January 5th, 2025 at 05:50 am

New Zealand Announces Significant Reforms to Visa and Job Regulations

New Zealand has unveiled significant updates to its visa system aimed at simplifying immigration and addressing labor shortages. These changes include the removal of wage thresholds, reduced experience requirements, and extended visa durations for specific roles.

These reforms focus on streamlining immigration processes and tackling labor market challenges. By simplifying pathways for both workers and employers, New Zealand hopes to enhance its appeal as a destination for skilled labor.

Key Changes to Immigration Rules

Let’s explore the latest updates to New Zealand’s immigration policies, which aim to ease the application process and expand opportunities for skilled and seasonal workers:

1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement

The wage threshold for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) has been eliminated. Employers must still advertise job openings and pay employees the prevailing market rate for their roles and locations. Existing employment agreements and residence visa wage criteria remain unchanged.

2. New Earnings Threshold for Migrants with Dependents

To bring children to New Zealand, AEWV holders must earn a minimum annual salary of NZ$55,844. This threshold, unchanged since 2019, ensures financial stability for families.

3. Reduced Experience Requirement for Migrants

The minimum work experience required for migrants has been reduced from three years to two. This adjustment aims to ensure workers possess adequate skills while addressing significant labor shortages.

4. New Pathways for Seasonal Workers

New Zealand introduces two pathways for seasonal workers to meet demand:

• Three-Year Multi-Entry Visa: Available for experienced workers.
• Seven-Month Single-Entry Visa: Designed for lower-skilled workers.

Existing temporary seasonal worker pathways will continue until these changes are fully implemented.

5. Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled AEWV Roles

The visa duration for jobs classified as skill levels 4 or 5 under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has been extended to three years. Previously, these visas lasted only two years with an optional extension.

Workers currently holding two-year visas may apply for a one-year extension if they meet eligibility requirements.

6. Streamlined Work and Income Engagement for Employers

Employers advertising skill-level 4 or 5 jobs must now demonstrate their efforts to recruit domestically. They must advertise roles with Work and Income and interview suitable candidates. The previously mandatory 21-day engagement period has been removed, adding flexibility to the recruitment process.

7. Enhanced Interim Work Rights for Migrants

Starting April 2025, interim work rights will be extended to AEWV applicants transitioning from any work visa or student visa with work privileges. This ensures migrants can remain employed while awaiting visa approvals.

8. Simplified Compliance Requirements for Employers

From January 27, 2025, accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) will no longer need to complete Employment New Zealand’s online training modules. Immigration New Zealand will provide accessible resources on employment rights and obligations.

9. Reduced Domestic Workforce Threshold for Construction Roles

Employers in specific construction sectors will see the domestic workforce threshold lowered from 35% to 15%. This change aims to ease labor shortages in this critical industry.

Implications for Migrants and Employers

These updates signify a major shift in New Zealand’s immigration approach. They offer more flexibility for workers and simplify processes for employers.

For prospective migrants, the reduction in experience requirements, extended visa durations, and enhanced work rights create improved opportunities for living and working in New Zealand. Employers benefit from streamlined compliance measures and a more efficient recruitment process.

Overall, these changes position New Zealand as an increasingly attractive destination for global talent.