that the candidate is suitably qualified (either via experience or qualifications). 

• It always helps to chat with the candidate about their short and long-term goals in NZ. Do they want to obtain residence in the future?

• Keep track of candidates' visa expiration dates, as well as your company's Employer Accreditation renewal date.

• Support ongoing compliance through regular visa audits, helping ensure your staff and business continue to meet work visa conditions as well as immigration and employment laws and policies.

• When in doubt about work visa conditions and/or requirements, check with a trusted Licensed Immigration Adviser or Immigration Lawyer.