1. What is a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
A Accredited Employer Work Visa is a type of work visa that allows an individual to work for a specific employer in New Zealand for up to three years. The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand and meet certain criteria in order for an individual to apply for this visa.2. Who can apply for a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Individuals who have been offered a job with an accredited employer in New Zealand, or those who are already working for an accredited employer on another work visa may be eligible to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
3. What are the benefits of a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Some of the benefits of this visa include the ability to work for up to three years in New Zealand, the possibility of bringing family members to live and work with you, and the ability to apply for permanent residence after two years of working with your accredited employer.
4. How do I know if my employer is accredited?
You can check if your employer is accredited by looking at the list of accredited employers on Immigration New Zealand’s website. You can also ask your potential employer directly if they are accredited.
5. Are there any requirements that I need to meet in order to apply for this visa?
Yes, there are several requirements that you must meet in order to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa. These include having a valid job offer from an accredited employer, meeting any additional criteria set by Immigration New Zealand, and proving that you have the skills, experience, and qualifications needed for the job.
6. Can I switch employers while on an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
No, this type of work visa is tied specifically to one accredited employer. If you wish to switch employers during your stay in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a new visa.
7. Is it possible to extend my stay on an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, it may be possible to extend your stay on this visa for up to three years, as long as you continue to meet all the requirements and your employer remains accredited.
8. Can I bring my family with me on an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, you may be able to bring your spouse or partner and dependent children with you on this visa. They will need to apply for their own visas and meet certain requirements.
9. Can I apply for permanent residence on an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, if you have been working with your accredited employer for at least two years and have met all the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Skilled Migrant Category.
10. How do I apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa?
You can apply online through Immigration New Zealand’s website or by submitting a paper application. You will need to provide documents such as a job offer letter from an accredited employer, proof of qualifications and skills, and evidence of your health and character.
2. How do I know if my employer is accredited in New Zealand?
To find out if your employer is accredited in New Zealand, you can check the official list of accredited employers on the Immigration New Zealand website. The list includes all employers who have been approved by the government to recruit and employ migrant workers. You can search for your employer by name or location to see if they are on the list. Additionally, your employer may also inform you if they have obtained accreditation status.
3. Can I apply for a Accredited Employer Work Visa without a job offer?
No, a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand is a requirement for obtaining an Accredited Employer Work Visa. This visa is designed to allow employers in New Zealand with accredited status to hire foreign workers for positions that cannot be filled by local talent. Therefore, without a job offer from an accredited employer, you would not meet the eligibility criteria for this visa.
4. What are the requirements for a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa are as follows:
1. Job Offer from an Accredited Employer: The applicant must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer who is accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This means that the employer has been approved by INZ as a reputable and compliant employer.
2. Employment Contract: The applicant must have a written employment contract with the accredited employer that meets all the legal requirements set by INZ, including a minimum salary threshold.
3. Skills and Qualifications: The applicant must have the skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to perform the job offered by the accredited employer. These skills and qualifications must also be assessed as being at or above the skill level specified on Immigration New Zealand’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
4. Health and Character Requirements: The applicant will need to meet certain health and character requirements to ensure they pose no risk to public health or security in New Zealand.
5. English Language Proficiency: While there is no specific language proficiency requirement for this visa, the ability to communicate effectively in English may enhance your application.
6. Meeting Other Special Requirements: Depending on the job offer, some occupations may require additional checks, such as registration with a professional body or a work visa under specific terms and conditions.
7. Employer’s Obligations: The accredited employer must provide evidence of their compliance with immigration laws and regulations, including evidence of their financial stability, good standing with employment law authorities, and ongoing training of their employees.
8. Submitting an Application: The applicant must submit their application along with all required documents, including a valid passport, police certificates from countries they have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years (if applicable), and medical certificates (if requested by INZ).
It is important to note that meeting all these requirements does not guarantee approval of the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and INZ may request further information or documentation if necessary.
5. How long does it take to process a Accredited Employer Work Visa application?
The processing time for an Accredited Employer Work Visa varies depending on individual circumstances and the workload of immigration officials. Generally, the processing time can range from a few weeks to several months. It is best to check with Immigration New Zealand for specific processing times.
6. Can I bring my family with me on a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family with you on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. You may include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will also need to meet the requirements for health, character, and relationship eligibility.
7. Is there an age limit for the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
There is no officially specified upper age limit for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. However, employers may have their own preferences for hiring workers of a certain age range. Additionally, applicants over the age of 55 may be subject to additional requirements and proof of ability to support themselves.
8. Can I switch jobs while on a Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, you can switch jobs while on an Accredited Employer Work Visa as long as your new job falls within the same ANZSCO skill level and the job offer is from another accredited employer. However, you will need to inform and obtain approval from Immigration New Zealand before making the switch.
9. Do I need to have a job offer in a specific field to be eligible for this visa?
No, a job offer in a specific field is not required for this visa. However, you must meet certain eligibility criteria such as having a valid job offer from an approved employer and meeting the points requirements based on your skills, education, and work experience.
10. Will I be able to access government benefits while on this visa?
This will depend on the specific government benefits you are seeking. Some visas may allow for access to government benefits, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your visa and speak with an immigration attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
11. Is there a minimum salary requirement for the job offer from an accredited employer?
The minimum salary requirement for a job offer from an accredited employer varies depending on the specific job and location. In general, the salary should meet or exceed the industry standard for the position and take into account factors such as experience, education, and location. It is best to check with the relevant government agency or consult with an immigration lawyer for specific guidelines.
12. Will my previous work experience count towards my eligibility for this visa?
Your previous work experience may be taken into consideration when evaluating your eligibility for a visa, but it ultimately depends on the specific requirements and guidelines set by the issuing country. Some countries may have specific criteria that must be met in terms of education or past work experience, while others may not place as much emphasis on these factors. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for more information on their specific visa requirements.
13. Can I include my partner’s income in meeting the financial requirements for this visa?
Yes, you can include your partner’s income in meeting the financial requirements for this visa. If your partner is a British citizen or holds indefinite leave to remain in the UK, their income can be combined with yours to meet the minimum income threshold. However, if your partner is not a British citizen or does not hold ILR, their income can only be used to supplement yours and cannot be the main source of financial support. Both you and your partner must provide evidence of financial stability and meet any other requirements set out by the government.
14.Can I apply for permanent residency through this visa category?
No, this visa category does not lead to permanent residency. It is a temporary work visa and is not a pathway to permanent residency.
15. Are there any language requirements for this visa?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency by providing evidence of their language ability with a valid English test score. The required score may vary depending on the visa category and subclass.
16. What happens if my employer loses their accreditation during the duration of my visa?
If your employer loses their accreditation during the duration of your visa, it could affect your ability to continue working for them. It is important to stay updated on any changes in your employer’s accreditation status and communicate with them and the relevant government agencies (such as the Department of Home Affairs) to ensure that you are following the proper procedures. You may need to find a new employer who is accredited if your current employer is no longer able to sponsor you under the TSS visa program.
17.Can I apply for another work visa after my Accredited Employer Work Visa expires?
Absolutely. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the new work visa, you can apply for another work visa after your Accredited Employer Work Visa expires. However, please note that each work visa has specific requirements and it is important to ensure that you meet them before submitting an application. It is also important to keep track of your visa expiry dates and make sure to apply for a new visa in a timely manner to avoid any gaps in your legal status in New Zealand.
18.Is there an option to extend the duration of my Accredited Employer Work Visa?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, there are a few options for extending the duration of an Accredited Employer Work Visa. You may apply for another Accredited Employer Work Visa with a new job offer from an accredited employer, or you may apply for another type of work visa such as a Essential Skills Work Visa. Alternatively, if you have been working in New Zealand for at least 2 years on an Accredited Employer Work Visa, you may be eligible to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
19.What are the rights and benefits of being an accredited employer’s employee under this visa category?
As an employee under the accredited employer category of the visa, you will have the following rights and benefits:
1. Work for any occupation: You are allowed to work for any occupation specified on your visa, without the need for labour market testing.
2. Work for any employer: You are not limited to working only for the accredited employer who sponsored you. You can work for any other employer as well without needing to apply for a new visa.
3. Live in New Zealand: You are allowed to live in New Zealand for the duration of your visa and can also bring eligible dependents with you.
4. Multiple entry: You can enter and leave New Zealand multiple times within the validity of your visa.
5. Study in New Zealand: You can study in New Zealand while working full-time or part-time as per the conditions of your visa.
6. Sponsor family members: As an accredited employer’s employee, you may be able to sponsor certain family members to come and join you in New Zealand.
7. Apply for permanent residency: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for permanent residency after completing a certain period of time on this visa.
8. Health care entitlements: You are entitled to receive public healthcare services during your stay in New Zealand.
9. Pension scheme participation: As a tax resident, you may be eligible to participate in New Zealand’s pension scheme – KiwiSaver.
10. Hold driver’s license: Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to use your international driver’s license or apply for a local one in order to drive legally in New Zealand.
11. Employment rights and protections: You are entitled to all the rights and protections under New Zealand employment laws including minimum wage, holidays, sick leave, etc.
12. Access publicly funded schooling: If you have dependent children accompanying you, they may be able to access publicly funded schooling (primary and secondary) in New Zealand.
Note: The specific rights and benefits you are entitled to will depend on the terms and conditions agreed upon with your accredited employer.
20.How many times can I enter and exit New Zealand with this visa?
You can enter and exit New Zealand as many times as you want during the validity period of your visa. However, keep in mind that each time you enter, your stay will be limited to the length of time stated on your visa and you must follow any conditions attached to your specific visa type. If you wish to extend your stay, you may need to apply for a new visa or apply for an extension.