What is a job check, and do you need one?

Under New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, most employers who want to hire a migrant worker must first obtain a job check token from Immigration New Zealand. This is INZ's way of confirming that:

The role is genuine and the pay is at or above market rate

You have made a genuine effort to recruit New Zealanders first (where required)

The employment agreement and job description meet INZ's requirements

Those who want clarity before applying

Without an approved job check, your candidate cannot apply for a work visa, no matter how qualified they are.

Enquire Today
+64 9359 9319

Job check Accreditation

Not yet accredited?
We help with that too.

We handle accreditation and job check applications together, so there are no delays between steps.

Before you can submit a job check, your business must hold current employer accreditation with Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation must be renewed annually (standard) or every two years (high volume). If your accreditation has lapsed, or if you've never been through the process before, we can manage the application from start to finish.

What IMMagine manages for you

Accreditation

New applications, renewals, and upgrades from standard to high-volume accreditation.

Job Check Applications

Preparing and submitting job check applications to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf.

Labour Market Test Advertising

Advising on advertising requirements and helping you compile evidence that meets INZ standards.

Work Visa Applications

Once the job check is approved, we manage the candidate's AEWV application through to a decision.

Declined Job Check Support

If INZ has declined a job check, we advise on reconsideration requests and resubmission strategies.

Ongoing Compliance Advice

Ongoing Compliance Advice
Keeping you up to date on your obligations as an accredited employer under NZ employment and immigration law.

Free consultations available

Enquire online or call us to see how we can help

Enquire Today
+64 9359 9319

Our Process

How it works

Step 1

Tell us about the role

Complete a short enquiry form or call us. We'll assess whether you need a job check, whether advertising is required, and what timeline looks realistic.

01.

Step 2

We prepare the application

We review your employment agreement and job description, advise on any gaps, and submit the job check application to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf.

02.

Step 3

We manage the advertising (if required)

Where a labour market test is needed, we advise on compliant advertising, help you compile the evidence package, and ensure the record-keeping meets INZ requirements.
03.

Step 4

INZ decides... and the visa process begins

Once approved, we move straight into the work visa application for your candidate. You don't need a different adviser at a different step.

04.

Common questions

Employers we connect with frequently ask about...

Not always. If the salary offered is at least twice the New Zealand median wage, Immigration New Zealand does not require a labour market test — though you still need a job check token. For all other roles, advertising is typically required for a minimum of two weeks (ANZSCO skill levels 1–3) or three weeks with WINZ engagement (skill levels 4–5).
You have 14 days to request a reconsideration. We can advise on whether a reconsideration is viable, or whether a fresh application with stronger evidence is the better approach.
Immigration New Zealand's current job check fee is NZD $735. Our adviser fee is quoted on enquiry and depends on the complexity of the role and whether advertising is required. Contact us and we'll give you a clear picture upfront.
INZ processing times have varied significantly — from one week to over two months at peak periods. We submit complete, accurate applications to minimise the risk of delays or requests for further information.
Yes. If your accreditation is current and you just need a job check submitted, we can take that on as a standalone engagement.

Why NZ employers choose IMMagine

37 Years

of NZ and Australian immigration experience. we've worked through every iteration of the employer-led visa system

15+

licensed immigration advisers across our NZ and Australia offices

Managed

from start to finish - including accreditation, job check, and work visa

Licensed

by the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority - verifiable on the IAA website

137+

five-star Google reviews from employers and migrants alike

30,000+

migrants helped to establish a new home in Australia and New Zealand

Ready to hire?
Let's get your job check sorted.

Tell us about the role and we'll advise on what's required - no obligation
Enquire Today
+64 9359 9319