New Zealand Changes Job Check Process for Employers

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, from October 7, 2024, accredited employers must engage directly with Work and Income for most ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 vacancies at the Job Check stage, rather than using an immigration professional such as a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA).

The government states that it is making this change because, where Work and Income only have an immigration professional’s contact details, it has been difficult for them to engage with the employer about potential job applicants from New Zealand.

Employers will need to provide Work and Income with a contact person responsible for hiring decisions, such as a hiring manager, human resources manager or owner/operator.

Employers can still use external organisations, such as recruitment agencies, for their Work and Income engagement, as long as they are involved in hiring decisions and not also providing immigration advice on the Job Check application.

 

Background

Accredited employers must advertise the job (and may have to engage with Work and Income) before applying for a Job Check application, unless the job is exempt. A job is exempt if it is on the Green List and meets the Green List requirements, or pays at least NZD$59.32 an hour (twice the February 2023 median wage).

If the job is ANZSCO level 1, 2 or 3, the employer must advertise for at least 14 days.

If the job is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, the employer must engage with Work and Income in addition to advertising the role for at least 21 days.  The employer can apply for Job Check within 90 days of engaging with Work and Income.

 

Erickson Insights & Analysis

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.