New Zealand Unveils Major Visa Rule Changes: All You Need To Know

New Zealand has made some exciting changes to its visa and employment rules. The goal is to make immigration easier and help businesses find the workers they need. These updates will also make it simpler for people looking for work. Let’s dive into the key changes!

New Zealand Unveils Major Visa Rule Changes: All You Need To Know

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1. Changes to Wage Requirements for Work Visas

Good news! The government has removed the pay requirements for certain work visas. Employers no longer have to meet a specific salary threshold for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). But they still need to offer pay that matches the market rate for the job and location. This gives employers more flexibility, while still ensuring workers are paid fairly.

2. Earnings Requirement for Migrants Bringing Dependents

If you're planning to bring your children to New Zealand, there's a new requirement. AEWV holders now need to earn at least NZ$55,844 a year to bring their kids along. This amount has stayed the same since 2019 and ensures families can financially support themselves while living in New Zealand.

3. Easier Work Experience Requirements

The work experience requirement for migrants has been reduced. Previously, workers needed at least three years of experience. Now, just two years of experience are enough. This change makes it easier for skilled workers to find a job in New Zealand, especially when there’s a high demand for workers.

4. New Pathways for Seasonal Workers

New Zealand is introducing two new options for seasonal workers:

- A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.

- A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.

These new pathways are designed to help meet seasonal labor needs while the country continues to implement the new system.

5. Longer Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Jobs

For certain lower-skilled jobs (levels 4 or 5), the visa duration has been extended from two to three years. Also, if you already have a two-year visa and meet the necessary requirements, you can apply for an extra year.

Employers no longer have to follow the 21-day recruitment rule for these jobs, which makes the hiring process quicker. They simply need to show that they tried to hire locally.

6. New Work Rights for Migrants

Starting in April 2025, migrants transitioning from other visas will get temporary work rights while they wait for approval of their AEWV. This means you can keep working even if your visa is still being processed!

7. Easier Access to Employer Training

From January 2025, employers will no longer need to complete online training provided by Employment New Zealand. Instead, Immigration New Zealand will offer easy-to-access resources about workers' rights and responsibilities.

8. Lower Domestic Workforce Requirement for Construction Roles

To help fill roles in the construction industry, the government has reduced the domestic workforce requirement. For some jobs, the minimum local worker requirement has dropped from 35% to 15%. This makes it easier for companies to hire workers from outside New Zealand.

These updates are all about making things easier for both workers and employers. Whether you're looking for work or trying to hire, the process is now simpler and more flexible. By reducing work experience requirements, extending visa durations, and offering more resources for employers, New Zealand is creating a better environment for everyone. This will help businesses grow while providing more job opportunities for skilled workers. 

In short, it’s a win-win for both the economy and the workforce!