Employers & LIAs

Licensed Immigration Advisor Support

For LIAs, having clear agreements in place with clients is essential. These agreements define the scope of work, the cost of services, and the approach to handling cases. This clarity reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures that both the LIA and the client are aligned on expectations. We can assist you in drafting and reviewing these agreements to ensure they meet the required standards and provide protection for all parties involved.

Optimizing Processes and Reducing Risk
We also provide guidance on assessing and improving your operational processes. By streamlining workflows, LIAs can increase productivity, deliver higher-quality services, and minimize time spent on administrative tasks. With proper documentation and risk management strategies, you can reduce the likelihood of complaints and ensure that your practice runs smoothly.

Support for Complaints and Disciplinary Issues
In a highly regulated field like immigration, complaints are always a possibility, regardless of whether they are justified. In these situations, having a strong and measured response is crucial. Our team offers support at every stage of the complaints process, from initial investigation by the Immigration Advisor Authority, to representing you before the Immigration Advisor Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal. Combining our expertise in immigration law, dispute resolution, and legal representation, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you.

Employers

Employer Responsibilities and the Accredited Employer Work Visa
There is increasing pressure on Immigration New Zealand to hold employers accountable for their treatment of migrant workers. This is particularly important because migrants are often unfamiliar with their rights in New Zealand and may rely heavily on their employers, especially when their visa status is tied to their job.

To address these concerns, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme was introduced. While opinions differ on whether it has improved conditions for migrants or made them more challenging, it is the system currently in place.

What Accreditation Means
Accreditation is not limited to hiring staff on work visas. Employers seeking to support a residence application through employment must also hold accreditation at some stage of the process. Even employers hiring workers on open work visas risk losing staff if they cannot offer a pathway to residence.

To employ a migrant on a work visa, an employer must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation ensures that:
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The employer is a legitimate business entity.
The employer is financially stable and able to meet employment obligations.
The employer understands and complies with relevant laws, including the Employment Relations Act 2000, the Holidays Act 2003, and the Immigration Act 2009.
The employer will notify Immigration New Zealand if a migrant worker’s employment ends with more than one month remaining on their visa.

Challenges for Newer Businesses
New businesses, including those formed to purchase the assets of existing companies, may face additional hurdles in obtaining accreditation. Immigration New Zealand staff follow a strict checklist that may not always align with modern business practices, making professional guidance valuable in navigating the process.

Accreditation and Job Checks
Initial accreditation is valid for one year, with renewals lasting two years. Once accredited, employers must also obtain a job check for each role they wish to fill. A single job check can cover multiple positions if the roles are nearly identical. Employers must provide Immigration New Zealand with compliant employment agreements and job descriptions and, in most cases, demonstrate that no citizens or resident visa holders are available for the role by advertising the position.

Ensuring Compliance
Employers must also adhere to various compliance measures. Immigration New Zealand now conducts random checks and requires evidence of compliance during accreditation renewals. Non-compliance can lead to bans on hiring migrants, often extended if the employer cannot demonstrate improved compliance.

How We Can Help
We can guide you through every step of the process, including:
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Ensuring compliance with Immigration New Zealand requirements.
Preparing and submitting accreditation and job check applications.
Addressing any questions or concerns from you or Immigration New Zealand during the application process.

Our expertise ensures you meet the requirements and maintain your ability to hire migrant workers, giving you peace of mind in navigating this complex system.

Employers & LIAs

Licensed Immigration Advisor Support

Employers

It all starts with a conversation