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Placing Migrant Candidates – What Recruiters and Employers Must Know By NZ Immigration Visa Ltd.
If you’re placing candidates who are not New Zealand citizens or residents, they are considered migrant workers and must go through New Zealand’s immigration system to obtain valid work rights. Whether the candidate is already in New Zealand or currently offshore, specific immigration rules apply.
Migrants Already in New Zealand
Migrant candidates already in New Zealand typically hold either:
- An open work visa, which allows them to work for any employer; or
- A restricted (employer-assisted) visa, which ties them to a specific job, employer, and location.
If a candidate holds a restricted visa, they cannot switch employers or roles without applying for a new visa. This is a common situation for recruiters, and it’s critical to understand the correct process:
- The job offer must come first, supported by a signed employment agreement.
- Only then can a new visa application be submitted to Immigration New Zealand.
- Work cannot begin until the new visa is granted.
It’s a widespread misconception that a visa should be secured before the job is offered. In reality, visa applications require a valid employment offer before they can even be submitted.
Migrants with Open Work Visas
If the candidate holds an open work visa—such as those granted under post-study, partnership-based, or working holiday schemes—there is no need for employer sponsorship. These candidates can be placed in roles immediately, subject to meeting the employer’s own hiring criteria.
Employer Accreditation Requirements
If your client wishes to hire a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), they must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. There are two main accreditation levels:
- Standard Accreditation – for up to 5 AEWV holders
- High Volume Accreditation – for 6 or more AEWV holders
However, no accreditation is required if your client is hiring migrants who already hold open work visas.
At NZ Immigration Visa Ltd., we work closely with employers and recruitment agencies to ensure all placements involving migrant workers are fully compliant with immigration law. From assessing visa eligibility to managing employer accreditation, we help streamline the process—reducing risk and enabling smooth hiring decisions.
Need expert immigration support for your next placement?
Contact NZ Immigration Visa Ltd. today for tailored guidance.
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- 22 cunliffe place glenfield, Auckland
- Roshan@nzimmigrationvisa.co.nz
- +64 22 177 1309
- House # 5, Road # 3, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 8022, Bangladesh
- shabbir@nzimmigrationvisa.co.nz
- 80 1943269055
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