Immigration

Changes for Travelers entering NZ from July 2023

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 …

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Partnership work visa changes

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 …

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New occupations added to the Green List Residence pathway

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 …

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Residence pathway for Truck and bus drivers

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 …

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Future Changes to Skilled Migrant Residence Category

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 …

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Residence pathway for health support workers

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 …

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New occupations on the Green List for health workers

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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Employer accreditation: Reusing a job check token

Can I reuse a job check token? Usually, a job token can only be used to apply for one Accredited Employer Work visa (AEWV). However, there are some situations where it can be reused if it is still within the 6 months of validity of the job check. Situations when a job check token may be reused A job token can be reused if: The employer notifies Immigration New Zealand that the offer of employment has been withdrawn before the …

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New Zealand Working Holiday visa changes for UK travellers

UK Working holiday changes New Zealand and the United Kingdom have a reciprocal agreement to allow young workers to come and experience a new country under a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). This agreement is changing on 1st July 2023. What are the key changes for UK travelers? From 1st July 2023: The age eligibility is extended by 5 years. The WHV will now be open to UK travellers aged 18-35 years. You must apply before you turn 36. The duration …

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Changes for partners of temporary work visa holders

Immigration New Zealand reviewing their previous announcement After initially planning on stripping work rights from partners of temporary work visa holders from December 2022, then  deciding to postpone the decision by a few months, Immigration New Zealand has eventually made a call on what the partners work visa changes would be. What are the changes? Currently, partners of temporary work visa holders may apply for an open work visa allowing them to work for any employer, in any occupation, in …

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