Changes to some Interim Visa conditions

/in /by

Changes have been made to Interim Visa conditions to reflect the new partnership-based work visa instructions that took effect in May 2023.

Interim Visas are generally granted automatically to allow migrants to remain in New Zealand lawfully while they wait for the outcome of their visa application. They are intended as a temporary measure only.

Interim Visas have different conditions, such as work rights, depending on the applicant’s current visa, and the visa they are applying for.

The updated Interim Visa conditions

Partnership-based work visa holders who have applied for another partnership-based work visa

An Interim Visa will allow them to work for any employer. They will not have restrictions such as being required to work for an accredited employer or earn a specific wage.

Partnership-based work visa holders who have applied for a different work visa type (such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa)

An Interim Visa will not allow them to work. Their Interim Visa will have the same conditions as a Visitor Visa.

There are no changes to Interim Visa conditions when people are applying for a non-work visa, such as a visitor or student visa.

People holding a dfferent visa type who have applied for a partnership-based work visa

An Interim Visa will not allow them to work. Their Interim Visa will have the same conditions as a Visitor Visa.

These changes ensure Interim Visa conditions are consistent across partnership-based work visas and other work visas.

These changes came into effect from 11 August 2023.

AEWV Maximum Continuous Stay and Visa Duration Changes

/in /by

A maximum continuous stay for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders takes effect from 27 November 2023.

AEWV holders who are paid at least the median wage can spend a maximum of five years on an AEWV, after which they must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before they are eligible to be granted a further AEWV. The five years can be on one AEWV or multiple AEWVs of shorter durations.

AEWV holders paid below the median wage and employed under Sector Agreements may have shorter maximum continuous stays or periods required outside New Zealand before reapplying.

People on a recognised pathway to residence will be able to apply to stay on an AEWV once they have reached the maximum continuous stay without spending the 12 months outside New Zealand. This could include, for example, someone meeting the skill threshold (occupational registration, qualification or income) but needing more time to complete their skilled work experience. More information on recognised pathways to residence will be published in the future.

AEWV extensions from three to five years

The maximum duration of an AEWV will be extended from three years to five years from 27 November 2023. This will apply to all AEWVs approved from 27 November 2023 where the job or job offer is paid at least the median wage.

Someone who holds or held an AEWV granted on or before 26 November 2023 will be able to apply for a further AEWV to receive the balance of up to five years (in total). They will need to have a job or job offer paid at or above the median wage.

Employers will not need to apply for a further Job Check if they are offering continued employment to someone who holds an AEWV on 26 November 2023 provided the worker’s visa conditions remain the same. The employer can reuse their job token.

Further details on how this will work for employers will be available closer to the November launch date.

Care workforce AEWV extensions from two to three years

The maximum AEWV duration for people employed as part of the Care Workforce Sector Agreement and paid below the median wage will be extended from two to three years. This will apply to all relevant visas approved from 27 November 2023.

Someone who holds or held an AEWV granted on or before 26 November 2023 and employed as part of the Care Workforce Sector Agreement will be able to apply for another AEWV to receive the balance of up to three years (in total).

Employers will not need to apply for a further Job Check if they are offering continued employment to someone who holds an AEWV on 26 November 2023. The employer can reuse the Job Check number, providing the worker remains in the same role, with the same employment conditions and in the same region.

 

For more details, you may check https://www.immigration.govt.nz

Final EOI Selection for the Current Skilled Migrant Category

/in /by

The final expressions of interest (EOI) selection under the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) settings will happen on 16 August 2023, after which the EOI pool will formally close.

A new simplified points system is being introduced for the SMC Residence Visa on 9 October 2023, replacing the current settings.

All EOIs for the current SMC settings will be selected on 16 August, however only those with 180 points or more will be invited to apply.

Opportunity to update or withdraw EOIs

People can submit, withdraw or update an EOI before 11.59PM (NZST) on 15 August 2023. We encourage them do this as soon as possible.

Login to withdraw or update an EOI

Withdrawing an EOI

If someone does not have at least 180 points, or will not be able to provide evidence they meet the criteria, they should withdraw their EOI before 11:59pm NZST on 15 August 2023.

Customers who withdraw their EOI can apply for a refund of their EOI fee. Information on EOI refunds.

When EOIs are selected

On 16 August, we will invite people to apply for residence under the current SMC settings if their EOI is assessed as having at least 180 points. Customers will have four months from the date of their invitation letter to submit their application, including all the necessary evidence.

If an EOI is assessed as having less than 180 points, the customer will not be invited to apply for residence.

They may be able to apply under the new simplified points system from 9 October 2023 if eligible.

 

Visit immigration.govt.nz to learn more about the new Skilled Migrant Category.

Work to Residence Eligibility Extended

/in /by

The Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreements and the Green List Work to Residence visa categories will open for applications on 29 September 2023.

Eligibility for these work to residence pathways will be extended to include all types of temporary work visas including Critical Purpose Visitor Visa with work conditions. Workers will need to meet relevant occupation, qualification and wage requirements. Applicants must also meet health, character, age and English language requirements when they apply for residence.  

This expands on existing criteria where work experience on work visas other than an Accredited Employer Work Visa could only be if that visa was applied for before 4 July 2022.

These changes will align these pathways with the new Skilled Migrant Category settings, which will allow people to claim skilled work experience on all types of work visas.

Green List wage requirements clarified

Immigration Instructions now clarify that Green List Work to Residence applicants will need to meet the median wage requirement at both the start of their work experience and at the time they are applying for residence. 

There is an exemption for people in Green List occupations who applied for their work visa before 29 September 2023. They will only need to meet the median wage requirement at the time they apply for residence. 

Immigration Instructions have also been updated to confirm that Green List Straight to Residence applicants are required to have employment or a job offer that pays at least the median wage.  

The eligibility change is being made ahead of the Green List and Sector Agreements Work to Residence applications opening on 29 September 2023.  

For more information, visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/work-to-residence-eligibility-extended-to-non-aewv-holders

Clearer status information in Enhanced Immigration Online

/in /by

On July 30, Immigration New Zealand successfully improved their Enhanced Immigration Online system to give consumers access to more thorough visa application statuses.

In addition to a detailed explanation of the tasks involved at each stage, the application status page now gives a high-level overview of the state the application is at.

Applications for Visitor Visas and Accredited Employer Work Visas completed in Enhanced Immigration Online and submitted after 30 July will reflect these more thorough statuses.

Each task includes a progress icon that indicates where it is in the process. Customers can get a rough idea of what’s occurring with their visa application as well as some specifics regarding the processes being used.

This feature was implemented in response to customer input as part of INZ’s commitment to streamlining procedures and making them more customer-centric.