A job check is INZ's approval of a specific job before you can offer it to a migrant on an AEWV (or a seasonal AEWV). INZ checks that the job is genuine, full-time, paid at least the market rate, and that you made a genuine attempt to recruit New Zealanders. An approved job check gives you a job token for the migrant.
The job check fee is NZ$735. Most are decided within 1.5 weeks; Green List and health roles faster.
Checked with INZ on 29 October 2026.
Step 1: Do you need to advertise?
You must advertise unless the job:
- is on the Green List and meets its requirements
- pays at least NZ$70.00 an hour, or
- is on the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa jobs list.
No advertising is needed for a job check after a business sale or restructure.
Step 2: Advertise
| Skill level (ANZSCO or NOL) | Advertise for at least |
|---|---|
| 1, 2 or 3 | 14 days |
| 4 or 5 | 21 days |
The ad must include:
- job title and location
- a job description: key tasks, duties and responsibilities
- the minimum and maximum pay (or estimated actual earnings if not guaranteed)
- type of work and minimum guaranteed hours
- the minimum skills, experience and qualifications.
You can use a recruitment agency. Apply for the job check within 90 days of the ad closing.
Step 3: Work and Income (skill level 4 and 5)
For skill level 4 and 5 jobs, you must also engage with Work and Income before applying, to see if a New Zealander can do the job. Interview any suitable candidates they refer. INZ usually accepts your declaration but may ask for evidence (the form, listing, emails). For Peak Seasonal Visa jobs, you can get a Work and Income endorsement instead.
Where an adviser helps: most job check declines come from an ad that doesn't match the job check (different pay range, hours or duties), a pay rate below the market rate, or missing Work and Income evidence. A licensed adviser can check your ad and pay before it runs, so you don't have to readvertise.
Step 4: Apply
In Immigration Online: Employ migrants → My granted accreditations → View accreditation → Request a job check. You'll need the job title, location, ANZSCO or NOL code and skill level, the employment agreement, pay and hours, and your advertising details.
Several positions, one job check: if the jobs have the same code, occupation, pay, location and minimum requirements, and are covered by the same advertising and employment agreement. Different location, title or terms need separate job checks.
The job itself
- at least 30 hours a week, permanent or fixed-term
- paid at least the market rate: what a New Zealander would get for the same work, within the pay range you advertised
- not self-employment, and not excluded roles such as horticulture or viticulture crop work.
If it's declined
Common reasons: missing information (employment, advertising or pay), false or misleading information, the job not meeting requirements, or your accreditation expiring or being suspended during the job check. You can ask for reconsideration within 14 days (NZ$250) if INZ assessed it wrongly, or apply again. See accreditation declined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to advertise for a job check?
14 days for skill level 1 to 3 jobs; 21 days for skill level 4 and 5.
Do Green List jobs need advertising?
No, if the job meets the Green List requirements. Jobs paying NZ$70.00 an hour or more are also exempt.
How much is a job check?
NZ$735, and one job check can cover several identical positions.
What's the market rate?
The pay range a New Zealander would get for the same work. INZ checks your pay against it.
How long does a job check take?
On average 2 days; most within 1.5 weeks.
Getting help
Experienced employers with straightforward roles often do job checks themselves. A licensed immigration adviser helps with skill level 4 and 5 roles, pay questions, multiple positions and declines. If INZ raises concerns about your recruitment, talk to an adviser or immigration lawyer.
Tell us about your business and we'll connect you with a licensed adviser or immigration lawyer. It's free to ask.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, "Applying for a job check: process steps" and wait times (immigration.govt.nz), read 29 October 2026.