UK Working holiday changes The NZ/UK Working Holiday scheme is now available for those aged up to 35 and are granted for a maximum duration of 36 months. Holders of UK Working Holiday visas are allowed to work for the full duration of their visas. Looking to come and sample NZ on a Working Holiday Visa? We can help. Get in touch with us today! What are the key changes for UK travelers? The Working Holiday Visa is now available …
Maximum continuous stay period extended From November 2023, migrants seeking an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) on the basis of a permanent role, may be granted a visa valid for up to 5 years. After 5 years on an AEWV, they will need to leave New Zealand for at least 12 months, unless they are on a pathway to residence or have a residence application pending. This decision arises from the release of the new settings under the Skilled Migrant …
Skilled Migrant Category Applications under the new settings open October 2023 On the 21st June 2023, Immigration New Zealand has announced new policy for the Skilled Migrant category. The changes implemented create a streamlined points system where you must be able to claim 6 points to be eligible. Points will be allocated based on qualifications, occupational registrations, renumeration and time spent working in NZ. New Zealand Shores will be releasing a webinar next week in regards to the changes in …
Changes for travellers entering NZ from July Customs New Zealand has announced that a new, online, declaration form will be introduced for all travellers entering New Zealand from 10 July 2023. The change will first be implemented for those arriving in to Christchurch and Wellington airports and then from mid to late July, it will become available for people entering Queenstown airport. Arrivals in to New Zealand’s largest international airport in Auckland won’t have access to the digital declarations until …
Conditions added to partnership-based work visas For visa applications lodged from 31 May 2023, partners of work visa holders, who apply for a work visa on the basis of their relationship, will have certain restrictions: they can only work for an employer who is accredited they must be employed on at least $29.66 / hour (or the median wage in effect at the time they receive the job offer) they cannot work in roles covered by capped Sector Agreements. if …
Immigration confirms new roles for the Green list To address labour shortages and support New Zealand businesses, the Government is adding further occupations to the Green List. Green List occupations provide a straight-to-residence or 2-year work-to-residence pathway for workers hired under certain roles, who meet the requirements of the roel. What are the new occupations and when do these start to qualify? Straight to residence pathway From 29 May 2023, External Auditors (221213) and Internal Auditors (221214) will be added …
Last year, the Government announced ongoing work on a transport sector agreement that would give a 2-year work to residence pathway for workers in critical transport occupations. The settings and eligibility requirements have just been made available. Median wage exemption for work visas Employers wanting to hire a bus driver on an Accredited Employer Work visa will have a median wage exemption set at $28 per hour (instead of $29.66). This is available effective immediately. From 26 April, eligible employers …
Proposed Changes to New Zealand SMC Immigration New Zealand is expected to announce changes regarding the Skilled Migrant Category within the next month after a period of consultation with businesses and industry. A date for the implementation of changes will also be announced in due course. The Minister of Immigration has released a statement suggesting the changes will not take immediate affect from the date of announcement; indicating any SMC policy change will allow further time for current policy to …
Work to Residence Pathway Immigration New Zealand continues to acknowledge the critical shortage of Healthcare Workers and the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled care workers in New Zealand. People who fall under the below occupations are able to apply for residence under the Work to Residence pathway if they meet the following criteria: have employment with an Accredited Employer and holds an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) work in an occupation that is on the Care Workforce sector …
What is the Green List? The Green list is a list of occupations that are in shortage in New Zealand. To attract skilled migrants, the Government is therefore offering a preferred pathway to securing residence in New Zealand for people with these skillsets. Occupations under “tier 1” of the Green list offer a straight to residence pathway. Occupations under “tier 2” offer a pathway after working for 2 years in residence. The Green List now has a total of 48 …
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