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 sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we post immigration news as and when it happens.

Today we’re going to compare the four English language test most migrants take – the IELTS General and Academic, the PTE Academic, and the TOEFL iBT. We’re going to do the comparison by taking a side-by-side look at three sections of the tests:

• Test overview.
• The parts of the test.
• How long it takes to get your test results.

This comparison will not only help you understand the differences between the tests, it will also familiarise you with each of these four tests.

Let’s get started:

Test overview

In the test overview, we give you a short description of what each test assess and how it’s done.

1 and 2. IELTS General and IELTS Academic:

The IELTS tests assess your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking – in less than three hours. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them. The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Your test centre will advise.

3. PTE Academic

PTE Academic assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing all via computer in a single three hour test session. To complete a PTE Academic test, you will need to attend a secure Pearson test center. You will use a computer and headset to listen to, read and respond to questions.

4. TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It also evaluates how well you combine your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks. The TOEFL iBT test is given in English and administered via the internet. It takes about 3 hours total for the 4 sections of the test (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).

Test format

All four English language tests assess your speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. However, the PTE Academic test assess your speaking and writing skills in one session while the other English tests assess each skill in an individual session.

Part 1:

1 and 2. IELTS General and IELTS Academic: Listening (30 min)

You’ll listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.

3. PTE Academic: Speaking & Writing (77 – 93 min)

• Personal introduction.
• Read aloud.
• Repeat sentence.
• Describe image.
• Re-tell lecture.
• Answer short question.
• Summarize written text.
• Essay (20 mins).

4. TOEFL iBT: Reading: (54 – 72 min)

You’ll read three or four passages from academic texts and answer 30 to 40 questions.

Part 2

1 and 2. IELTS General and IELTS Academic: Reading (60 min)

The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.

• General: Reading material includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you’re likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
• Academic: Reading material includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.

3. PTE Academic: Reading (32 – 40 min)

• Reading & writing: Fill in the blanks.
• Multiple choice, choose multiple answers.
• Re-order paragraphs.
• Reading: Fill in the blanks.
• Multiple choice, choose single answer.

4. TOEFL iBT: Listening (41 – 57 min)

You’ll listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer 28 – 39 questions.

Part 3

1. IELTS General: Writing (60 min)

Topics are of general interest. There are two tasks:

• Task 1: You’ll be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
• Task 2: You’ll be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.

2. IELTS Academic: Writing (60 min)

Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for, test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. There are two tasks:

• Task 1: You’ll be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
• Task 2: You’ll be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.

3. PTE Academic: Listening (45 – 75 min)

• Summarise spoken text.
• Multiple choice, choose multiple answer.
• Fill in the blanks.
• Highlight correct summary.
• Multiple choice, choose single answer.
• Select missing word.
• Highlight incorrect words.
• Write from dictation.

4. TOEFL iBT: Speaking (41 – 57 min)

Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks. You’ll complete four tasks in total.

Part 4

1 and 2. IETLS General and IELTS Academic: Speaking (11 – 14 min)

The speaking section assess your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.

• Task 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
• Task 2: You will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• Task 3: You will be asked further questions about the topic in Task 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

3. TOEFL iBT: Writing (50 min)

You’ll have to write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks, and support an opinion in writing.

When do you get your results?

Waiting for the results on such an important test is nerve-racking! It helps to know for how long you’ll have to wait. Here we break down the time frames:

1 and 2. IELTS General and IELTS Academic:

If you’ve taken a paper-based test, your Test Report Form will be available 13 days after you complete the test, but if you’ve taken a computer-delivered test, your results will be available between 5 and 7 days after your test.

3. PTE Academic

Typically, PTE Academic results are available within five business days.

4. TOEFL iBT

Score reports are available and can be viewed online in your TOEFL iBT account approximately six days after your test date. If you requested a paper copy, it will be mailed to you approximately 11 days after your test date.

For even more information on each test, go to the individual websites:

• TEFL General and Academic
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT

Want to know which test you should take?

Our immigration consultants advise on English language tests during the assessment process. You’ll find out if you have to take an English test and which English test is best for your situation.

The first step is an initial assessment to see if you are eligible for immigration to New Zealand. Should this assessment show that you are eligible, you can proceed with a comprehensive assessment. It is during this assessment that our advisors give advice on English tests.

To book your initial assessment, simply complete and submit this short form. You’ll hear from one of our consultants within 24 hours to get started on your immigration journey.

Did you know it’s possible to work to residence in New Zealand? This means it’s not necessarily the end of the road if you didn’t qualify for permanent residence straight away!

Today we’ll introduce you to all the visa options for work to residence. If you want to find out if you’re eligible for any, we suggest booking your free initial assessment immediately.

How does ‘work to residence’ work?

There are four temporary work visa options under the work to residence programme. When granted one of these visas you’ll be able to apply for permanent residence after you’ve held the temporary visa for two years (or three years for religious workers).

Four work to residence visas for New Zealand

You have four work to residence visas to explore. This is provided you meet the basic qualifying criteria which is that you must:

• Be 55 or younger; and
• Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements.

The visas are:

1. Work to Residence: Long Term Skills Shortage
2. Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Visa
3. Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa
4. Religious Worker Work Visa

1. Work to Residence: Long Term Skills Shortage

If you are qualified and skilled in an occupation for which New Zealand has a sustained and ongoing skills shortage, you may be eligible for a work visa under the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Category.

These are the requirements you’ll have to meet:

• Your skills and experience appear on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
• You’ve received a full-time job offer that:
  • Uses your skills and experience; and
  • Pays more than NZ$45,000 a year.

While visas are usually issued for up to 30 months, you’ll be allowed to apply for residence after two years (24 months) provided:

• Your job was on the Long Term Skill Shortage List when you applied for your visa; or
• Your job is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List when you apply for residence.
• You worked in that skill shortage occupation for the duration of your contract.

2. Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Visa

An accredited employer is an employer that has been pre-approved by Immigration New Zealand to employ skilled or talented foreign nationals. This makes the process simpler and smoother for both the employer and the visa applicant.

To apply for temporary residence under the Accredit Employer category, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:

• You have a full-time job offer for at least 2 years from an accredited employer.
• You must work in the specific job, for the specific accredited employers, and in the specific location detailed in the job offer that was the basis of your visa application. This applies to the duration of your visa.
• You’ll earn at least NZ$79, 560 a year.

As with the Short Term Skill Shortage category you’ll get a visa valid for up to 30 months. You’ll be allowed to apply for permanent residence after two years of employment.

3. Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa

You’ll be eligible for this talent visa if you have an exceptional talent in a field of art, sport or culture. In order to be eligible for an application, you must:

• Have the support of a New Zealand organisation of national repute in your field of talent. Such an organization is one that is nationally recognized for its excellence in either:
  • A field of art, culture or sport.
  • Fostering exceptional talent in a field of art, culture or sport.
• Be able to demonstrate that your ability will result in positive contribution to the development of your specific field in New Zealand.

Your Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa will be valid for up to 30 months. After two years you’ll be able to apply for permanent residence provided that you:

• Were actively engaged in your field in New Zealand for two years.
• Did not apply for or were granted any social welfare benefits in New Zealand.

4. Religious Worker Work Visa

The Religious Worker Work Visa is a pathway to residence for people who are experience or trained in religious work. To be granted a temporary work visa:

• You must have an offer for religious work from an acceptable religious organisation. An acceptable organization is one that is:
  • Registered as a charity; and
  • Whose main purpose it is to advance religion.
• The religious organization must act as your sponsor.

The Religious Worker Work Visa is valid for up to two years. If the organisation’s work and sponsorship continues, you can apply for a second work visa. You’ll then be able to apply for permanent residence in New Zealand after three years.

To apply for permanent residence, you must:

• Have at least 5 years of religious training and/or experience.
• Continue to work for a religious organization that’s agreed to sponsor you.
• Have English language ability of at least IELTS Level 5.
• Not have applied for or been granted any social welfare benefits in New Zealand.

Family joining you?

New Zealand does not allow you to include your family in your Work to Residence application for New Zealand. However, your spouse and any dependents may apply separately based on their relationship with you. Once you apply for permanent residence, you can include these family members in your application.

Contact us if you have questions

Read something you need clarification on? Want to discuss the requirements in more detail? Then feel free to contact us via either phone +27 (0) 21 424 2460 / +27 (0) 11 234 4275 or email. If you choose to email us, an advisor will endeavor to contact you within 24 hours to address your questions.

The New Zealand Government has set themselves a goal for the start of 2019 – to recruit 400 teachers from overseas to fill shortages in schools.

Why has the Government set themselves this goal?

New Zealand is struggling with severe teacher shortages, hence the goal set for 2019.

These shortages, as reported in the New Zealand Herald, are due to ‘a slump in domestic teacher trainees, exacerbated in Auckland by high housing costs which are driving many teachers out of the city.’

School principals are welcoming the initiative, but some will keep a keen eye on developments, as not everyone is confident that recruiting from overseas will be enough to fill all the gaps.

Teachers required across the board

The Government wants to recruit both primary and secondary school teachers, as teachers are in desperate need at all levels. The focus is not only on attracting overseas-trained teachers, but also on bringing New Zealand teachers home.

Eligible teachers may receive an Overseas Relocation Grant

New Zealand has established an Overseas Relocation Grant (ORG) that supports teachers with the costs of relocating to New Zealand. Nearly 200 teachers have already been approved for an ORG.

How does the ORG work?

The ORG was established to assist teachers who commence teaching in New Zealand from 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2019.

The New Zealand government approves a maximum of 100 grants per financial year. This means 100 grants for the period 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2018, and a further 100 grants from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

The ORG will:

• Reimburse actual and reasonable expenses up to a minimum of NZ$7,000 for each New Zealand-trained teacher and up to a maximum of NZ$5,000 for each overseas-trained teacher.
• Be non-taxable. This has been confirmed by Inland Revenue.

Who are eligible?

To be eligible for the Overseas Relocation Grant, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:

• Be registered and certified by the Education Council of New Zealand.
• Be employed in a full-time position that is either permanent or fixed term (of at least 12 months).
• Has never received an ORG or has received an ORG only once in a 5-year period.
• Did not teach in New Zealand between 13 December 2016 and 12 December 2017.
• Commenced employment on or after 13 December 2017, and up to 30 June 2019.
• Is employed to teach in a state or state-integrated school.

Payment criteria

To receive payment, you must do the following:

• Apply for the grant within three months of commencing employment. The school must provide evidence of this. The Government will consider applications received after three months on a case-by-case basis.
• Provide proof of expenditure of all actual and reasonable relocation costs. The specific amount of the grant will be based on this evidence.

Once all the requirement is met, 50% of the grant will be deposited into the nominated account after 10 weeks of teaching. The final 50% is deposited after 30 weeks of teaching.

Read more about the grant here.

Take the first step

If you are a teacher and you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, the first step is finding out if you qualify for emigration to New Zealand.

You can take this first step right here by booking an initial assessment with us. This initial assessment will reveal if you’re eligible for New Zealand and which visa you may qualify for.

Our initial assessment is also free of charge and non-obligatory. Book it now.

The new school year is almost upon us, and only 100 grants are issued per financial year, so don’t wait until it’s too late.

It’s almost guaranteed that you’ve come across the phrase ‘New Zealand skills shortage list’ in your emigration research.

But what is it? And what role does it play in your emigration? These are the types of questions we’d like to answer for you today.

What is the New Zealand skill shortage list?

The first thing you should know is that there are three skill shortage lists, not just one:

• Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL)
• Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL)
• Canterbury Skills Shortage List (CSSL)

Each of these lists is based on occupations experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand.

What role does the skill shortage lists play in my emigration?

We’ll let Immigration New Zealand explain: “If you’re offered a job that’s on one of the lists, and you’ve got the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work or residence visa may be easier.”

The 3 skills shortage lists

As explained, there are three skills shortage lists. Each list offers the opportunity to qualify for a certain visa or visas.

1. 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 as well as the world.

Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa:

If you get a job in an occupation on the LTSSL and meet the list requirements, you are eligible for a work to Residence visa under the Long Term Skills Shortage List work visa. This visa is a pathway to residency which means you’ll be eligible for residency after two years. This is provided you:

• Meet the standard requirements; and
• You’re earning a base salary of at least NZ$45,000.

2. Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL)

The Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL) includes occupations where skilled workers are needed in New Zealand immediately. This is because there are no New Zealand citizens or residents to fill the position.

Essential Skills work visa:

If you get a full-time job in an occupation on the ISSL and meet the list requirements, you’ll be eligible for an Essential Skills work visa. This visa enables you to work in New Zealand temporarily.

You may not necessarily be able to apply for residency.

3. Canterbury Skills Shortage List (CSSL)

The Canterbury Skills Shortage List contains occupations in critical shortage in the Canterbury area. These shortages are due to the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The CSSL draws on the Immediate and Long Term Skills Shortage Lists relevant to the Canterbury rebuild.

Essential Skills work visa:

If you get a job in Canterbury and your skills appear on the CSSL, you’ll be eligible for an Essential Skills work visa. If the occupation is also on the LTSSL, you may also be eligible for New Zealand residency.

How does Immigration New Zealand decide on the occupations on these lists?

New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reviews the ISSL and LTSSL on an annual basis. During this review, the MBIE decide if any occupations should be:

• Added or removed from a list; or
• Moved to another list.

The Canterbury Skill Shortage List is reviewed three times a year, as changes in skill shortages happen more regularly in this region.

One other list to know

Immigration New Zealand also publishes a List of Skilled Occupations. While there are no shortages of skilled workers in these occupations, New Zealand has identified these occupations as desirable.

Skilled Migrant Category:

If your occupation is defined as ‘skilled’, you may be eligible for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. This is a points-based visa that considers factors such as:

• Age;
• Work experience;
• Qualifications; and
• An offer of employment.

You must also meet certain remuneration thresholds to be classified as a Skilled Migrant. You need to be either:

• ANZSCO level 1 – 3 and paid NZ$24.29 or more per hour; or
• ANZSCO level 4 – 5 and paid NZ$36.44 or more per hour.

What if your occupation is not a skills shortage list?

It is not necessarily the end of the road if your occupation does not appear on a New Zealand skilled shortage list. You may still be eligible for one of New Zealand’s visas.

The best way to find out which visa you may be eligible for is by means of an immigration assessment. An immigration assessment will reveal any migration pathways open to you.

Our initial assessment is free and non-obligatory. You can book it online, right now.

Once you’ve booked your assessment, one of our advisers will be in touch to complete the assessment and discuss the best way forward.

Want to see more articles like this one? Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter and you’ll get immigration information and news once a month: http://bit.ly/2nUIrSr

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a route to residency for eligible candidates. The key? Securing a job at an approved employer.

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is officially known as the Talent (Accredit Employers) Work Visa. It’s a route to residency and valid for up to 30 months. You’ll be eligible to apply for residence after working in New Zealand for an accredited employer for two years.

What does ‘accredited employer’ mean?

An ‘accredited employer’ is a New Zealand employer who:

• Needs skilled or talented workers from overseas; and
• Has been pre-approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreigners.

It’s a win-win situation

Once accredited, the employer doesn’t have to provide supporting information for each and every visa application. This simplifies the process of employing a foreigner significantly.

You also benefit, because the employer actively seeks migrants. Not only that, the employer also understands the intricacies and timelines of immigration. You’ll have much less convincing to do.

Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa requirements

The first step to working for an accredited employer is having the skills and qualifications the company needs. Then, of course, you’ll have to meet the requirements for this visa, as set out by Immigration New Zealand.

The main requirements are that you:

• Must be under the age of 55.
• Have a job offer from an accredited employer, which has to be for:
  • Full-time work; and
  • More than 2 years; and
  • You must earn at least NZD55,000 a year (before tax).
• Work in the specific occupation and for the specific accredited employer detailed in the job offer that was the basis of your work visa application.
• Must have full provisional registration, if it’s needed to work in your occupation in New Zealand.

Is there an accredited employers list?

Yes, there is an accredited employers list for New Zealand. It can be found on Immigration New Zealand’s website. You can either search by industry sector or simply scroll through the list to find an employer.

Need advice on the Accredit Employer Work Visa?

If you’d like us to advise on you on the Accredited Employer Work Visa, you’re welcome to email us or call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200. Our advisers can also tell you more about the emigration process and how we can help you with any visa applications.

Want to see more articles like this one? Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter and you’ll get immigration information and news once a month: http://bit.ly/2nUIrSr

Do you dream of working as an electrician in New Zealand? Are you qualified and experienced? Are you fluent in English?

Then your dream could become reality.

There is currently a shortage of electricians in New Zealand and New Zealand Immigration is recruiting candidates who tick all the immigration boxes from abroad.

Keep on reading to find out more about:

• How ANZSCO defines an electrician for New Zealand
• Electricians’ place on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and what it means.
• The visas available to electricians.
• How to assess your immigration eligibility.
• What you can expect from working as an electrician in New Zealand.

The ANZSCO definition of an electrician

Let’s start by saying that ANZSCO stands for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. This list has Electrician (General) as ANZSCO level 3 and defines it as someone who:

Installs, tests, connects, commissions, maintains and modifies electrical equipment, wiring and control systems. Registration or licensing is required.

Electricians on the Long Term Skill Shortage List

Electricians (General) appear on New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL). This means, as already mentioned, it’s an occupation where there is a sustained and on-going shortage of highly skilled workers throughout New Zealand.

This means should you get a job as an electrician, and you meet all the immigration requirements, you are eligible to live and work in New Zealand.

Visas available to electricians

Let’s assume you do have a job offer and you meet the work, qualification, age, health and character requirements. This qualifies you for a Work to Residence visa. This is a temporary visa, valid for 30 months.

That’s the first step in the process.

Should you live and work in New Zealand on your Work to Residence visa for at least 24 months, and continue to meet the requirements (including having a job with a base salary of at least NZ$45 000), you’ll be able to apply for residence status.

Qualifying under the Skilled Migrant category

Here’s something we’re willing to bet will interest you: if you have enough points, and meet the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a Resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Yes, there is a chance that you could apply for New Zealand residency straight away.

The Skilled Migrant Category allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely and access most publicly funded services, such as healthcare, education and New Zealand Superannuation.

Finding out if you qualify

Finding your occupation on the Long Term Skills Shortage List is only the first step in any emigration journey.

As you can see from what we’ve said above, you also still have to meet a long list of requirements, ranging from health to qualifications requirements.

But how do you find out if you stand a chance of working as an electrician in New Zealand?

We’ll tell you… By doing a comprehensive immigration assessment, performed by a licensed immigration adviser.

Intergate Emigration can help you

Our immigration advisers are all licensed to conduct immigration assessments and registered with the New Zealand Immigration Advisor Authority.

Booking an assessment with one of them is as simple as submitting your details here.

Let us also mention that the initial assessment is free of charge. This assessment will reveal if you stand a chance of qualify for a visa and highlight the best way forward.

What you can expect from working as an electrician in New Zealand

The most important thing you should know is this – you cannot work in New Zealand without a visa!

You’ll also need to be registered and licensed with New Zealand’s Electrical Registration Board. The Board wants proof of your experience before an application for registration is accepted and requirements for full registration is shared. Don’t worry though – our advisers can talk you through this process.

Here’s what else we can tell you about working in New Zealand as an electrician:

Salary

Qualified electricians earn between NZ$23 and NZ$32 per hour. This hourly rate is influenced by a couple of factors, such as:

• The city you’re working in.
• Your experience.
• Your skills.
• The job’s responsibilities and duties.

Duties

You can expect to perform similar job functions in New Zealand as back home. New Zealand electricians are also responsible for duties such as installing electrical wiring, repairing electrical equipment and conducting safety tests.

Working conditions

Again, nothing out of the ordinary. Electricians in New Zealand work regular business hours, but may also work weekends and be on call.

Depending on your job, you can expect to work in building sites, existing buildings, power stations or substations. You might also need to travel to local work sites.

Have you booked your assessment yet?

Our pre-assessment will get the ball rolling by highlighting any visa options open to you, at no cost.

That’s right – your pre-assessment is free of charge. It’s obligation free too. You don’t have to continue using our services if you don’t want to.

What do you have to lose? Book your assessment right away.

There are six New Zealand work visas that allow foreigners to work in the country. Without one of these visas to your name, you won’t be able to legally take up a job.

Each of the six visas is unique because it has its own set of requirements and offer one of the following:

• Immediate residency.
• A pathway to residency.
• Permission to work in New Zealand for a set period of time; and

To find out which visa you qualify for, you’d have to do an emigration assessment with a licensed agent.

Just before we tell you how to do that, let’s have a quick look at the different New Zealand work visas.

Immediate residency

1. Skilled Migrant visa

The Skilled Migrant visa is a residency application. It takes into consideration a number of factors, such as your:

• Occupation
• Age
• Experience; and
• Qualifications.

You’ll also need to meet a minimum points score in order to submit an Expression of Interest and receive an Invitation to Apply.

2. New Zealand Partner Work visa

The New Zealand Partner Work visa applies to legal marriages or a civil unions (opposite or same sex) as well as de facto relationships.

• Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• You must also be able to prove that the relationship is stable and committed.

If the visa is granted, you’ll be able to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.

Pathway to residency

3. Essential Skills Work visa

The Essential Skills Work visa is a temporary residency application. You’ll need a written full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer in order to apply. That’s not all though:

• Your occupation must appear on the Essential Skills list.
• You must have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job functions.
• Your remuneration must be according to the ANZSCO level of your occupation.

Equally important as all this, is that Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that there are no suitable New Zealanders for the position offered to you.

4. Partner of a New Zealand Work Visa Holder

You can apply for this visa when your partner has:

• Secured a job in New Zealand; or
• Already received a work visa.

Once granted the visa, you’ll be able to work in New Zealand with any employer in any role.

5. Entrepreneur visa

This is the visa for you if you want to work in your own business in New Zealand. This means:

• Starting a business; or
• Buying into an existing business.

Once you’ve reached either 6 months or 2 years of residency, you’ll be able to apply under the Entrepreneur Residence category for permanent residency.

Permission to work in New Zealand for a set period of time

6. Specific Purpose Work visa

This visa offers a number of options for specific tasks or events in New Zealand. These include:

• Short-term assignments for your company.
• Longer term secondments.
• Specific events.

Please note that you are not allowed to conduct any work in New Zealand that attracts any form of benefit without a visa.

Doing an eligibility assessment for New Zealand work visas

Now that we’ve covered the visas, let’s chat about getting an assessment done.

You have to ensure that it’s done by an immigration adviser licensed by the New Zealand Immigration Adviser Authority (IAA). Only licensed, or exempt, advisers are permitted to give advice on emigration to New Zealand.

Intergate’s advisers

Intergate has not one, but three licensed advisers. Not only that, our initial assessment is free and highlights any migration options open to you.

Let’s recap…

New Zealand offers 6 work visas that give you immediate residency, a pathway to residency or permission to work in country for a set period of time, depending on the visa you qualify for.

Each of the New Zealand work visas has its own set of requirements and you’ll only know if you qualify for a visa, and which one you qualify for, once you’ve done an immigration assessment.

To ensure you get the correct advice, only deal with licensed advisers. It could mean the difference between actually getting to work in New Zealand and simply spending money on a dream that’s not possible.