Latest NZ work visa news: January 2021
Immigration New Zealand has made a couple of announcements that affect Employer-assisted Visas, Essential Skills Visas and Working Holiday Visas. Get all the details below.
1. Employer-assisted visas expiring from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 will automatically receive a 6-month extension
Employer-assisted visa holders whose visas are going to expire between 1 January and 30 June are sure to welcome the news of extensions for a further 6 months. This extension applies to the following visas:
- Essential Skills Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- Special and Skilled work visas for China, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam
- Special category work visas for Japanese interpreters and Thai chefs
- Employer-specific work visas granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009
- Fishing Crew Visa
- Religious Worker Visa
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
INZ is also going to extend the visas held by the partners and dependent children of eligible visa holders. All visa holders will get confirmation of the extension from Immigration New Zealand by March 2021.
2. Lower-pad Essential Skills Visa stand-down delayed for 12 months
The introduction of the stand-down period that was announced in July 2020 will be delayed until January 2022.
The stand-down period means that Essential Skills visa holders earning less than the median wage must leave New Zealand after three years for one year before they can return.
3. Working Holiday Visas extended by 6 months
Working Holiday Visas that expire from 21 December 2020 to 30 June 2021 will get a 6-month extension.
INZ will apply varied conditions to allow Working Holiday visa holders to continue in any employment that is not permanent in any sector until the expiry date of their visas. Furthermore, a time limit on total work for one employer will no longer apply.
Working Holiday Visa holders who are eligible for this extension will no longer be transferred to the Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa when their visa expires.
Migrant workers who are already on an SSE Visa can continue to work in the horticulture and viticulture sectors, or apply for an Essential Skills Visa if they find alternative qualifying work.
INZ is making this allowance because New Zealand is facing labour shortages across many industries at the moment.
4. 2019 Median wage in effect until July 2021
Immigration New Zealand will continue to use the 2019 median wage of NZ$25,50 an hour to determine conditions until at least July 2021, at which point the median wage will raise to NZ$27 an hour.
Please note…
Immigration New Zealand has advised that any migrants who are unable to meet the conditions of their current visa, including migrants who have lost their jobs, should make arrangements to depart New Zealand or apply for a new visa that best suits their circumstances. This may include applying for a Variation of Conditions.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand
FAQ: Getting a job in New Zealand
Getting a job in New Zealand is crucial to your skilled visa application. But how do you know what jobs are in demand? Or how to find the best jobs? And what is a good salary in New Zealand? You don’t want to take just any job, after all.
There are so many questions!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’re answering all of the questions above and seven more right here. Read to the end and you’ll feel much more confident about your job search.
1. Is it easy to get a job in New Zealand?
This is going to depend on your situation.
For starters, you’re going to find it easier getting a job in New Zealand if you work in an occupation that is in high demand. Your job search is also going to be smoother if you already know someone in New Zealand in your field who you can network with.
Entering the job search prepared is also going to make it easier to find a job. With that we mean doing things like completing your professional occupational registration if it’s needed, redoing your CV in a format that’s preferred by New Zealand employers, and being in a position to tell the employer that you do qualify for a work visa.
2. What jobs are in high demand in New Zealand?
The jobs that are in high demand and occupations that have been identified by the New Zealand Government as a ‘skill shortage’ is not necessarily the same. There are definitely overlaps, like engineers and nurses, but as a migrant it’s advisable to look at the jobs on the Essential Skills in Demand Lists.
There are three of these lists:
- Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL): The Long Term Skills Shortage List identifies occupations where there is a sustained and on-going shortage of highly skilled workers throughout New Zealand.
- Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL): The Regional Skilled Shortage List (RSSL) identifies 15 regions with occupations that have an immediate shortage of skilled workers. This gives migrants a better idea about opportunities in regional areas.
- Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL): The Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List also contains immediate short-term skills shortages but these shortages are specific to the construction industry. The CISSL is divided into the same 15 regions as the RSSL.
3. Can I apply for a New Zealand work visa without a job offer?
Yes, you’ll need a job offer to apply for both the Skilled Migrant visa and the Essential Skills visa.
You can do further reading about working in New Zealand on our website. You’ll find all the requirements for work visas and also discover what it’s like to work in New Zealand.
4. What is a good salary in New Zealand?
A February 2019 Stuff article revealed that the average middle-class household earns up to NZ$100,000 a year but still struggle to make ends meet.
The article sourced data from the 2018 Quality of Life Survey produced by Nielsen on behalf of eight councils in New Zealand. These councils included Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
This was the survey feedback from residents in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand’s most popular cities among migrants:
Almost half of Auckland households earning between $70,000 and $100,000 a year said they’re just able to make ends meet
In Christchurch, 34 per cent of residents in the $70,000 to $100,000 band said they had just enough to survive
When asked for comment, economist Shamubeel Eaquab said “Around the world we are seeing the same pattern. People are living with high incomes and struggling to make ends meet.”
Eaquab added that “A $70,000 household income in a small town could seem high, but in Auckland it’s probably not enough. Incomes have not kept pace with rents.”
What is the average salaries for in-demand occupations?
Let’s consult TradeMe which released a salary guide for New Zealand for the six months to April 2020:
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Architects | NZ$85k |
| Automotive technician | NZ$60k |
| Quantity surveyors | NZ$105k |
| Early childhood teachers | NZ$60k |
| Civil and Structural Engineers | NZ$85k |
| Industrial Engineers | NZ$65k |
| Dentists | NZ$50k |
| Doctors and Specialists | NZ$45k |
| Psychologists and Counsellors | NZ$65k |
| Veterinarians | NZ$50k |
| Chefs | NZ$50k |
| Business and Systems Analysts | NZ$115k |
| Systems Engineers | NZ$95k |
| Boilermakers and Welders | NZ$60k |
| Plumbers | NZ$70k |
You can view the complete salary guide on TradeMe.
What is New Zealand’s living costs?
We compiled the living costs for New Zealand at the beginning of 2020. You can find that article in our blog section but please keep in mind that the costs were correct as at February 2020.
You’ll also find a living cost comparison of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland in our blog section. We calculated the basic monthly expenses, travel costs, restaurant prices, and school fees.
5. How do I find jobs?
There are a couple things you can do to find a job:
- Stand out from the crowd with a migration cover letter and a New Zealand-friendly CV
- Network with people in your industry, either in person or on LinkedIn
- Sign up for job alerts on career websites
- Identify companies you’d like to work for and see if they have job openings
You’ll also need to know where to look for jobs. You’re in luck here because we’ve done the research for you. We’ve included employers in our Working in New Zealand Guide and we also list 10 of the country’s top recruiters on our website.
6. Will I need to do qualifications and occupational registration?
Qualifications registration
Immigration New Zealand has a list of common international qualifications that have already been assessed against the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). If your qualification is on this list, it is exempt from assessment. However, if you qualification is not listed, you may have to get it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Occupational registration
Immigration New Zealand has a list of jobs that require some form of official registration. You may need to provide evidence of your occupational registration when you submit your visa application if you are:
- Applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category and planning to work in an occupation where registration is required, or
- Including a job offer in a work visa application an occupation registration is a requirement
Please feel free to contact us to speak to us about qualifications and occupational registration.
7. What if the recruiter or company asks if I have New Zealand work experience?
Many New Zealand recruiters and employers value work experience gained in New Zealand because it shows that you’re familiar with the Kiwi way of working. Someone who’s worked in New Zealand may also need less training when starting with the company.
If you only have overseas working experience, you have to frame that experience in a way that shows the interviewer that your experience is valuable.
Let’s say the interviewer says to you, “I see you don’t have any New Zealand work experience.” A good way to respond to this is the following:
“That’s true. However, I have worked in many English speaking countries with similar engineering codes to those in New Zealand. The most recent role I had (name the country) was closely related to this position. I have checked and my qualification from (name the country) covered the same basic areas as the New Zealand degree.”
8. How do I show the recruiter I’m the right person for the job?
You’re in the interview because the employer think you can do the job based on your qualifications, skills and experience. Now you have to show them that you’re a good fit for the company too.
A large part of this is showing that you understand the New Zealand way of working:
- Managers and employees often have an informal and friendly relationship at work
- Status is not as important as in some other countries
- Kiwi employees prefer managers to consult and ask, not to command
- Leaders are expected to be good at motivating their team while treating everyone equally and with respect
- Employees that are not in management positions have to be able to work independently and use their initiative, without relying on a manager to make every decision
9. Do I have to go to New Zealand for interviews?
Even though virtual interviews are common these days, you should still expect that some employers would ask that you attend at least one interview in person. Just be sure to apply for a Look See Decide visa before travelling to New Zealand.
10. Can I work in New Zealand before I get my visa?
No, you cannot. You can only travel to New Zealand and start your job once you have your visa in your passport.
Do you have more questions about getting a job in New Zealand?
If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200. You can also book a consultation call if you want to go ahead and find out if you qualify for a work visa. Our licensed immigration advisors can do an assessment with you and advise on the next steps to take.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration, Working in New Zealand
The 30 fastest-growing jobs in New Zealand, according to SEEK data
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed New Zealand’s economy into its worst recession in 33 years. Despite this, employment and career site SEEK recently reported that some industries are showing positive signs of growth compared to when the pandemic first hit.
SEEK found this when they collated data from July to August 2020 and compared it to data from March to April 2020. From this data, SEEK identified the top five industries in New Zealand for job ad growth at the moment as well as the 30 fastest-growing jobs in the country.
These were their findings:
1. Top five industries for job ad growth
| Industry | Growth |
|---|---|
| Sports and Recreation | 125% |
| Farming, Animals and Conservation | 83% |
| Consulting and Strategy | 76% |
| Sales | 75% |
| Hospitality and Tourism | 74% |
Hospitality and tourism was one of the country’s hardest-hit industries, so it’s encouraging to see it in this top five. We think it’s safe to say that this performance is thanks to New Zealand’s swift COVID-19 response that has enabled the country to go back to ‘normal’ faster than just about every other nation in the world.
The 30 fastest-growing jobs
| Industry | Role | Job Ad Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Government and Defence | Government Advisor | 108% |
| Healthcare and Medical | Physiotherapist | 101% |
| Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics | Storeperson | 94% |
| Sales | Sales Representative | 84% |
| Information and Communication Technology | Project Manager | 82% |
| Community Services and Development | Social Worker | 71% |
| Hospitality and Tourism | Chef | 70% |
| Healthcare and Medical | Registered Nurse | 56% |
| Trades and Services | Labourer | 52% |
| Administration and Office Support | Receptionist | 52% |
| Community Services and Development | Aged and Disability Support Worker | 50% |
| Real Estate and Property | Residential Real Estate Sales | 48% |
| Sales | Account Manager | 46% |
| Healthcare and Medical | Psychologist | 32% |
| Sales | Business Development Manager | 32% |
| Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics | Drivers | 29% |
| Information and Communication Technology | Developer | 28% |
| Accounting | Accountant | 28% |
| Construction | Quantity Surveyor | 28% |
| Administration and Office Support | Administrator | 27% |
| Administration and Office Support | Executive Assistant | 25% |
| Retail and Consumer Products | Merchandiser | 17% |
| Administration and Office Support | Personal Assistant | 16% |
| Retail and Consumer Products | Store Manager | 16% |
| Administration and Office Support | Office Administrator | 15% |
| Trades and Services | Cleaner | 14% |
| Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics | Machine Operator | 13% |
| Engineering | Structural Engineer | 13% |
| Information and Communication Technology | Software Engineer | 11% |
| Trades and Services | Carpenter | 9% |
New Zealand recently had a federal election which explains the appearance of government advisor roles in the top spot. Storeperson roles, in at number three, are most likely on the rise due to changes in consumer behaviour. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many consumers to shopping online which means warehouses are busier than ever and in need of fast, efficient workers to get orders out the door.
But border restrictions are still in place, we hear you say
Yes, New Zealand’s border restrictions are still in place and still affect a lot of people. However, the fact that the job market is recovering is a positive sign of things to come. It means New Zealand’s economy and the country is a whole is starting to recover.
Another sure sign of this is the fact that New Zealand has already opened its borders to some critical workers. So, don’t put your dreams on hold! If you’re serious about moving to New Zealand, continue making it happen.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
What you should know about importing household goods to New Zealand
Don’t know where to start with importing household goods to New Zealand? We have the information you need to get the process going:
- How to avoid border clearance problems
- Items to declare
- Prohibited and restricted items
- Importing vehicles and pets
- Packing tips
Let’s start with the three things to do to get your goods through customs as quickly as possible.
1. Prepare an inventory
A detailed inventory listing all items in the consignment must accompany your shipment. You must also declare the necessary items. See our packing tips at the end of the article to making this process simpler.
2. Complete the necessary declarations
You’ll need to complete an Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration form if your personal items are shipped by sea or by air.
Should your shipment contain goods that pose a biosecurity risk, it’s advisable to complete a Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration. This declaration provides more information about specific items and could change the risk status of your consignment.
3. Provide the required documentation
Personal goods being shipped to New Zealand must be accompanied by:
- A completed NZCS 218: Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration
- A completed sea container Quarantine Declaration (for full container loads)
- A detailed inventory
- A completed sea container Quarantine Declaration, if you’re shipping a full container load
- Valid treatment certificates for goods that have been fumigated, heat treated or cleaned
- The shipping arrival papers, for instance Bill of Lading, Airway Bill or Arrival Advice
- Supplementary declaration, which provides more information about specific items and could change the risk status of your consignment.
- Any permits you need, for example:
- Permits to import firearms
- CITES ((the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permits
- MedSafe permits
Items to declare
New Zealand maintains the right to inspect certain items once these items have entered its borders to maintain the country’s strict health and safety standards. These items must be declared and include:
- Fresh or dried fruit, vegetables, mushrooms or fungi
- Any meat, fish, shellfish or poultry
- Ingredients used in cooking, all milk products, cheese, eggs or eggs products, and milk-based baby foods
- Hunting trophies or stuffed animals
- Traditional or herbal medicines or remedies, health supplements and homeopathic remedies that include animal or plant parts
- Dried flower arrangements or Christmas decorations made from plant material
- Items made from wood
- Items stuffed with seeds or straw
- Items made from bamboo, cane, coconut or straw
- Items containing hair, fur, unprocessed wool, skin, feathers or bone
- All outdoor, camping, sports equipment, hiking boots and other sporting footwear that could be contaminated with soil, seeds or water
- Animal grooming and veterinary equipment, beekeeping equipment, saddles, bridles, bird cages and pet beds
- Gardening equipment and outdoor furniture
This is not an exhaustive list, so check with your importer or with customs if you’re unsure about any items that you’re planning to take with you.
Restricted and prohibited items
Some personal items are prohibited or restricted from entering New Zealand:
- Any packets of food
- Honey, pollen, propolis, honeycombs and other bee products
- Plants, bulbs, cuttings, corms, rhizomes or tubers, commercially packed seeds and seeds for planting
- Packaging such as straw or used fresh food cartons
- Items restricted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) such as coral, ivory, snakeskin or whale bone items, turtle shell and some sea shells.
It is best to leave these items behind when packing for you move, unless you can ensure that is accompanied by official certification.
We’ll also advise you to read up on New Zealand’s restricted and prohibited items. You can get the information you need from New Zealand’s Customs Service.
Importing vehicles and pets
You are allowed to take your car and your pets to New Zealand, but you’ll have to meet all the requirements to be able to do so.
You can find out more about importing cars from the New Zealand Transport Agency. To learn how to import your pet, consult the Ministry of Primary Industries.
Packing tips
If you pack properly when moving your household goods to New Zealand, you’ll minimize the time it takes to inspect your goods. Here are tips for achieving this:
1. Create a packing list:
Record all boxes and what is in each box. Also include a description of what the goods are made from. For example, metal bed frame or cane basket.
2. Label and number:
Number the packing boxes and match the numbers on your packing list. Be sure to use permanent marker to write on boxes when you’re labelling them. Don’t use sticky labels, as these often fall off during the move.
3. Cartons and packing materials:
It is best to not use second-hand boxes or bags, unless you’re absolutely certain these are free from animal or plant material. Additionally don’t use straw, sawdust, wood shavings or other plant materials as packing or filler.
4. Pack items in groups:
Pack similar goods together and group the boxes together.
5. Pack for safety:
Securely wrap sharp or breakable objects such as knives or ceramic items. Clearly mark boxes with medical items, dangerous goods, or any items that could pose a safety risk. Do not pack flammable items such as fireworks or paint thinners.
Summarising importing household goods to New Zealand
You have to create a packing list, ensure that you provide the required documents, and declare the necessary items to import your goods when moving to New Zealand. Please also refer to the Ministry of Primary Industries (MIP) and New Zealand Customs websites for more information.
You’ll also make your life much easier if you work with a shipping company that specializes in the import and export of household goods. Such a company would be able to advise on the costs, the forms, and the general requirements when shipping your family’s belongings.
Sources: MIP and New Zealand Customs
- Published in Family Immigration, Tips for Your Move to New Zealand
No EOI selections for residence under the Skilled Migrant and Parent categories for another 6 months
Immigration New Zealand announced on Monday, 19 October, that it’s deferring the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest under the Skilled Migrant and Parent categories for a further 6 months. The decision to defer this process was first made back in April due to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Zealand Government has said that the continued deferral will give INZ the space to focus on processing applications from people who are in New Zealand or people who are eligible to travel while border restrictions are in place.
Can migrants still submit Expressions of Interest?
This is what Intergate Emigration’s licensed advisors had to say when we asked them this question:
“The Expression of Interest for the Parent category is a hard copy that’s couriered to New Zealand, so while EOI selection is closed, migrants are going to be unable to submit EOIs. Applicants will have to wait for the EOI selection to reopen again.
Our advice to skilled migrant applicants would be to also wait for EOI selections to reopen again. EOIs from offshore applicants are only eligible for selection with 160 points and a job offer, so it won’t make sense to submit an EOI in the interim. The best plan of action would be to look at the temporary route first and to do an assessment to ensure that you qualify for the visa.”
Contact us if you’d like to explore other visa options
Do you have your heart set on living in New Zealand but you don’t want to wait for the EOI selections to open? Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore other visa options.
We would like to see you realise your dream of making New Zealand your home as much as you do!
- Published in Family Immigration, Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand
FAQs: Healthcare In New Zealand
Healthcare in New Zealand is world-class! In a 2019 study conducted by ID Medical, a UK healthcare recruiter, New Zealand’s healthcare system was tied with that of the UK.
New Zealand also fares well in the World Health Organisation’s rankings where it finds itself among the top 50 countries.
It should come as no surprise that many migrants who pick New Zealand lists the country’s healthcare as a ‘pull factor’. Especially migrants with families!
Parent or no parent though, you’re sure to have questions about New Zealand’s healthcare system.
That’s why we’ve decided to answer 8 of your most frequently asked questions today. Up first:
1. Does New Zealand have a public healthcare system?
Yes, New Zealand does have a public healthcare system. Eligible residents get free or subsidised health and disability services which include:
- Primary healthcare visits such as doctor’s visits.
- Prescribed medicines.
- Public hospital services.
- Support services if you have disabilities.
2. Does the public healthcare system also cover dentistry?
While dental care is free for eligible children up to the age of 18, you’ll have to pay for most dental services yourself. However, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), a government agency, will help with the cost if you need dental treatment because of an accident or injury.
Please note that free dental care for eligible children are not available through every dentist practice. You’ll have to check with your dentist if their practice offers this service.
3. Who is eligible for New Zealand’s public healthcare system?
You may be eligible for subsidised or free healthcare under the public system if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or resident, although some exceptions do apply; or
- A work visa holder who is allowed to work in New Zealand for two years or more; or
- The holder of a work visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for two years or more when combined with time spent in the country just before getting your current work visa; or
- Under 17 and your parent or guardian is eligible; or
- An interim visa holder who was eligible immediately before you got the interim visa; or
- A refugee or protected person.
There is a chance that you’ll still qualify for public healthcare despite not meeting any of the requirements above. Please get advice from your immigration advisor or consult the Ministry of Health’s website.
4. Is private healthcare also available in New Zealand?
Yes, New Zealand does have private healthcare facilities. You’ll have to pay for healthcare services at these facilities yourself as the New Zealand government does not subsidise or pay for private healthcare services.
It is important to note, however, that you must be eligible for public healthcare in order to be allowed to take out private health insurance.
The benefits of private health insurance is that it allows you to decide how much cover you want and the type of services you want cover for. Private health insurance also means you can go to the doctor, specialist or hospital of your liking.
To compare private health insurance policies, go to LifeDirect, a New Zealand insurance comparison website.
5. Can I count on New Zealand healthcare’s system to look after my children?
Most definitely! As mentioned earlier, eligible children under the age of 18 are entitled to free dental healthcare. That’s not the only way the healthcare system in New Zealand looks after your children though:
- From birth to the age of 5: All children in New Zealand qualify for a free health service called Well Child/Tamariki Ora. This service gives children access to a range of health checks and provides support and advice to new parents.
- Under the age of 13: All children younger than 13 are eligible for the following free medical services:
- Immunisations against serious diseases.
- Regular eyesight and hearing checks at school.
- Visits to the doctor. Not all GPs may provide free visits, so check with your GP first.
- Basic dentistry, as mentioned.
- Under the age of 17: Publicly-funded healthcare.
6. What do I do in the case of a medical emergency?
In the unfortunate case of a medical emergency, you can either dial 111 to request an ambulance or go to the closest hospital’s 24-hour emergency department. You can get more information about when to visit an emergency department on the Ministry of Health’s website.
If injuries are sustained due to an accident, the Accident Compensation Corporate (ACC) cover will take care of most of the costs.
7. How do I find a doctor?
The good news is that New Zealand have over 35,000 GPs, so you’re sure to find a doctor in your area. Simply go to the Healthpoint website and do a search by suburb, name or service. This website also gives information about services and common treatments offered by GPs as well as referral expectations.
It’s important to know that doctors usually give priority to people who live or work in their local area, so local is always best when picking a GP.
8. How do I find hospitals in my area?
New Zealand has both public and private hospitals. You can find a hospital in your area by doing a search on the Ministry of Health’s website. Click here for public hospitals and here for private hospitals.
Go to the Ministry of Health’s website for more on healthcare in New Zealand…
The New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has a comprehensive website where you’re sure to find the answers to any other questions you might have. You can find the website here: www.health.govt.nz
- Published in Family Immigration, FAQs - New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand resumes visa processing for some offshore visa applicants
Immigration New Zealand has made plenty of changes in September to accommodate certain groups of people despite the country’s ongoing border restrictions.
These changes have included visas extensions for certain residents who still find themselves overseas and making it easier for New Zealand employers to hire overseas workers.
The latest change is the decision to start processing and deciding offshore applications for some relationship-based visas and accepting visa applications under selected visa categories.
Relationship-based visas supported by a New Zealander
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) are once again processing some relationship-based visas to reunite families and couples that have separated by the border restrictions. However, a New Zealand citizen or resident has to support the visa.
These visas include the following:
- Visitor visas for partners
- Visitor visas for dependent children
- Visitor visas for children entering New Zealand for adoption
- Visitor visas for children adopted overseas before their New Zealand citizenship is confirmed
- Visitor visas under the culturally arranged marriage category
- Work visas for partners
- Resident visas for partners
- Student visas for dependent children
Successful applicants will be exempt from New Zealand border restrictions. There is no need to seek approval from INZ prior to travelling to New Zealand to enter the country.
What happens if your application is unsuccessful?
If Immigration New Zealand determines that your application does not meet the necessary requirements, a general visitor visa may be appropriate.
Should Immigration New Zealand grant you a general visitor visa instead, INZ will place your application on hold until border restrictions allow them to process general visitor visas.
You’ll have 6 months to enter New Zealand
Travel is still severely restricted the world over. Due to this, successful applicants will get a 6-month ‘First Entry Before’ date to allow for more time to secure flights and managed isolation or quarantine in New Zealand.
Application older than 3 months may need updated information
If your visa application is more than three months old when it’s assessed, Immigration New Zealand may need to ask for updated information. For instance, a new chest x-ray certificate.
Immigration New Zealand will notify you or your immigration advisor if updated information is needed.
Offshore applications accepted under selected visa categories
You can now apply for a visa under the following categories if you’re doing so from offshore:
- Refugee Family Support (Tiers 1 and 2)
- Migrant Investor (Investor 1 and 2), including Expressions of Interest for Investor 2
- Parent Retirement
- Entrepreneur
While Immigration New Zealand is going to accept applications for these visas, border restrictions means that INZ cannot grant the visas at the moment. However, INZ has said that they’ll process applications as far as is possible without granting approval.
With that said, your visa application is not guaranteed approval. Immigration New Zealand could still reject your application if you don’t meet the requirements.
Why did Immigration New Zealand decide to accept Entrepreneur and Investor visas?
The answer from Immigration New Zealand is that the Entrepreneur and Investor visa categories attracts around NZ$1 billion in investments each year in addition to valuable business networks.
INZ thus expects that processing these visa categories will support the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and wider government post-COVID-19 recovery plan.
How long will it take to process these applications?
Unfortunately, Immigration New Zealand are not able to prioritise any of the visa applications discussed here. INZ has said that their staff will process applications in the order by which the applications were received.
Do you need assistance with your visa application? We can help!
While you don’t have to use an advisor to assist you with your visa application, it is advisable to do so. Especially now when things are changing often!
Our advisors are experienced and all three advisors are also IAA licensed. This means our advisors are authorized to give advice and are held accountable for the advice they give our clients. Please do not hesitate to contact us!
- Published in Latest posts, News, Your Visa Application
COVID-19: ‘Critical worker’ border exemption in place as of Friday, 11 September
The New Zealand government has relaxed the criteria for some overseas workers to allow migrants with critical skills through the border. The purpose of the decision is to help the country recover from its COVID-19 economic downturn.
Primarily, the criteria now defines skills as ‘not readily available’ in New Zealand as opposed to ‘not available in New Zealand’, and the change came into effect on Friday, 11 September.
Skills now described as ‘not readily obtainable’ in New Zealand
The New Zealand government has removed the requirement that migrants in critical occupations have to have gained their skills, qualifications or work experience overseas.
As reported by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said “Removing that requirement will allow entry, in some limited cases, where, for example, a workers has skills which are obtainable in New Zealand but they have unique experience gained overseas which would bring unique expertise to New Zealand businesses.”
The wording in the Immigration Act ordinarily states that these workers have to have unique experience and technical specialist skills that are ‘not obtainable’ in New Zealand. This wording has now been changed to ‘not readily obtainable’ in New Zealand to reflect that temporary change in requirements.
Minister Faafoi said about this that the “…wording change reflects that, in some fields, there is a very limited pool of experts and significant training would have to be undertaken before the skills were obtainable in New Zealand.”
Critical workers who meet the requirements are referred to as ‘other critical workers’.
It’s still far from a ‘free for all’
While New Zealand is working towards economic recovery, the country also wants to limit its exposure to the coronavirus and prevent the spread of the virus. To this end, ’other critical workers’ will still have to meet strict standards and criteria despite the loosening of the skills requirement.
New Zealand also has a limited number of isolation facilities for migrants arriving from overseas. This further restricts how many workers would be able to come through the borders.
Here’s how the process works…
New Zealand employers must request for approval of ‘other critical workers’ to enter New Zealand. Unfortunately, it is not possible for migrants to submit the request.
Further to this, employers can apply to bring employees to New Zealand under two categories:
- Short-term critical workers – staff needed for less than 6 months in total
- Long-term critical workers – staff needed for more than 6 months
Each of these categories has its own criteria:
Short-term critical workers
Workers coming to New Zealand for a short-term role, i.e. to fill a position for less than 6 months, must:
- Have unique experience and technical or specialists skills that are not readily obtainable in New Zealand, or
- Undertake a time-critical role for:
- The delivery of an approved major infrastructure project, or a government approved event or a major government-approved programme
- An approved government-to-government agreement
- Work that brings significant wider benefit to the national or regional economy
Examples of short-term critical workers
Immigration New Zealand has given examples of roles that may meet the short-term worker requirements. These examples include highly specialist veterinarians, vendor-appointed engineers required to install major equipment or an actor in a key film role.
Long-term critical workers
Workers coming to New Zealand to fill a long-term role, i.e. for 6 months or longer, must:
- Earn at least twice the median salary (NZD$106,080 a year), or
- Have a role that is essential for the completion or continuation of a science programme under a government funded or partially government-funded contract including research and development exchanges and partnerships, and has the support of the Science, Innovation and International Branch at MBIE to travel to New Zealand to carry out their work, or
- Be undertaking a role that is essential for the delivery or execution of:
- a government-approved event, or
- major government-approved programme, or
- approved major infrastructure project.
What happens once the employer has made the request?
Immigration New Zealand will review each request on its own merits and may seek advice from the appropriate government agencies. At the moment, most requests for ‘other critical workers’ receive an outcome within two weeks.
In the case of successful requests, INZ will contact the workers whose employers get approval for an exception to the border restrictions and invite the workers to apply for a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa or a Critical Purpose Variation of Conditions to allow them to travel to New Zealand.
Workers will get instructions from INZ on how to apply for either of these visas. Workers will also have to pay the immigration fee and levies, if applicable, as part of their application.
Follow us to stay up to date with further developments
New Zealand has made a couple of immigration changes in September, including the resumption of off-shore visa application processing and visa extensions for certain residents.
It is safe to assume that more changes will be announced in future as the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
To be the first to know about any changes, simply follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where we post regular news updates.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
COVID-19: Visa extensions and expansions for stranded migrants
Ongoing coronavirus border closures means that many people are still stuck on either side of New Zealand’s borders. This includes resident visa holders and partners of New Zealanders who are overseas as well as temporary migrants and visitors who are still in New Zealand.
To assist these groups of people, Immigration New Zealand has announced four visa changes:
1. Visa extensions for New Zealand residents overseas
New Zealand residents who are stranded overseas fall into two groups:
- Residents with visas that have expired or are close to expiring
- Residents who have received their visas but haven’t had the chance to enter New Zealand due to the world-wide border closures
Immigration New Zealand has said that it recognizes that these people have recently met residency requirements and would’ve entered New Zealand and contributed to the economy under normal circumstances.
For these reasons, Immigration New Zealand has decided to do either one of the following for visa holders who are overseas:
- A 12-month visa extension, for offshore resident visa holders whose travel conditions are about to expire
- Issue a new visa that’ll be valid for 12 months, for offshore resident visa holders whose travel conditions expired on or after 2 February 2020
Offshore resident visa holders who were granted their resident visas while overseas but who have never used it to travel to New Zealand will need permission from Immigration New Zealand to do so.
2. Visitor visa extensions
Immigration New Zealand is automatically extending onshore visitor visas that are due to expire between 4 September and the end of October by 5 months.
This will enable temporary migrants and visitors to remain in New Zealand lawfully while making plans to depart the country.
Immigration New Zealand will contact all eligible visa holders who qualify for this extension. Unfortunately, there are some visitor visa categories that do not qualify. These categories are:
- Critical purpose visa holders
- Guardians of students
- Partners or dependants of work visa holders whose visas were extended previously
3. New COVID-19 short-term visitor visa
Immigration New Zealand is introducing a two-month COVID-19 visitor visa for temporary migrants who are still in New Zealand. The visa will allow these migrants more time to arrange their departure from New Zealand.
This specifically includes people reaching the end of their visitor, work, student or partnership visa who do not meet the criteria for another visa.
The most important requirement to note about this visitor visa is that it does not allow the visa holder to work in New Zealand.
4. Critical Purpose Visitor Visa expansion to reunite New Zealanders and their Australian partners
From early October, Australian partners of New Zealand citizens or residents can travel to New Zealand by requesting a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa. Partners can also request permission to travel for dependent children.
At the moment, Australian partners can only travel to New Zealand if accompanied by their New Zealand partner or if they ordinarily live in New Zealand.
It will cost NZ$45 to submit the request for the visa, but there won’t be a visa application fee.
What about partners from visa waiver countries?
Partners from visa waiver countries can also request to apply for a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa. The same NZ$45 fee will apply and you’ll also have to pay a visa application fee.
Stay up to date with future changes by joining our newsletter
September has seen a lot of immigration changes. INZ has also announced the loosening of border restrictions for ‘other critical workers’ and that it will resume the processing of some offshore visa applications.
It is likely that we’ll see more changes from Immigration New Zealand as the world continues to battle the coronavirus.
To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where changes are shared as it happens.
- Published in Latest posts, News
New Zealand introducing changes to protect temporary migrant workers
New Zealand is a dream immigration destination for many people looking for a better life. Unfortunately, some migrants go there and then find themselves working for a boss who exploits them.
These employers are in the minority, but the New Zealand Government has had enough. The Government has now committed to spending NZ$50 million over the next four years to introduce changes that’ll reduce the risk of exploitation in the workplace.
Changes implemented will prevent worker exploitation, protect temporary migrant workers and deter employer non-compliance
Temporary New Zealand work visas are tied to specific employers. This makes it near impossible for migrants to leave exploitative situations.
To enable migrants to leave these situations without negatively affecting their immigration status, the Government has undertaken to create a new temporary work visa for this purpose.
The Government will also set up a free telephone number and reporting services to receive and handle complaints about exploitative work situations. This will ensure that there is a dedicate focus on dealing with complaints. It will also help build a better understanding of the nature and scale of the problem.
In tandem with these change, the Government will set higher standards for franchises, labour hire companies and similar businesses where migrant exploitation often occurs.
Further to this, the Government wants to:
- Disqualify employers convicted of migrant exploitation from managing or directing a company
- Prevent exploitative employers from accessing migrant labour in the future
- Establish new immigration and employment infringement offences targeting non-compliant employer behavior
Government will launch an awareness campaign to support the changes
Protecting migrant workers will also require that temporary workers know their rights and that employers are aware of their obligations.
To achieve both of these goals, the Government will launch an awareness campaign to educate both migrant workers and employers on labour matters.
At the same time, the Government will also make the general public aware of migrant exploitation. This, we suspect, to empower the public to assist in the fight against workers being taken advantage of by employers.
Employment rights continued to be enforced in the meantime
While the Government is implementing these changes, the relevant labour departments will continue to enforce and monitor existing employment rights in workplaces across New Zealand. This includes rights like minimum wages and leave entitlements.
In summary…
The New Zealand Government has decided to crack down on exploitative employers. The goal is to create better work environments for temporary migrant workers.
In order to achieve this goal, a number of changes will be implemented over the next four years. These changes aim to protect migrant workers while holding New Zealand employers accountable for their actions.
If you’d like to stay up to date with these changes, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn where we’ll post the relevant news as it happens.
- Published in News, Working in New Zealand