Thinking about working in New Zealand? Or hiring overseas talent? Here’s what you need to know 👇
In this video, Charlotte from New Zealand Shores breaks down a crucial step in the visa process: the job check.
👉 First, before anything else, an employer must become accredited. No accreditation = no visa application.
👉 Next comes the job check—this is basically Immigration New Zealand’s way of asking: “Can a Kiwi do this job first?”
Employers may need to advertise the role and prove there are no suitable New Zealand candidates available.
💡 What determines if advertising is needed?
- The skill level of the job (based on ANZSCO or the newer National Occupation List)
- Whether the role is on the Green List
- The salary (higher pay can sometimes skip advertising requirements)
⚠️ Here’s the tricky part:
Job ads must meet strict Immigration NZ criteria—and many employers get this wrong.
👉 Once the job check is approved, Immigration New Zealand issues a job token—a unique number that allows the migrant worker to finally apply for their visa.
🔑 In simple terms, the process looks like this:
1. Employer gets accredited
2. Job check is approved → Job token is issued
3. We apply for the visa
✔️ It might sound complex, but when done correctly, it’s a smooth process.
📩 Got a job offer or planning to hire from overseas? Reach out for expert guidance to make sure everything is done right and your visa gets approved.
For NZ employers → [email protected]
For migrants → [email protected]
🎥 Understanding Job Checks & Job Tokens for New Zealand Visas 🇳🇿
12 hours ago