Understanding the Job Check Process in NZ
If you’re an accredited employer in New Zealand looking to hire a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the Job Check is a key step in the process. It’s where Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses whether the job you’re offering is genuine, compliant, and meets current immigration and employment requirements.
This blog breaks down the Job Check process in plain English, what INZ looks for, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
What is a Job Check?
A Job Check is INZ’s way of confirming that:
The role is real and genuinely needed for your business
The pay and conditions meet New Zealand employment standards
You’ve made a genuine attempt to hire New Zealanders first (unless an exemption applies)
The role is aligned with the correct Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) or National Occupation List (NOL) occupation and skill level.
Only once a Job Check is approved can a migrant apply for their AEWV.
When Do You Need a Job Check?
You need a Job Check if:
You want to hire a migrant on an AEWV, and
The role is not covered by a Job Check exemption
You’ll need a separate Job Check for each distinct role, but one Job Check can sometimes cover multiple identical positions if the job details are the same.
Step-by-Step: The Job Check Process
1. Confirm You’re Accredited
Before applying for a Job Check, your business must hold valid employer accreditation (standard, high-volume, or franchisee, depending on your circumstances).
No accreditation = no Job Check.
2. Define the Role Clearly
This is where many applications fall over.
INZ will closely assess:
Job title
Core tasks and responsibilities
Required skills, qualifications, and experience
Hours of work (must be at least 30 hours per week)
Location of employment
The role must clearly match a specific ANZSCO or NOL occupation and skill level. If the tasks don’t align, INZ may decline the application or assess it at a lower skill level than expected.
3. Set the Correct Pay Rate
Pay is critical.
INZ checks that:
The rate is aligned with the market for that occupation and location
Any allowances or benefits are clearly explained
If the pay is too low for the skill level claimed, INZ may decline the Job Check or require the role to be assessed at a lower skill level.
4. Labour Market Test (If Required)
Most roles require evidence that you’ve tried to hire New Zealanders first.
This usually means:
Advertising the role for at least 14 days
Using appropriate platforms (e.g. Seek, Trade Me Jobs, MSD if applicable)
Including clear job details, pay rate, and location
You’ll need to provide:
A copy of the advertisement
A summary of applicants
Reasons why any New Zealand applicants were not suitable
Some roles are exempt from advertising, for example where they are on a skills shortage list or meet other exemption criteria.
5. Submit the Job Check Application
The Job Check is submitted online through Immigration New Zealand.
You’ll provide:
Job description
Pay and conditions
Advertising evidence (if required)
Business information
Accreditation details
INZ may come back with questions or request further evidence, so it’s important everything is consistent and well-documented.
6. Job Check Decision
If approved:
You’ll receive a Job Token
The migrant can then use this token to apply for their AEWV
If declined:
INZ will explain why
You may be able to reapply once issues are addressed
Common Job Check Mistakes
Some of the most common issues include:
Job tasks not matching the claimed occupation
Pay rate too low for the skill level
Poor or incomplete advertising evidence
Inconsistent information across documents
Trying to fit a role into a higher skill level than it genuinely is
A declined Job Check can delay hiring significantly, so getting it right the first time matters.
Final Thoughts
The Job Check is more than a formality it’s INZ’s quality control step to ensure migrant workers are being hired fairly and appropriately. It’s important for INZ to ensure that there isn’t suitably and available New Zealanders that could do these roles.
With clear role definitions, correct pay, and solid evidence, the process can be straightforward. Without that groundwork, it can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming.
If you’re unsure whether your role meets the requirements or you want help navigating the process, getting advice early can save time, money, and stress down the track.
Whether you want full support or just a second set of experienced eyes before you apply, I’m here to help.
Get in touch with Navigate Immigration Services to discuss your role and next steps.
👩💻www.navigateimmigration.co.nz
📞+64274772088
