Understanding the Job Check Process: How to Successfully Hire Skilled Migrants in New Zealand
The Job Check process is an essential step for New Zealand employers who wish to hire skilled migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. It ensures that employers have genuinely attempted to recruit local talent before offering a job to a migrant worker. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of New Zealand’s labor market, ensuring that job opportunities are first made available to local workers.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Job Check process, its requirements, common challenges, and tips for ensuring a successful application. We’ll also explain how Innovius can assist you in navigating this process efficiently, helping you avoid delays and ensuring compliance with Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
What is the Job Check?
The Job Check process is a mandatory step that employers must complete before they can hire a migrant worker under the Accredited Employer Work Visa. It serves to confirm that the role you intend to fill with a migrant worker has been advertised to local job seekers, and no suitable New Zealanders are available for the position.
By completing the Job Check, employers demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to find local candidates before resorting to hiring from overseas. The approval of a Job Check allows employers to offer the role to a migrant worker who can then apply for the AEWV.
Why is the Job Check Process Important?
The Job Check process plays a critical role in New Zealand’s immigration system for several reasons:
- Protecting the Local Workforce: The Job Check ensures that New Zealanders have the first opportunity to apply for job vacancies, helping protect the interests of the local workforce.
- Compliance with Immigration Law: For employers, the Job Check process is a legal requirement when hiring migrant workers. Failing to complete it can lead to penalties, delays, or refusal of the visa application.
- Ensuring Fair Wages and Conditions: The Job Check process ensures that migrant workers receive fair wages and employment conditions, preventing exploitation and maintaining labor market standards.
Key Requirements for the Job Check
To successfully complete the Job Check process, employers must meet several requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Job Advertisement
The employer must advertise the job vacancy on recognized job advertising platforms with significant reach. Common platforms include:
The job advertisement must run for a minimum of 14 calendar days to give local job seekers ample opportunity to apply. It must include:
- The job title and location
- Detailed job description, duties, and responsibilities
- Required skills, qualifications, and experience
- Salary or wage range (must be at least the median wage or higher)
2. Engagement with Work and Income
In some cases, depending on the role and industry, the employer may also be required to engage with Work and Income, a government agency that assists with employment. This step ensures that no suitable candidates are available through the government’s employment services.
3. Fair Wage and Employment Conditions
The role must offer fair wages that meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage. This ensures that migrant workers are not exploited and are treated fairly. Currently, the median wage is $29.66 per hour, but it is essential to check the latest rates on Immigration New Zealand’s website.
4. Proof of Genuine Attempts to Recruit Locals
You must provide evidence that you made genuine efforts to recruit local candidates. This includes showing that you advertised the role correctly and considered all suitable local applicants before turning to the migrant workforce.
The Job Check Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare and Advertise the Job
The first step is to prepare a detailed job advertisement and publish it on recognized job platforms such as TradeMe, Seek, Indeed, or Job Space. The advertisement must run for at least 14 calendar days and include all relevant job details, such as the role’s duties, qualifications, and salary range.
Step 2: Engage with Work and Income (If Required)
If required for your role, engage with Work and Income to explore the availability of local candidates. This step demonstrates that you have made every effort to recruit locally.
Step 3: Evaluate Local Applicants
After the advertisement period ends, you must evaluate all applications received from New Zealanders. If suitable candidates are available, you are expected to hire locally. If no suitable applicants are found, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Submit the Job Check Application
Submit the Job Check application through Immigration New Zealand’s online portal. This application must include evidence of your job advertisement, details of the recruitment process, reasons why local candidates were not hired, and proof of compliance with wage and employment requirements.
Step 5: Await Approval
Immigration New Zealand will review your Job Check application and assess whether you’ve made genuine efforts to recruit locally. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Job Check token, allowing you to offer the role to a migrant worker.
Common Challenges in the Job Check Process
While the Job Check process may seem straightforward, there are several challenges employers often face:
- Incomplete or Incorrect Job Advertisements Failure to include all required details in your job advertisement can result in your Job Check application being declined. It’s essential to follow Immigration New Zealand’s guidelines closely.
- Inadequate Proof of Recruitment Efforts Immigration New Zealand requires solid evidence that you genuinely attempted to recruit local candidates. This includes maintaining records of all applications, interviews, and reasons for not hiring local candidates.
- Compliance with Wage Requirements Offering wages below the median wage or failing to meet employment conditions can lead to your Job Check application being rejected.
- Engagement with Work and Income In some cases, employers overlook the requirement to engage with Work and Income, leading to delays or refusal of their Job Check application.
How Innovius Helps You Successfully Complete the Job Check Process
The Job Check process can be complex and time-consuming, but Innovius is here to make it easier for you. Our team of immigration experts specializes in guiding employers through the Job Check process, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and successful application. Here’s how we help:
1. Expert Guidance on Job Advertisement
We assist you in crafting a job advertisement that meets all the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. Our experts ensure that your ad is comprehensive, accurate, and effectively showcases the role, increasing your chances of passing the Job Check.
2. Managing Engagement with Work and Income
If your role requires engagement with Work and Income, Innovius will guide you through the process, ensuring that this crucial step is completed correctly.
3. Supporting Documentation and Evidence
We help you gather and organize all the necessary documentation for your Job Check application, including proof of your recruitment efforts, reasons for not hiring local candidates, and wage compliance.
4. Application Submission and Follow-Up
Our team handles the entire Job Check application process on your behalf, ensuring that all requirements are met. We also monitor the progress of your application and provide updates, so you’re always informed.
5. Addressing Challenges and Resolving Issues
If any challenges arise during the Job Check process, Innovius is here to help. We work with you to resolve issues, respond to Immigration New Zealand’s requests for additional information, and ensure a successful outcome.
Tips for a Successful Job Check Application
- Provide Detailed Job Descriptions: Ensure your job advertisement includes a comprehensive description of the role, duties, and qualifications.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your recruitment process, including all applications, interviews, and correspondence.
- Engage with Work and Income Early: If required, engage with Work and Income early in the process to avoid delays.
- Offer Competitive Wages: Ensure that the wages you offer meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage.
Why Choose Innovius for Your Job Check Process?
At Innovius, we have a proven track record of helping New Zealand employers successfully complete the Job Check process and hire skilled migrant workers. Our team’s expertise, personalized support, and commitment to excellence make us the ideal partner for navigating the complexities of the Job Check process.
The Innovius Advantage:
- Expert Guidance: We provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring that your Job Check application meets all requirements.
- Efficient Application Process: We handle the entire application process, saving you time and reducing stress.
- Proven Success: Our clients trust us because we have a high success rate in getting Job Check applications approved.
Conclusion: Get the Right Support for Your Job Check Process
Completing the Job Check process is a critical step in hiring skilled migrant workers. With the support of Innovius, you can navigate this process with confidence, ensuring that your application is complete, compliant, and successful.
Contact Innovius today to learn more about how we can assist you with the Job Check process and help you hire the skilled migrant workers your business needs. Let us be your partner in building a talented and diverse workforce!