Job check

Once the employer's accreditation is granted, a Job Check application may be submitted. This process involves providing evidence of job advertising efforts to demonstrate that genuine but unsuccessful attempts were made to recruit or train a New Zealander or a New Zealand resident for the position.

It is crucial to adhere to specific requirements in the job advertising to ensure the success of the Job Check application, and it is advisable to seek professional assistance. A Job Check can encompass multiple roles as long as they pertain to the same job and are included in a single job advertisement (e.g., 5 painters needed in Wellington).

The Job Check application also assesses the ANZSCO (job classification) for the position, categorising each role by skill level:

• Skill level 1 & 2: "high-skilled" roles

• Skill level 3: "mid-skilled" roles

• Skill level 4 & 5: "low-skilled" roles

The job advertisement must clearly outline the terms and conditions of the job, and the employer must genuinely consider all New Zealand applicants. Advertising must:

• Be posted on a national job listing website or another channel likely to attract suitable New Zealanders for a minimum duration of:

  • 14 days for skill level 1, 2 & 3 roles

  • 21 days for skill level 4 & 5 roles

• Include substantial terms and conditions, such as the minimum and maximum pay rate, guaranteed hours of work, and job location

• Provide estimated earnings if remuneration is based on piece rate, commission, or bonuses that are not guaranteed

• Specify minimum qualifications, work experience, skills, or other requirements for the position

The Job Check also entails reviewing the proposed terms and conditions of the employment agreement, ensuring that the required credentials for the role are reasonable and appropriate, and verifying compliance with AEWV policy requirements. The pay rate must align with the market rate for the position, and at minimum, meet the current median wage of $29.66 per hour—unless the role is on the current exempt list (which includes some construction, tourism, hospitality, and care sector positions) that may have lower minimum pay rates.

Positions offering double the median wage (currently $123,385.60 per annum) or listed on the INZ “Green List” are not required to be advertised; however, a Job Check application must still be submitted. The Green List primarily includes highly skilled roles in engineering, ICT, construction, medical fields, and various other occupations.

The Job Check application is submitted on behalf of the employer and not by the job applicant. Each Job Check remains valid for six months or until the employer's accreditation expires, whichever comes first.

According to the INZ website, processing a Job Check application can take up to nine weeks. Upon approval, a unique “Job Token/approval number” is assigned to each approved role.