Mandatory Job Check Requirements for New Zealand Employers in 2025

 

With the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, hiring overseas workers in New Zealand has become more streamlined — but the rules have also become stricter. For employers, Job Check is the most important and sensitive stage of the hiring process. Understanding the Job Check requirements is essential for successfully hiring skilled migrant workers in 2025.

Incomplete understanding or small mistakes in the Job Check can lead to delays, refusals, and compliance issues.

What is a Job Check?

A Job Check is a mandatory step in the AEWV process that employers must complete before hiring a migrant worker.

A Job Check confirms that:

• The job being offered is genuine

• Advertising and pay requirements have been met

• No suitable New Zealander is available for the role

Once the Job Check is approved, the employer can invite the overseas candidate to apply for the AEWV.

In 2025, passing the Job Check remains the most crucial requirement for employers intending to hire internationally.

The Importance of Job Check in 2025

To protect the local workforce and reduce migrant exploitation, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has tightened several rules.

Employers must prioritise:

• Proper and complete job advertising

• Correct and competitive pay

• Job descriptions aligned with market standards

• Accurate ANZSCO matching

• Genuine business activity

• Valid employer accreditation

Even minor errors may lead to Job Check refusals. This is why more businesses are searching for Job Check assistance for employers and ways to avoid Job Check rejection in 2025.

What Do Employers Need to Know About Job Check Requirements?

Below is a clear and simple checklist for the Job Check process in 2025.

1. Being an Accredited Employer

To apply for a Job Check, the employer must hold valid Employer Accreditation.

Your accreditation should be:

• In good standing

• Current and active

• Connected to the business hiring the employee

If your accreditation is expired, suspended, or under investigation, the Job Check will be declined.

A Job Check can also be refused if the salary offered is below market rate or does not match the ANZSCO requirements.

2. Pay Must Meet Market and AEWV Wage Requirements

INZ requires employers to pay:

• At or above the market rate based on the ANZSCO role, and

• At or above the AEWV median wage (if applicable)

In 2025, wage benchmarks have changed in sectors like:

• Construction

• Aged Care

• Hospitality

• Transport

If the offered pay is too low or inconsistent with ANZSCO standards, the Job Check will be declined.

3. The Role Must Be on the Green List or Properly Advertised

There are two pathways:

A. Green List Jobs

If the role is on the Green List, no job advertisement is required.

B. Non–Green List Jobs

For all other jobs, employers must advertise for at least 21 days on:

• Seek

• Trade Me Jobs

• LinkedIn

• OR Company website + one major job platform

Your advertisement must include:

• Job title

• Detailed job description

• Required qualifications and skills

• Location

• Pay range

• Minimum work hours

• Company name

Missing any of these details can result in a Job Check rejection.

4. Job Description Must Match ANZSCO Code

The job description must align with the responsibilities listed under the correct ANZSCO code.

Your job description should clearly mention:

• Key duties

• Day-to-day tasks

• Required skills

• Minimum qualifications

If the description does not match the ANZSCO role, the Job Check will be declined.

5. Employers Must Prove No Suitable New Zealander Is Available

This is one of the most important Job Check requirements.

You must show that:

• Job advertising was completed correctly

• All candidates were fairly considered

• No suitable New Zealand citizen or resident applied

INZ may request:

• Received CVs

• Interview notes

• Rejection reasons for each applicant

6. Provide a Draft Employment Agreement

The employment agreement must include:

• Job title

• Work location

• Working hours

• Salary

• Leave entitlements

• Shift or overtime details

• Additional employment benefits (if any)

Missing information can cause delays or outright refusals.

7. The Company Must Be Genuine and Financially Stable

INZ checks whether the employer:

• Is legally registered

• Has no tax or compliance issues

• Is financially capable of hiring

• Has a genuine need for the role

If there are compliance problems, the Job Check may undergo closer scrutiny.

How to Apply for a Job Check in 2025 (Simple Steps)

Here is a quick step-by-step breakdown for employers searching “How to apply for a Job Check in New Zealand”:

Step 1: Get Employer Accreditation

Ensure your accreditation is active and approved.

Step 2: Prepare Job Details

Collect all job information: description, duties, salary, hours, location.

Step 3: Complete 21-day Advertising (if required)

Record evidence of your advertisement.

Step 4: Collect Recruitment Evidence

Include CV screening, interview notes, and rejection reasons.

Step 5: Upload Employment Agreement

Step 6: Submit Job Check Application

Apply through the INZ employer dashboard.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

If documents are complete, approval is usually quick.

Most Common Job Check Mistakes in 2025

These are the biggest reasons for Job Check refusal:

• Advertising for fewer than 21 days

• No salary in the job advertisement

• Incorrect ANZSCO code

• Poor job description

• Missing recruitment documents

• Salary below market rate

• Expired accreditation

• Missing job location in advertisement

Avoiding these issues makes approval faster and smoother.

Who Needs a Job Check in 2025?

A Job Check is required for employers hiring:

• Skilled migrant workers

• International graduates

• Workers not eligible for Green List fast-track

• Candidates in shortage areas

Any employer hiring an overseas national must complete a Job Check.

Job Check Timeline in 2025

Average processing time:

• 10–25 business days (if all documents are correct)

• Longer if INZ requests more information

The speed depends on completeness and accuracy of your application.

How to Make the Job Check Process Faster

To speed up approval, employers should:

• Provide a clear job description

• Use the correct ANZSCO code

• Offer a competitive salary

• Keep detailed recruitment records

• Maintain active accreditation

• Submit all documents early

• Complete every job advertising requirement

This reduces the chance of delays and extra document requests.

Conclusion

The Job Check is an essential step in hiring migrant workers under the AEWV system in New Zealand. Employers must ensure that job details, pay, advertising, ANZSCO alignment, and recruitment documents meet the standards set by  New Zealand Immigration.

By preparing documents carefully and following the 2025 Job Check requirements, employers can enjoy a faster and smoother hiring process.

Many employers now look for Job Check support services to avoid mistakes and increase their chances of approval.