NZ Median Wage Changes and Impacts
From February 28th 2024, Immigration New Zealand will be introducing the new NZ median wage rate of NZD$31.61 per hour into certain aspects of the immigration system. Here’s what you need to know: Wage thresholds for key visa categories such as the Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence […]
Wage increase for AEWV paused
The New Zealand Government has announced they will paused the planned increase of the median wage rate for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) that was due to be introduced in February 2024. This means that the current wage rate of NZ$29.66 per hour will stay in place for most AEWVs. And the Care Workforce […]
Permanent Resident Visa applications moving online
From the end of January 2024, applications for Permanent Resident Visas (General), Second or Subsequent Resident Visas and Variation of Travel Conditions of a Resident Visa will be moving online. This move is a proactive step taken by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to accommodate the expected surge in PRV applications next year, primarily driven by […]
Accredited Employer Work Visa extensions
From 27th November 2023, the maximum visa length for the AEWV increased from 3 to 5 years. If you currently hold a 3-year AEWV (that you applied for before 27th November 2023) and you are paid at least the median wage, you can apply to get the balance of the longer 5-year visa. Partners and […]
Can I get a New Zealand Straight to Residence Visa as a GP?
What are the options for residence in New Zealand? New Zealand is a popular destination for GPs looking to relocate overseas. The country offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and strong job market. GPs are in high demand in New Zealand, and the government is keen to attract more GPs to the […]
Can I work in New Zealand as a GP? Blog from Transition Medical
Transition Medical are a small team based in Edinburgh in the UK who are passionate about helping doctors from the UK, Ireland and further afield find their dream GP jobs and Radiology jobs in New Zealand. If you want to work in New Zealand as a GP, check out their blog post below: Can […]
Work to Residence Pathways Open on 29th September 2023
Immigration New Zealand has announced that the Green List and Sector Agreements Work to Residence pathways will open for residence visa applications from 29th September 2023. If you’ve got two years of eligible work experience in a Green List or Sector Agreement role in New Zealand and meet the necessary skill and wage thresholds, you […]
More roles added to Green List in March 2024
There will be 17 new roles added to the Green List in March 2024. The roles include: Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer) Naval Architects (aka Marine Designer) Mechanical Engineering Technician ICT Database and System Administrator Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Road Roller Operator Paving Plant Operator Corrections Officer Metal Fabricator Pressure Welder Welder Fitter (General) Fitter […]
List of qualifications exempt from assessment updated
The “List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment” is a list which compares overseas qualifications to comparable New Zealand qualifications. If your qualification appears on this list, you do not need to pay for an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for your resident visa application, which can be both time […]
New median wage from February 2024
The New Zealand median wage will be increasing to NZ$36.61 per hour from February 2024 (currently NZ$29.66 per hour). This is going to impact a number of visas which have wage thresholds based on the median wage, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Category Visa, and some occupations in the Green List or […]
Final EOI selection for the current Skilled Migrant Category
The final selection of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the current Skilled Migrant Category will be taking place on 16th August 2023. EOIs can be submitted up until 23.59 on 15th August 2023 (New Zealand Time). Applicants will be invited to apply for residence under the current Skilled Migrant Category settings if their EOI is […]
Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visas
From November 2023, the maximum duration of an Accredited Employer Work Visa will be extended from 3 years to 5 years After spending 5 years on an AEWV, you will need to spend 12 months outside of New Zealand, unless you are on a pathway to residence or have a residence application pending. Existing AEWV […]
Major changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Immigration New Zealand have announced that they will be replacing the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa with a streamlined points system on 9 October 2023. Under the new settings, you must be able to claim 6 points to be eligible. If you wish to apply under the current SMC policy (and meet the current […]
New online form to transfer a visa to a new passport
A new online form has gone live on the Immigration New Zealand website, for visa holders to transfer their current valid visa to a new passport. Transfer a visa to a new passport You can use this form to transfer a visa to a new passport if your old passport has expired, was stolen, was […]
New Accredited Employer Search Tool
Immigration New Zealand have launched a new Accredited Employer search tool. This makes it easier to see which employers already have accreditation in New Zealand. You can access the new Accredited Employer search tool here. This tool is particularly useful for the partners of work visa holders, who are granted a work visa with the […]
Changes to work conditions for partners of Work Visa holders from 31st May 2023
Immigration New Zealand have confirmed the changes to visa conditions for the partners of Work Visa holders, that will be in effect from 31st May 2023. New work conditions for partners of Work Visa holders (AEWV and ESWV holders) Successful applications for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, made on or after 31st May […]
Teaching roles added to the Work to Residence pathway
The NZ Government has confirmed that Tier 2 of the Green List will be expanded from 29th May 2023, to include a number of teaching roles. These teaching roles will be added to the Work to Residence Green List pathway from 29th May. As a result, eligible teachers will be able to apply for residence […]
Work to residence pathway for bus drivers and truck drivers
The New Zealand government has announced a new transport sector agreement. This will provide a two-year work to residence pathway for critical transport occupations such as bus drivers and truck drivers. Median wage exemption for bus drivers Employers will have a median wage exemption set at $28 an hour when hiring bus drivers for an […]
INZ Extends Accreditation Period for Employers
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that it is extending the initial accreditation period for Accredited Employer Work Visa employers, to provide them with more certainty as they get used to the accreditation system. Employers who are currently accredited do not need to take any action. Their accreditation will be automatically extended for 24 months […]
32 new Green List health sector roles in New Zealand
The New Zealand government is adding 32 new health sector roles to the Green List, making them eligible for the Straight to Residence pathway from 29th May 2023. These critical and nationally important roles cover various specializations within the health system, as well as roles in social services, education, and the justice sector that support […]
Changes to New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for UK travellers
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa for UK travellers will be changing, on 1st July 2023, and some positive changes are being introduced: From 1 July 2023, the Working Holiday Visa will: be open to UK travellers aged 18-35 years allow UK travellers to stay in New Zealand for up to three years, and work […]
New NZ Recovery Visa
To assist with the devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent weather events, the NZ Government has announced the launch of the Recovery Visa (a Specific Purpose Work Visa). This short-term visa will allow employers to sponsor migrants to come to New Zealand to work on the emergency response. This visa is intended for people coming […]
New Zealand median wage increase
On 27th February 2023 the New Zealand median wage is increasing to NZD $29.66. This will impact the criteria to be eligible for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, and other visas (including the Skilled Migrant Work Visa, the Green List and Highly Paid Resident Visas) which also have median wage-related criteria. AEWV Job Checks If […]
Expansion of the Green List from March 2023
Tier 2 of the Green List will expand significantly in March 2023. The following roles will have a work to residence pathway, which will allow you to apply for residence after working in the role for 2 years in New Zealand: All secondary school teachers (in addition to the secondary school teaching roles already included […]
Job Change enabled for Accredited Employer Work Visas
Immigration New Zealand have introduced the ability to apply for a variation of conditions (VOC), known as a Job Change, for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs). You can apply for a Job Change to change your employer, job, location or a combination of these. Your employer will need to be accredited and have a valid job […]
More health care roles added to the Green List
A number of health care roles, including specialist doctor roles, registered nurse roles and midwives, have been added to the the Tier 1 of the Green List, enabling them to apply for the Straight to Residence Visa. The new roles include: Specialist Physicians (General Medicine) Cardiologists Clinical Haemoatologists Medical Oncologists Endocrinologists Gastroenterologists Intensive Care Specialists […]
Skilled Migrant Category is reopening
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category is reopening After being suspended for the last couple of years, the Skilled Migrant Category is about to reopen. INZ will resume selections of expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa on 9th November 2022. The future direction of the Skilled Migrant Category is being reviewed […]
The Parent Resident Visa Category has reopened
The New Zealand Parent Resident Visa reopened on 12 October 2022 and the selection of existing expressions of interest (EOIs) will resume on 14 November 2022. There will be an increased number of visas available each year, increasing from 1000 to 2500, and reduced requirements for sponsors. What are the changes for sponsors for a […]
Green List roles
Green List roles Tier 1: Straight to residence External Auditor Internal Auditor Construction Project Manager Project Builder Quantity Surveyor Surveyor Chemical Engineer Civil Engineering Technician Civil Engineer Electrical Engineer Electronics Engineer Electrical Engineering Technician Electronic Engineering Technician Environmental Engineer Geotechnical Engineer Industrial Engineer Materials Engineer Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Engineering Technician Production or Plant Engineer Aeronautical […]
Green List Straight to Residence pathway has opened
Green List Straight to Residence pathway has opened The Green List Straight to Residence pathway opened on 5 September 2022. If you are employed in a role on the Green List you may qualify for a Straight to Residence Visa or a Work to Residence Visa. Health and medical roles From 5 September 2022, skill […]
Accredited work visa roles exempt from the median wage threshold
Accredited work visa roles exempt from the median wage threshold A transition arrangement has been put in place to allow for certain roles within the construction, care, tourism and hospitality sectors to be recruited at slightly lower than the median wage, on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. A pay threshold must still be met: Specific […]
Expiring work to residence visas extended
Expiring work to residence visas extended On 9 May 2022, the following types of work to residence visas expiring between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (inclusive) held by workers in New Zealand were extended for six months: Talent (Accredited Employers) Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Long Term Skill Shortage List Skilled Migrant Category Job […]
Expiring work visas granted open work visa extension
Expiring work visas granted open work visa extension On 9 May 2022, open work visas were granted to those in New Zealand holding one of the following visas expiring between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (inclusive): Essential Skills Work Visa Post Study Work Visa Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Eligible Ukraine nationals […]
New Zealand border to fully reopen
Great news! New Zealand border to fully reopen from 1st August 2022 and new fast track to residence! The New Zealand government announced today they are bring forward the full reopening of the border to 23:59 (NZST) on 31 July 2022. This means that Visitor Visa and Student Visa applications can be made from 1st […]
Latest border reopening plan
Latest border reopening plan The New Zealand Government has widened the entry eligibility and eased isolation rules for travellers to New Zealand. From 12th April 2022 From 11:59pm Tuesday 12 April, the following groups who still meet the conditions of their visa can travel to New Zealand without a border exception: Work visa holders Holders […]
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Immigration New Zealand have announced a number of changes to the new Accredited Employer Work Visa, which will replace the Essential Skills Work Visa and Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, when it launches on 4 July 2022. They have confirmed that it will be open to applications from […]
New Zealand borders to open earlier than planned!
New Zealand borders to open earlier than planned! The New Zealand government have announced that their borders will be re-opened to fully-vaccinated travellers earlier than planned. From 13th April, vaccinated tourists from Australia will be able to enter New Zealand without having to isolate. From 2 May vaccinated tourists from other visa-waiver countries, including the […]
UK Working Holiday Visa processing resumed
UK Working Holiday Visa processing resumed The UK working holiday scheme has reopened to applications on 14th March 2022. As there is no limit on the number of working holiday visas granted to people from the UK, applications can be made at any time. The following uncapped working holiday schemes have also reopened from this […]
New border exemption for skilled workers
Skilled worker border exemption As part of the easing of border restrictions, skilled workers who are offshore and have a job offer in New Zealand to earn at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD $84,240 a year or NZD $40.50 an hour) for a role longer than 6 months, may now seek a border […]
Updated border reopening plan announced
Updated border reopening plan announced It was announced today that the New Zealand border will reopen to vaccinated Kiwis and other current eligible travellers from Australia at 11.59pm on 27 February 2022 and to vaccinated Kiwis in the rest of the world on 13 March 2022. The requirement for these groups to stay in MIQ […]
New border class exception for the technology sector
New border class exception for the technology sector The NZ Government has announced a new border exception for the technology sector which will enable 600 specialist tech workers and their partners and dependent children to come to New Zealand. The border exception targets the areas of the sector most in need of overseas skills, including […]
Restrictions on visa processing outside New Zealand
The NZ Government has extended the suspension of visa processing for most individuals who are outside New Zealand until at least 5th August 2022. This applies unless they meet the current border exception criteria or an in Covid-19 quarantine-free travel zone. The suspension can be lifted, however, if the border restrictions change. Immigration New Zealand […]
New Zealand borders to reopen!
Great news! We finally have the announcement that the New Zealand borders will start to reopen in 2022. The reopening will happen in 3 phases: Phase 1 Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from the end of February 2022 (as long as they have […]
300 guaranteed MIQ spots a month for health workers
From 1st November 2021, the MIQ system will change to guarantee 300 MIQ spots a month for healthcare and disability workers. The first rooms will be allocated in late November 2022. The New Zealand Government will work with District Health Boards and Primary Health Organisations to allocate them to the people they need to get […]
New 2021 Resident Visa announced
New 2021 Resident Visa announced On 30 September 2021, the New Zealand Government announced the 2021 Resident Visa – a new one-off residence visa for some temporary work visa holders currently in New Zealand. Some critical purpose visa holders arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 on long-term visas may […]
Essential Skills Work Visas easier to renew and granted for longer
From 19th July 2021, the maximum duration of Essential Skills visas for jobs paid below the median wage ($27 per hour), will increase from 12 months to 24 months. The maximum duration of Essential Skills visas for jobs paid above the median wage will remain at three years. In addition, the New Zealand Government have […]
New Accredited Employer Work Visa temporarily deferred
The new Accredited Employer Work Visa, that was due to launch on 1st November 2021, is being deferred until the middle of 2022. In the meantime, the New Zealand Government has announced changes to simplify process for renewing an Essential Skills Work Visa, if you remain in the same job. Find out more about the […]
New border exception for 300 teachers to enter New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has announced a new border exception for up to 300 overseas qualified teachers (and their partners and dependent children) to come into New Zealand, whilst the borders remain closed. The process will start in September 2021. In order to recruit a teacher from overseas, the schools must: be “hard to staff”or […]
Refunds for lapsed visa applications
The Minister of Immigration has recently agreed to lapse visa applications that cannot be approved due to the border restrictions. INZ has decided to refund application fees and levies for applications that are being lapsed. INZ will also refund and return temporary visa applications received from people outside New Zealand after 10 August 2020, when […]
Suspension of offshore temporary visa processing extended again
The New Zealand Government has extended the current suspension of offshore temporary visa processing until 6 February 2022. This measure was originally introduced on 10 August 2020 to prevent people applying if they are currently unable to travel to New Zealand due to current border restrictions. People who meet the border exception criteria, such as […]