Wellington vs Auckland vs Christchurch: Let’s compare the living costs (May 2022)
Struggling to decide where to settle in New Zealand?
While there are many factors to consider, none is going to affect your life quite as much cost of living.
In other words – can you afford to live in a particular area? To get to the answer, you have to look at the cost of rent, groceries and most certainly schooling if you’re a parent.
We’ve done the legwork for you by comparing the cost of living in New Zealand’s three biggest cities – Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.
Please note: All costs are in New Zealand dollars.
1. Rent
Many of us spend a considerable chunk of our salary on rent each month, so let’s start there, shall we?
1-Bedroom apartment in the city centre
Let’s say you’re a single person or a couple, and you love the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see that a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is most affordable Christchurch.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
1-bedroom apartment in the city | 2,314.09 | 2,133.55 | 1,570.00 |
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection (85m² apartment) | 232.89 | 218.31 | 173.55 |
Internet (60 mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 82.50 | 85.60 | 75.27 |
Total | 2,629.48 | 2,437.46 | 1,818.82 |
3-Bedroom apartment in the suburbs
You’re immigrating as a family, and you want a 3-bedroom apartment in the suburbs.
Auckland comes out tops again, with the average rental price at NZ$2,461.32 a month – nearly NZ$900 less than in Auckland, which comes in second place.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
3-bedroom apartment in the city | 3,101.00 | 3,017.92 | 2,212.50 |
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection (85m² apartment) | 232.89 | 218.31 | 173.55 |
Internet (60 mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 82.50 | 85.60 | 75.27 |
Total | 3,419.09 | 3,321.83 | 2,461.32 |
3. Groceries
When comparing the cost of a basket with 12 everyday items, you’ll spend NZ$90.48 in Auckland, NZ$89.31 in Wellington, and NZ$83.75 in Christchurch.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
1L Milk | 2.94 | 3.14 | 2.78 |
Loaf of white bread | 3.12 | 3.30 | 2.16 |
1kg Rice | 3.25 | 3.23 | 3.28 |
12 Eggs | 6.31 | 7.06 | 5.93 |
1kg Local cheese | 14.74 | 13.38 | 13.11 |
1kg Chicken fillets | 14.77 | 14.79 | 14.27 |
1kg Beef round | 21.69 | 22.50 | 23.35 |
1kg Apples | 4.54 | 4.47 | 4.32 |
1kg Bananas | 3.33 | 3.20 | 3.26 |
1kg Tomatoes | 7.64 | 8.89 | 4.27 |
1kg Potatoes | 3.05 | 2.95 | 2.85 |
Lettuce | 3.93 | 3.57 | 4.17 |
Total | 89.31 | 90.48 | 83.75 |
4. School fees
Your child’s education is free at state schools if they’re a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.
Let’s say, however, that you choose to send your child to a private institution. Christchurch offers the most affordable primary schooling by far! The difference in daycare costs are much less, but Christchurch is still the most affordable.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
Private preschool (or kindergarten) - Monthly for 1 child (full day) | 1,157.14 | 1,245.45 | 1,138.33 |
International primary school - Yearly for 1 child | 18,142.86 | 19,888.89 | 14,500.00 |
5. Getting around
To go about your daily business in New Zealand, you can either take public transport or buy a car.
Taking public transport
Christchurch is the clear winner when it comes to the cost of public transport. Your one-way ticket is going to be NZ$2.80 while a monthly pass will cost you NZ$115.22.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
1-way Ticket (local transport) | 3.92 | 4.15 | 2.80 |
Monthly pass (regular price) | 150.00 | 215.00 | 115.22 |
Buying a car
You’ll notice that there aren’t massive variances between new car prices across the three cities. The same is true for the cost of a litre of petrol, but we all know those cents add up quickly when filling up a car.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car) | 35,000.00 | 37,995.00 | 40,000.00 |
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) | 31,360.00 | 33,513.85 | 33,164.44 |
1L of Petrol | 2.81 | 2.82 | 2.76 |
6. Going out for a meal
Enjoying a meal with friends is a favourite pastime for many of us. You get to unwind, catch up on each other’s lives, and have a good laugh or two.
Lunch at your local restaurant
Christchurch is cheapest for local, laid-back restaurants and a simple meal. Your meal and two drinks are only going to set you back NZ$32.52. The same meal will only cost marginally more in Wellington at NZ$33.85.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
Restaurant meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 20.00 | 25.00 | 20.00 |
500ml Draught beer | 10.00 | 10.00 | 9.00 |
330ml Coke | 3.85 | 3.64 | 3.52 |
Total | 33.85 | 38.64 | 32.52 |
Dinner at an upmarket restaurant
Let’s imagine it’s your birthday. You want a three-course meal with a good bottle of wine. Your birthday dinner is going to cost the least in Christchurch.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
3-Course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 100.00 | 120.00 | 100.00 |
Bottle of wine | 16.00 | 17.00 | 15.00 |
Total | 116.00 | 137.00 | 115.00 |
7. Your 1morning coffee run
Grabbing a coffee on the way to work is such an integral part of our lives, and Auckland is the most affordable city for a cappuccino and that bottle of water you grab to go with it.
| Wellington | Auckland | Christchurch | |
|---|---|---|---|
Cappuccino | 5.03 | 5.35 | 5.42 |
Bottle of water | 3.58 | 2.71 | 2.94 |
Total | 8.61 | 8.06 | 8.36 |
In conclusion
When compared to Auckland and Wellington, Christchurch is the most affordable city in just about every instance.
In the end, though, it’s not only cost of living that’ll determine where you settle but also your lifestyle and priorities, so be sure to take those factors into consideration too.
Please note: Costs are from Numbeo (May 2022).
- Published in Family Immigration, Life in New Zealand
Your New Zealand visa application: This is how you prevent delays
Is this you – you’re eager to lodge your New Zealand visa application, because you want to get to New Zealand as quickly as possible?
Yes, it is?
Then let’s pause and remind you of the saying ‘haste makes waste’ – when you try to do things too quickly, sometimes you get them wrong or have to do them all over again.
Unfortunately it’s all too easy to ‘make waste’ when doing a visa application and the result often is unnecessary delays.
The best strategy is to take the necessary time and precautions to submit a complete and correct application.
Here’s our tips on how to do this:
1. Plan ahead
You have to start with an assessment to find out if you’re eligible to live in New Zealand. Book one as soon as possible if you haven’t done that yet.
The assessment will show which visa you stand to qualify for, which in turn will highlight the best way forward.
Knowing the emigration route available to you, means knowing which documentation you’ll need in future, whether or not you’ll have to do an English test, if you have to register with a professional body, etc. Essentially, all the parts of your application that you’ll have to submit.
2. Check that you’ve included all the required documentation
The one thing most applicants are guilty of, is neglecting to submit all the necessary documents. Our advisers often have to request documents a second time because it wasn’t included in the original pack.
The best thing to do is to have a checklist, to tick off documents as you go. Mark up also if documents should be photocopies, originals or certified copies.
If you’re working with an adviser, you should get a list of all required documentation. Your adviser should also check all documents once received, to ensure that you’ve sent them everything.
You may of course choose to do your New Zealand visa application on your own, but be aware that the experience might be more stressful, especially if you’re someone who gets stressed easily.
3. Check your passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your visa expires and have enough free pages for any required visa labels.
When our clients have a passports valid for only a couple of months, our advice is always to apply for a passport before starting any visa applications.
When you have to apply for a new passport in the middle of an application, it could lead to delays.
4. Apply for your visa in time
Visa application take time to be decided and there’s nothing you, or us, can do once an application is in the hands of Immigration New Zealand.
It is thus important to allow sufficient time for your application when making the rest of your plans.
Need professional help with your New Zealand visa application?
Like we said, you can do your visa application on your own, but if you suspect that it would be a more pleasant experience with a professional by your side, you are more than welcome to contact us.
You can speak to an adviser by booking a consultation call..
We’ll start with an assessment, the important first step, and then we’ll explain the best way forward – so that you can plan ahead and apply for your visa in time.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice
The New Zealand Investor Visa: Here’s how it works
The New Zealand investor visa offers eligible candidates with the financial means the opportunity to become New Zealand residents. There is the Investor visa and the Investor Plus visa.
Your investment visa route would depend on how much you want to invest, and your ability to meet the requirements of either investment visa.
1. Investor visa
You intend to invest NZD1.5 million in New Zealand for 4 years.
What are the requirements?
To be eligible for the Investor visa, you must:
- Be 65 or younger
- Demonstrate three years of business experience in owning a business or being in a senior management position within a company that has:
- An annual turnover of at least NZ$1 million
- At least five full-time employees
- Meet the required points score
- Meet the English language requirements
- Be able to prove that you have an additional NZ$1 million available to use as settlement funds
- Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
2. Investor Plus visa
You intend to invest NZD10 million in New Zealand for three years.
How does the Investor Plus visa differ from the Investor visa?
When you choose to invest through the Investor Plus visa, you’ll have less requirements to meet than someone who applies for the Investor visa:
- There are no age restrictions on the Investor Plus visa
- You don’t have to demonstrate any business experience
- You don’t have to have settlement funds available
- There is no English language requirement or points test applied to the Investor Plus visa
What are the requirements?
To be eligible for an Investor Plus visa, you must:
- Make the required investment in an acceptable investment
- Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
How should you invest?
You can only invest in acceptable New Zealand investments, and you have to do invest through the New Zealand banking system. INZ also requires that your investment is from a validated source.
What does INZ recognise as acceptable investments?
Immigration New Zealand defines ‘acceptable investments’ as investments that:
- Are able to make a commercial return
- Are invested in New Zealand
- Are invested in New Zealand dollars
- Are invested in legal enterprises or managed funds
- Have the potential to contribute to New Zealand’s economy
- Are not for your personal use, for example, your home, boat or car.
Investments must be in bonds, equities, property or other investments, and INZ lists five types of acceptable investments on their website:
- Equity in a New Zealand company
- Investments in new residential property developments
- Investments in commercial property
- Philanthropic investments
- Growth investments
You can read more about acceptable investments on Immigration New Zealand’s website.
Here’s how the application process works
If you wish to apply for a New Zealand Investor visa, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest. If your Expression of Interest is successful, you’ll get an invitation to apply for New Zealand residence.
Should INZ approve your residence in principle, you’ll have 12 months to transfer your investment funds into an acceptable investment in New Zealand. You’ll have to provide verifiable documents to show that the investments came from the funds and/or assets you’ve nominated.
You do not have to submit an Expression of Interest for the Investor Plus visa. You can apply for this visa at any time.
You must do this after your residence is approved…
Immigration New Zealand requires that investor visa holders keep their investments in New Zealand and spend a minimum amount of time in New Zealand:
Investor visa:
- Keep the investment funds in an acceptable investment for four years.
- Spend at least 146 days per year in New Zealand, or 438 days at any time over the four year investment period if you’ve invested a minimum of NZD750,000 in growth investments.
Investor Plus visa:
- Keep your investment funds in an acceptable investment for three years.
- Spent at last 44 days in each of the last two years of your three-year investment period in New Zealand, or, 88 days at any time over the three year investment period if you’ve invested a minimum of NZD2.5 million in growth investments.
Find out if you’re eligible for a New Zealand Investor visa
To see if you’re eligible to apply for either the Investor or Investor Plus visa, book a consultation call with our licensed advisor. You’ll discover if you meet the requirements to apply for either Investor Visa and find out how the application process works.
- Published in Your Visa Application
Come see us at the Emigration Expo in February!
The Emigration Expo, held in the Netherlands, is Europe’s largest meeting point for the emigration industry. The 2020 event is hosting 200 exhibitors and more than 11,000 visitors are expected. The Intergate Group will be joining too!
Emigration information for emigrants, expats, students, entrepreneurs and job seekers
The 24th Emigration Expo takes place during the weekend of 8 and 9 February. It is the only international event for those who want to live abroad. A visit to the Expo will quickly provide you with all you need to know about living, working, studying and doing business overseas. You’ll get information through a comprehensive range of options, services, vacancies and products as well as attend free lectures and presentations on issues, topics and trends relating to emigration.
Find Intergate for advice on South Africa, Australia and New Zealand
Intergate had a successful event in 2019 so we’re going back in 2020! We’ll be available to answer all your questions about emigration to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Come see us, at whatever stage you are of your emigration journey. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Event details:
When?
Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February 2020, from 10am to 5pm.
Where?
Expo Houten
Meidoornkade 24
3992 AE Houten
The Netherlands
How much?
- €17.50 at the door.
- €12.50 when ordering tickets online.
- €8.75 for students, on production of a student pass at the door.
Your ticket is valid for both Saturday and Sunday.
For more details: www.emigrationexpo.com
- Published in News
Expat Explorer Survey: New Zealand vs Australia
What’s the best way to find what it’s like to live in a country? By searching for answers online? This approach could give you some answers, we agree. Would it perhaps be a better idea to visit for a holiday? You’ll definitely get a feel for the country, but holidaying in a country or city is often vastly different from living there permanently.
The best thing to do (in our opinion)? Speak to people who already live there. That’s exactly what the Expat Explorer Survey does and it’s how we’re going to compare life in New Zealand to Australia today.
The reason for the comparison is not only because we offer immigration services for both countries. It’s also because many people interested in living in New Zealand also consider Australia when setting out on their emigration journey.
What is the Expat Explorer Survey?
The Expat Explorer Survey happens annually. It is a global survey and in 2019 the survey was completed by 18,059 expats in the world. Respondents answer a set of 27 questions and their answers are used to calculate a league table. A minimum sample of 100 expat respondents is required for a country to be included. In 2019, 33 countries from around the world made the cut.. These 33 countries included New Zealand and Australia.
The survey has three categories – Living, Aspiring, and Little Expats
The Expat Explorer Survey’s 27 questions are spread across three categories:
- Living
- Aspiring
- Little Expats
While ‘Living’ covers a multitude of aspects around your well-being, ‘Aspiring’ covers income and career. ‘Little Expats’, as the name suggests, addresses issues that affect children.
Here’s how New Zealand and Australia did in each category:
1. Living
Between New Zealand and Australia, New Zealand came out tops for fulfillment, political stability, ease of settling in, and having welcoming communities. These last two are surely linked! New Zealanders are known as friendly people who go out of their way to help others. Many new expats of stories of how a New Zealander helped them out in the first few months in the country.
Australia, on the other hand, beat New Zealand when it came to qualify of life as well as physical and mental well-being. The beautiful weather gets the credit for making expats feel physically healthier than in their home countries.
Position out of 33 countries in the Survey: New Zealand – 3rd | Australia – 4th
2. Aspiring
While New Zealand were scored higher by expats for income, Australia scored more for disposable income. So it seems that although expats in New Zealand earn more, expats in Australia has more of their salary to spend after deductions.
Australia also beat New Zealand when it came to career progression. The Expat Explorer Survey found that while expats don’t initially opt for Australia to help progress their careers, this is one of the reasons expats often end up staying long term.
New Zealand came out tops again, however, in reaching one’s potential and work-life balance. This is to be expected as New Zealand is known as a country that values work-life balance. In fact, this is often one of the main reasons expats choose to go to New Zealand.
Position out of 33 countries in the Survey: New Zealand – 8th |Australia – 12th
3. Little Expats
Expat parents in New Zealand rated the country highly for their children’s ability to make friends. New Zealand came in two spots above Australia, in fact. However, Australia beat New Zealand in learning and schooling. The difference again was only two spots, so your children are going to have a great childhood in either country.
Position out of 33 countries in the Survey: New Zealand – 9th | Australia – 8th
Where do New Zealand and Australia sit on the Expat Explorer Survey league table?
New Zealand came in at 5th place overall while Australia took 6th place. Switzerland, Singapore, Canada and Spain claimed the top four spots. Turkey, Germany, the UAE and Vietnam made up the rest of the top 10.
View the full league table here and view the comparison of Australia and New Zealand here.
- Published in Life in New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand with children
Moving to New Zealand with children can be an extremely daunting experience. Not just because it’s extra little lives to co-ordinate while moving continents, but also because children don’t necessarily understand what’s happening. As parent you’ll know what this could mean – frustrated, angry, sad or scared children.
It doesn’t have to be this way though. You can pack up and move your life to New Zealand without disrupting your children too much. All you’ll need is an action plan – and we’re here to share tried-and-tested ideas with you.
Make your children part of the decision-making process
You know, and we know, that the parents will make all the important decisions. But you can let your children help with some of the decision making and make a big deal of their input. In this way, your children will feel included and considered. Start with their room – decide together what can stay and what should go.
Answer all the questions
Children are not afraid to ask questions! This is the one time though that no questions should be off limits. Getting answers to their questions will quell any fears or concerns your children might have. Also don’t wait for them to approach you. If you see your child is quieter than usual or is acting out more than is normal, ask them if anything about the move is bothering them.
Tell them it’s a new adventure
Let’s face it – while immigrating is indeed stressful, it’s also a big adventure. Get your children to buy into this! Here’s one idea – watch videos of New Zealand together and then place stickers on all the sights you want to visit once you’ve arrived.
Help your children say goodbye
Don’t forget that goodbyes are hard on your children too! We might not always realise it, but children also have the ability to form strong bonds, even at a young age. A great idea is to host a leaving party at school or at home, while also organizing one-on-one goodbyes with close friends.
Remind your children all along that new friends are waiting on the other side.
Stick to your schedule
Moving to New Zealand with children is going to be so much easier if you stick to your normal schedule. For instance, continue eating dinner at the same time. Keep bed time the same too! This not only makes the children feel safe and secure, it also makes things easier on yourself. Less chaos equals happy parents.
Don’t forget to care for your relationship with your partner too. It’s all too easy to focus only on the children or the parts of the your visa application. Yes, immigrating is not easy, especially when it’s as a family, but remember – as you’ll tell your children – a new adventure awaits!
- Published in Family Immigration, Tips for Your Move to New Zealand
New version of ANZSCO released on Wednesday, 30 October 2019
The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand released a new version of ANZSCO on Wednesday, 30 October. INZ will continue to use the previous version until the middle of 2020, although not for every occupation.
What is changing?
The updated version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is Version 1.3. This version sees the government adding 44 jobs to those deemed to be ‘skilled’ for the purposes of a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application.
When does ANZSCO Version 1.3 come into effect?
New Zealand will continue to use the current version of ANZSCO in the assessment of most applications until mid-2020. In mid-2020, Version 1.3 will then kick in.
How does Version 1.3 affect visa applications?
At the moment, New Zealand uses a combination of ANZSCO classification and pay to determine skill band levels. From next year, when ANZSCO Version 1.3 comes into effect, New Zealand will no longer use ANZSCO to assess the skill level of jobs for the Essential Skills Work Visa. Until then, New Zealand uses Version 2.1 to assess occupations.
Some occupations will be treated as an exception
As mentioned, New Zealand will continue to use ANZSCO Version 1.2 until mid-2020. However, New Zealand will treat some occupations as exceptions. Exceptions will apply to occupations that are:
- Low-skilled – Skill level 4 to 50 in ANZSCO Version 1.2.
- Skilled – Skill level 1 to 3 in ANZSCO Version 1.3, and
- The visa applicant earns at least the New Zealand median income, which is currently at NZD25 per hour.
New Zealand will treat these occupations as if it is ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3.
You can find a list of ANZSCO occupations that’ll be treated as exceptions on INZ’s website.
What does the change in ANZSCO list mean for visa applicants?
There are a couple of scenarios for visa applicants:
- You hold already hold a work visa: The skill level of your job remain the same for the duration of your visa.
- You apply before mid-2020:
- Your occupation is not on the exceptions list: New Zealand will use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess your visa application.
- Your occupation is on the exceptions list: New Zealand will treat your occupation as if it were skill level 3, if your job pays above the New Zealand median income or use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess your application, if your job pays below the New Zealand median income.
- You apply after mid-2020:
- For an Essential Skills Work Visa: New Zealand will no longer use ANSCO to assess the skill level of your jobs.
- For a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: New Zealand will use ANZSCO Version 1.3 to assess the skill level of your jobs.
Want to know when exactly ANZSCO Version 1.3 comes into affect in 2020?
To stay up to date with the implementation of Version 1.3 of ANZSCO, simply follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we post immigration news as and when it happens.
- Published in News, Working in New Zealand
The Parent Resident Visa now closed – opens again from February 2020
The New Zealand government has decided to temporarily close the Parent Resident visa.
This decision took effect on Monday, 7 October 2019, which means New Zealand is no longer accepting Expressions of Interest from this date.
The Parent Resident visa will open again in February 2020, but with new criteria for applicants and sponsors to meet.
How is the Parent Resident visa changing?
New Zealand is making a number of significant changes to the Parent Resident visa. These changes include:
- Limiting the number of people who can get the visa each year to 1000.
- Standardising the Expression of Interest process and removing the 2-tier system.
- Changing the financial requirements that sponsors and applicants have to meet.
Of all these changes, the financial requirement changes affect an applicant’s chances of joining their children the most. For this reason, we’ll discuss these changes in detail below.
The new financial requirements for sponsors and applicants
The Parent Resident visa’s new financial requirements can only be met through the income of the sponsor and their partner. Applicants will no longer have the option to apply for the visa based on their settlements funds or a guaranteed lifetime income.
The income levels that sponsors need to meet will also increase. In addition, sponsors will also need to:
- meet the income criteria for two out of the three years before their parents applied for residence, and
- provide evidence of their annual income by providing Inland Revenue tax statements.
What is the new income levels?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will update the income levels for sponsors each year based on the New Zealand median income.
The current median income is NZD $53,040, which means the expected income levels for 2020 are as follows:
If your sponsorship is based on your personal income, you’ll need to each before tax:
- NZD106,080 to sponsor one parent – Twice the median salary.
- NZD159,120 to sponsor two parents – Three times the median salary.
If you’re using both you and your partner’s income, you’ll need to earn between the two of you:
- NZD159,120 to sponsor one parent – Three times the median salary.
- NZD212,160 to sponsor two parents – Four times the median salary.
What if you’ve already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
If you already have an EOI in the queue, you’ll have three choices:
- Update your EOI to meet the new requirements, or
- Withdraw your EOI, or
- Leave your EOI in the queue, if you think you’ll meet the new requirements.
INZ will publish more information on how to update your EOI by November. If you update your EOI or keep it in the queue, or submit a new EOI next year, it will be eligible for selection from May 2020.
If you decide to withdraw your EOI, you’ll be able to request a refund. Please contact your Intergate Emigration advisor to discuss this process if you lodged your EOI under the Parent Residence category as a client of ours.
What are the other available options?
If you won’t meet the new requirements, you can still apply for the Parent Retirement visa or the Parent and Grandparent Visitor visa.
The Parent Retirement visa offers temporary residency and could lead to permanent residency. You’ll have to be able to invest certain amounts in New Zealand.
The Parent and Grandparent Visitor visa on the other hand is a 3-year multiple-entry visa that enables you to stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months at a time.
Stay up to date with developments
To be the first to get future updates on the Parent Resident visa, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where we post regular news updates.
- Published in Family Immigration, News
INZ planning a number of visa changes from now until 2021
Immigration New Zealand is making many changes to their immigration program from now until 2021. The first of the changes are coming into effect in a couple of days on 7 October.
The rest of the changes are planned for 2020 and 2021. We’re going to detail these changes below.
Changes in 2020
There are two changes coming in 2020:
- Family visas for low-skilled Essential Skills Work Visa holders.
- Determining if a job is low-skilled or high-skilled.
Family visas for low-skilled Essential Skills Work Visa holders
From mid-2020, Essential Skills Work Visa holders on low-skilled jobs will be able to support family visas. Their partners and children younger than school age will be able to apply for visitor visas for the duration of the work visa. School-going children will be able to apply for student visas.
Determining if a job is low-skilled or high-skilled
Immigration New Zealand is going to change how it’s decided if a job is low-skilled or high-skilled. Currently, jobs under the Essential Skills Work visa are assigned a skill band based on a combination of the pay and the categorisation of the job on ANZSCO.
From mid-2020, INZ will not use ANZSCO and instead use only the rate of pay. High-paid jobs will be defined as jobs that pay at or above the median wage, while low-paid jobs will be jobs that pay below the median wage.
High-paid jobs will receive the same benefits as jobs that are currently categorized as mid-skilled or high-skilled, and low-paid jobs will be treated the same as low-skilled jobs.
Changes in 2021
There is one big change coming in 2021:
New temporary work visa will replace 6 existing visas
From 2021, a new temporary work visa will replace six existing visas:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa – approved in principle
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- Silver Fern Job Search Visa
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
If you already hold a visa that is being replaced, it will remain valid until it expires. If you’d like to continue working for your current employer after your visa expires, you’ll have to apply for the new temporary work visa or another visa you qualify for.
Please note that if you already hold a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa or a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa, you can still apply for residence based on your current work visa.
Some policies are staying in place
Amidst all of the change, some things will remain the same:
- People who hold visas based on lower-skilled work will still have to leave New Zealand for a 1-year stand-down period after they have been working for 3 years.
- The new visa will still have conditions specifying an employer, job and location, and a visa holder will still have to get a variation of conditions to change any of these.
- INZ will still need to be satisfied that there are no New Zealanders available for a job before they grant a visa — in most cases, through the labour market test.
Keeping up to date with the changes
INZ has said that they are still working on how to implement some of the changes. As more details are finalised, we’ll update you right here on our blog. To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where we post news as it happens.
- Published in News, Working in New Zealand
Work visa changes coming into effect on 7 October 2019
On 7 October 2019, a number of visa changes are coming into effect in New Zealand. These changes affect the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Silver Fern Job Search Visa.
Three major changes to the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
Immigration New Zealand are making three changes to the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa. They are:
- Increasing the annual salary limit from NZD55,000 to NZD79,560,
- Removing the option to get a Permanent Resident Visa if applicants apply for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa, and
- Limiting the amount of time employers can be accredited to 24 months.
Increasing the minimum salary
The new minimum salary applies to all Talent (Accredited Employer) Work visas INZ receives from 7 October, regardless of when the employer became accredited.
The new salary of NZD79,650 is based on a 40-hour week, or NZD38,25 per hour. If your job is for more than 40 hours a week, you must earn at least NZD38,25 an hour.
Should you the salary you’ll receive fall short of the new minimum required, you could apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa instead.
Removing the option to get a Permanent Resident Visa
From 7 October, if you do not have a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa or a current application, you’ll no longer be able to get a permanent residency if you apply for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa.
At the moment it is possible to apply for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa if you’re earning NZD90,000 or more a year. This resident visa then offers a Permanent Resident Visa.
If you applied for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa before 7 October and receive your visa, you’ll still be able to apply for Permanent Resident Visa later.
Limiting employer accreditation to 24 months
As of 7 October, employers who apply for accreditation can only be accredited for 24 months before having to reapply. This limit is to allow for some changes INZ are making to the way employers recruit workers from overseas.
Permanent closure of the Silver Fern Job Search Work Visa
The Silver Fern Job Search Visa offers open work visas for young, qualified people who intend to find skilled employment in New Zealand.
Usually INZ accepts applications for this visa on an annual basis, but INZ is permanently closing applications for the Silver Fern Job Search Visa on 7 October.
If you already hold a Silver Fern Job Search Visa, don’t worry – you are not affected by the closure and your visa conditions stay the same. You can also still apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa.
More changes coming in the next two years
The New Zealand Minister of Immigration has announced their intention to introduce a number of other changes from now until 2021. The biggest change is INZ’s intention to replace six existing work visas with one new temporary work visa.
You can read more about all the planned changes on our blog.
Get in touch if you need assistance with your visa application
As emigration to new Zealand becomes more and more complex, let us guide you through the best options for your visa application.
If you are serious about emigrating and are ready to talk, you can book your formal assessment with one of our licensed emigration advisers.
Book your consultation call here. You’ll get an email from our advisor explaining the next steps.
- Published in News, Working in New Zealand