Job check - whats changing ?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing the Job check process. As per them , the form is being redesigned. But wait - they are also "changing " (refreshing ) the requirements .

 These updates are intended to make the process more efficient and transparent, both for employers and applicants.

The Job Check remains the key step that ensures:

• the role is genuine;

• it pays at least the market rate and meets minimum employment standards;

• the employer has made genuine attempts to recruit New Zealanders first. They are making improvements to the job check stage of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. These changes are designed to make the process more efficient.

The job check allows INZ to assess whether a job is genuine, pays at least market rate, offers suitable terms and conditions, and whether the employer has made genuine attempts to recruit New Zealanders.

Job check: Is a process which an accredited employer, follows when they are looking at hiring migrant workers.

What is changing?

From Monday 29 September 2025, INZ will launch a redesigned online Job Check form and updated requirements.

Key improvements include:

• Clearer guidance built into the form, helping employers understand what evidence must be supplied.

• Built-in checks that prevent incomplete submissions.

• Streamlined sections that align more closely with updated immigration requirements.

  
  

The redesign is based on feedback from immigration officers, advisers, and employers, aiming to reduce processing delays and improve the overall user experience.

New Information Required

The new Job Check will require employers to provide more context about their businesses and the roles they are recruiting for. Employers will need to include:

• Why the role is needed ?

• The size of the business.

• How many New Zealanders are employed (approximations accepted for large organisations).

This information will allow INZ to make faster, more informed decisions by understanding the business context upfront.

We believe that at this stage , there could be more than what meets the eye- and a simple "refresh"

• Labour market protection: By asking employers to explain why the role is needed and how many New Zealanders they already employ, INZ is reinforcing the principle that migrant labour should only be used where there are genuine skill shortages.

• Political pressure: Immigration settings are under constant review, with concerns about over-reliance on temporary migrants. Tightening the Job Check helps demonstrate that INZ is putting New Zealand workers first.

What does it mean for you as the Employer?

Ramifications for Employers

• Administrative burden: Employers must provide more evidence and context, which will take additional time and resources. Smaller businesses may find this especially challenging.

• Fewer shortcuts: Built-in checks will prevent incomplete or low-quality applications from being lodged, meaning businesses must be more thorough from the outset.

• Delays if unprepared: Although the goal is faster processing, employers who fail to prepare full information (e.g., evidence of recruitment attempts, rationale for role) risk delays or even declines.

• Tighter scrutiny: These changes may indicate INZ intends to scrutinise recruitment practices more closely — particularly in lower-wage or high-turnover sectors such as hospitality, retail, and aged care.

What happens to draft applications?

When the new job check portal goes live on Monday 29 September 2025 employers will not be able to access or submit draft job check applications saved in the current system.

If you have a draft in progress, you must either:

• submit it before 08:00 Sunday 28 September 2025, or

• start a new application using the updated form from Monday 29 September.

Conclusion

While these updates may bring a more streamlined and user-friendly process for well-prepared employers, they also raise the bar for compliance. Employers should treat the Job Check as more than just a formality — it is increasingly a labour market test that requires clear justification of why migrant labour is being sought.

For New Zealand employers, the changes mean more front-end preparation and potentially higher compliance costs, but also the promise of quicker decisions if everything is supplied correctly.

Talk to us today , so that we can work closely with you to achieve your business goals .