NZ Accredited Employer List: How to Verify and Find Sponsors

24823 Employers Are Accredited to Hire Foreign Workers in NZ

New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system requires employers to gain government accreditation before they can sponsor foreign workers. As of 2025, 24823 employers hold active accreditation — a substantial number given NZ's total business population of around 550,000. This guide explains how accreditation works, how to verify employers, and how to use this information in your job search.

How Employer Accreditation Works

Immigration NZ introduced employer accreditation in 2022 as part of the AEWV system. The goal is to ensure employers meet minimum standards before hiring migrant workers.

Two Types of Accreditation

Type	Workers Allowed	Fee (NZD)	Duration
Standard	Up to 5 at any time	$740	12 months (first), 24 months (renewal)
High-Volume / Triangular	6+ / labour hire	$1,220	12 months (first), 24 months (renewal)

What Employers Must Prove

• The business is genuine and actively trading in NZ
• No history of breaching employment or immigration law
• Commitment to paying at least the median wage (NZD 31.61/hr)
• HR practices that support migrant workers (orientation, accommodation assistance for some roles)
• High-volume employers must also have formal HR policies, a settlement support plan, and undergo annual compliance checks

How to Check If an Employer Is Accredited

Official Immigration NZ Check

Immigration NZ maintains an online tool where you can search by employer name. However, this tool only confirms active status and does not provide historical data or industry breakdowns.

ApplyWave Database

Our database tracks 24823 accredited employers with additional data including industry sector, company size, and links to company profiles. Search NZ accredited employers on ApplyWave.

You can also browse by industry sector — for example, construction employers or healthcare employers.

Red Flags to Watch For

While accreditation provides a baseline of employer quality, it does not guarantee a good workplace. Watch for:

• Asking you to pay for the Job Check or accreditation — these are employer costs, not worker costs
• Salary below median wage — this is a legal requirement; if they offer less, the AEWV application will be declined
• Requiring you to work for free during a "trial period" — illegal in NZ
• Withholding your passport — a criminal offence in NZ
• Unclear job descriptions — the Job Check requires a specific role; vague offers suggest the employer may not have genuine work

If you experience any of these, report to Employment New Zealand (0800 20 90 20) or the Employment Relations Authority.

Using Accreditation Data in Your Job Search

1. Start with accredited employers — applying to non-accredited employers wastes time since they cannot sponsor AEWV visas
2. Filter by industry — identify employers in your sector using our industry-specific pages
3. Check company profiles — many accredited employers on ApplyWave have detailed profiles with visa sponsorship history
4. Target high-volume accredited employers — these companies hire multiple foreign workers and have established visa processes
5. Apply directly — many NZ employers prefer direct applications over recruitment agencies

Accreditation Renewal and Changes

First-time accreditation lasts 12 months; renewals last 24 months. Employers must reapply before expiry. If an employer's accreditation lapses, existing AEWV holders can continue working until their visa expires, but the employer cannot sponsor new workers.

Immigration NZ conducts compliance checks on accredited employers. In 2024, several employers lost accreditation due to underpayment and breach of employment standards. This system provides an additional layer of protection for migrant workers.

Next Steps

Start your search by browsing our NZ accredited employer database. Filter by industry, check company profiles, and apply directly. With 24823 accredited employers, there are genuine opportunities across most sectors — but due diligence is essential.