Build Your Company with Confidence: Why Accreditation is Essential for Migrant Workers
When hiring employees in New Zealand from the Migrant Employment Pool, obtaining resident status with the Employing Migrant Workers Accreditation (EMWA) is essential. Gaining EMWA-approved status by the New Zealand Immigration is not just a formality; it’s a badge of honor that tells competitors your business is responsible, compliant, and ethical.
At Monsta Tax & Accounting, it’s understood that gaining New Zealand Immigration Accreditation comes with tight deadlines, micro documents, and a barrage of requirements and regulations. That’s why we strip away the complexity with our bespoke accreditation service. The aim is to assist you in obtaining a New Zealand Immigration accredited status without the hassle, with additional support in securing your status as a Specialized Accreditation Service provider and retaining your focus on Outward business and core growth. It’s the service your business needs.
The Cornerstones of Accreditation: Compliance and Trust
In the AEWV Scheme, there is an element of trust. Immigration New Zealand needs to have the belief that any company embarking on this pathway will treat migrant workers lawfully and in accordance with New Zealand employment law, and will seek the employment of migrant workers in good faith. Your company accreditation attests to this.
It is the first of three steps (Employer Check, Job Check, and Migrant Check) prior to bringing skilled workers into your business. Suppose there are any mistakes in your accreditation application. In that case, you will be required to wait even longer to be able to fill the critical vacancies in your business. Our specialist accreditation team is able to provide the attention to detail necessary to obtain this vital accreditation in the shortest time possible.
Deciphering the Levels of Accreditation: Standard vs. High Volume Accreditation
The first step in the accreditation process is figuring out what level of employer accreditation your company needs. It is mainly going to depend on how many migrant workers you expect to need to employ within the next 12 or 24 months of your accreditation period.
Standard Accreditation for Business Growth
Standard Accreditation Pathway Assistance is for businesses intending to hire five or fewer AEWV migrant employees concurrently at any point in time over the accreditation period.
Term: First-time accreditation is usually for 12 months, and 24-month renewals are standard after the first year.
Criteria: This is time-consuming, as the company’s financial stability and track record for compliance with employment standards and Immigration New Zealand requirements are scrutinized. This accreditation has the fewest additional requirements out of the other tiers, but still requires diligent record keeping. Our accreditation service guarantees that records are correct to meet the requirements of declarations for the completion of your company accreditation application.
High Volume Accreditation for Large Scale Operations
Suppose your business is expected to hire six or more AEWV migrant employees. In that case, you are required to have High Volume Accreditation. It is a prerequisite for all high-volume employers intending to engage the AEWV system for significant use.
Term: Most of the time, accreditation is for 24 months initially or on renewal, as it is acknowledged that high-volume employers have a continuing need.
Additional Requirements: This level of accreditation requires even more detailed proof. The company is required to submit an elaborate workforce plan and show a much greater level of training and support provided to the New Zealand workforce relative to the hiring of migrants. These additional requirements are challenging to meet, and our accreditation service is focused on compiling the detailed evidence required for this large volume accreditation.
The Specialized Accreditation for Labour Hire
One of the most complicated aspects of the Accredited Employer Work Visa AEWV scheme is for labour hire companies, or what Immigration New Zealand refers to as ‘triangular employment’. It is the case where a company is the direct employer of the migrant workers. Still, it places them with another party employer (controlling third parties).
Triangular Employment: This type of employment crosses the most borders and has the most requirements. Evidence of a long-standing history and placement of staff, and a significant percentage of the employment of New Zealand citizens or residents. Here, we are most appreciative of our accreditation service, as the regulations regarding the control of third parties and exploitation of migrants through the power of interests are strict. We assist your labour hire company through the maze of accreditation applications and help you meet all INZ requirements to achieve this specific accreditation. This service guarantees compliance of your company with the design and intent of all applicable laws.
The Monsta Tax Accreditation Service Advantage: Beyond the Paperwork
So why Monsta Tax with regards to your company accreditation? Because we are not a form-filling company. We are end-to-end service providers, and we don’t stop until you get your certification. For this, we use our extensive technical, financial, and compliance expertise to get you your certification on the first try while saving your time and energy.
Financial Viability and INZ Requirements
One of the most essential parts of any accreditation application is proving the company’s financial viability. INZ needs to know that the company is operational and is able to support the employment of migrant workers for 12 or 24 months.
Our accreditation services include:
Financial Health Assessment: We prepare the specific financial documents that best meet the needs of INZ’s requirements by analyzing the company’s financial records and assessing the profitability, cash flow, and capital reserves. This step is even more vital for a high-volume employer.
Compliance Audit: We check that your company has no outstanding prior employment and tax duties, which is a mandatory check within the accreditation process. Any exceptional matters are dealt with prior to the submission of the accreditation application.
This proactive approach to service helps avoid potential financial or compliance issues to make sure the application is not delayed or rejected, which in turn helps your company gain its employer accreditation in a timely manner.
Handling Complex Structures and Controlling Third Parties
Suppose your company falls into the category of labour hire or involves migrants with controlling interests. In that case, the application is instantly flagged for additional requirements. The definition of controlling third parties can be ambiguous, and navigating the complexities of who is the actual party employer is is challenging.
Accreditation helps to provide expert assistance to:
- Accurately establish the nature of the relationship between the employing company and the party employer.
- Establish that the company qualifies for the additional requirements in respect of the company’s history of service provision and the New Zealand staff ratio.
- Clearly state the restrictive employment conditions that are necessary to prevent exploitation of migrant workers recruited by controlling third parties.
Any company operating in the described employment relations system will need to make use of this specialized accreditation service to obtain the required accreditation.
The Workflow After Accreditation: From Job Check to Accredited Employer Work Visa AEWV
The first hurdle is to achieve employer accreditation. The steps that follow, Job Check and supporting the AEWV applications, are equally detailed. Monsta has provided and will continue to provide seamless service during this entire workflow.
Understanding How to Complete the Job Check Requirements
Any positions you want to fill with migrant workers need to go through a Job Check to ensure the pay is within the market pay range. That genuine recruitment efforts were made to hire a New Zealander. This second step of the accreditation process is very detailed and has a time limit.
Our accreditation service ensures:
Accurate Job Details: The job description, wage, and employment agreement meet all INZ requirements and align with the terms of your company accreditation.
Labour Market Analysis: We work within the advertising and labour market analytical requirements to ensure that you are able to support the Job Check application. It is imperative for any company that is seeking to employ migrant workers.
The Job Check is valid for six months. It means that you have a fixed amount of time to gain and support the migrants with controlling interest who are applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Supporting Migrant Workers and Keeping Your Accreditation
Once your company has secured the accreditation and the Job Check is approved, the final step is the migrant worker’s visa application. Our comprehensive service extends to supporting your company in fulfilling all post-accreditation obligations:
Settlement Support: Immigration New Zealand requires that accredited employers work with visa holders to guide migrant workers in completing the visa application. Our accreditation service provides compliant templates and assistance to help your company meet this obligation.
Record Keeping: We help keep the documentation and your company, demonstrating that you are sustaining the INZ criteria of your employer accreditation, which is critical for seamless backup after 12 or 24 months.
Renewals: We take the Accreditation Renewals off your to-do list and keep your accreditation status current, whether you have standard accreditation or high-volume accreditation.
The difference is in the detail and ongoing support. Monsta Tax values the investments made by clients in global talent.
Investing in Accreditation is Investing in Your Company’s Progress
Obtaining your first company accreditation is an investment in your company’s growth. Your company will be able to tap into the global talent pool, and you company will be considered an ethical employer, improving your company’s brand.
Value of Investment in Our Accreditation Services
The value of our accreditation services is in the time spent and the risk exposure. Most of the requirements, especially for high-volume employers, labour hire firms, or those with migrants with controlling interests, are very complex and can be very time and resource-intensive from a staffing perspective. One error or omission in an accreditation application would cost the employer months of processing time.
By partnering with Monsta Tax, you secure:
Speed: The Accreditation process will be done in record time because applications will be completed and submitted in full.
Certainty: All INZ requirements and declarations are met and submitted with no discrepancies.
Compliance: Your company is continuously assured that you are fully compliant with the requirements of an accredited employer work visa for a full 12 or 24 months.
Peace of mind is invaluable. Let us be the bridge to the global talent your company needs.
Final Call to Accreditation Action
Don’t let the complexity of Immigration New Zealand processes stifle your organization’s growth. Monsta Tax directs Immigration New Zealand standard accreditation to hire a few specialists for your organization, or high-volume accreditation to staff a large project. Whatever your needs, Monsta Tax has the best accreditation assistance for you. Reach out to us to get started with your organization’s accreditation application today, and take the most vital step toward bringing in migrant employees to your organization legally.
FAQs:
Q1: What is the primary purpose of company accreditation, and how long does the certification typically last?
A: For company accreditation, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) wants to feel comfortable and confident that your organization is a compliant, low-risk employer, and is a valid recruitment of migrant employees. It is the first step of three in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process. The expiration policy is dependent on the type of accreditation your organization qualifies for. Standard Accreditation is valid for 12 months. High Volume Accreditation is usually a period of 24 months. This period reflects the ongoing demand of a high-volume employer.
Q2: My company plans to hire only two migrant workers. Do we still need High Volume Accreditation?
A: No. If your company expects to hire five or fewer migrant workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa AEWV, then you would generally qualify for Standard Accreditation. High Volume Accreditation is only needed if you intend to take on migrant workers for six or more positions. Our accreditation service continually evaluates your expected needs every 12 months or 24 months, to ensure you obtain the appropriate type of accreditation, thereby circumventing unnecessary supplementary obligations.
Q3: What happens after the company gets the employer accreditation? What is the Job Check phase?
A: After your company accreditation is granted, the next step is for you to go through the Job Check process before you can do any recruitment. Job Check is the second compulsory step, and it is required to demonstrate to Immigration New Zealand that:
- The remuneration for the job is at or above the median wage (unless exempt).
- The employment conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions set by INZ.
- There have been genuine attempts to recruit New Zealand citizens or residents for the position (there are specific rules regarding labour hire and third-party controllers).
Our accreditation service provides complete service guidance for the Job Check, ensuring your job advertisement and recruitment proof meet all necessary criteria before the accredited employer work visa is sought by the candidate.
Q4: From your perspective, as a labour hire company, why is the accreditation process even more complex, and how does Monsta Tax assist with the ‘controlling third parties’ dilemma?
A: Immigration New Zealand protects these migrant workers more so than New Zealand citizens, and so is very careful and applies the highest scrutiny on ‘triangular/employment relationships’, which is why there are even more criteria for these applications.
Monsta Tax’s specialized accreditation service assists by:
- Describing the relationship between your company and the employer party.
- Avoiding the controlling interest guidelines.
- Providing the INZ-accredited labour hire accreditation documentation, minimization of risk contracts, service agreements, and labour hire that your company requires.
Q5: If my company’s accreditation is approved, what ongoing obligations do we have to INZ after 12 or 24 months?”
A: As part of your employer accreditation, you will have ongoing obligations related to tax and employment for the 12 or 24 months of your accreditation. These obligations are:
- You will have to comply with New Zealand employment and taxation obligations.
- You must keep employment records as prescribed by Immigration New Zealand.
- You must provide specific settlement and employment data for each migrant worker you employ under the Accredited Employer Work Visa AEWV.
We offer compliance monitoring and accreditation renewal services needed to help your company keep this extremely hard-earned accreditation status effortlessly for as long as you have standard or high-volume accreditation.