On 4 July 2022 significant immigration policy changes will impact how Kiwi employers attract and hire overseas workers.
If, as a dental practice owner you want to hire migrant workers or renew visas for existing migrant employees - you will need to be an accredited employer. Accreditation is mandatory and means you will need to complete an application. Applications will open on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website in May and employers will need to gain accreditation before July 2022 if they want to hire an overseas dental professional, as a migrant worker.
In July the existing Essential Skills and Work to Residence Work Visa, along with four other visas, will all be replaced by a single visa -
the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This is a new visa (and replaces the existing Talent Work Visa) and will be the only
employer-specific work visa category available.
This article is designed to provide a brief overview. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with the new immigration policy and how it may impact your business when it comes to hiring or retaining your staff from overseas.
More information can be found at: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/employ-migrants/new-employer-accreditation-and-work-visa
INZ fact sheet here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/employer-resources/accredited-employer-work-visa-factsheet-standard-and-high-volume-accreditation.pdf
LANZ.Dental are not immigration advisers and can not give immigration advice. We suggest you may want to get professional immigration advice if you have team members who you are currently supporting with a visa.
27 February 2026
For prospective dentists and investors in New Zealand, choosing when to buy a dental practice can be just as important as choosing which
practice to purchase.
