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    Month: May 2022

    INZ Resumes Processing of Partner and Dependent Visas

    Posted on by admin

    Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, New Zealand had shut its borders to the rest of the world and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) had suspended visa processing.

    New Zealand is now ready to completely reopen its borders to everyone from midnight of 31 July 2022 (technically 1 August 2022). As the country begins reconnecting with the world, INZ is restarting the processing of some visas.

    Partner and Dependents

    From 31 May 2022, INZ will resume processing of the following on-hand visa applications:

    • Offshore partners & dependents of Work visa holders
    • Offshore partners & dependents of Student Visa holders

    People who are outside of New Zealand who applied for a visa before entry into the country was restricted in 2020 have two options:

    1. Have their applications processed
    2. Withdraw the application and request a refund, if eligible

    Resuming visa processing basically means that applicants will not have to wait until the end of July when the New Zealand borders are fully open to reuniting with their loved ones. This resumption of processing will allow applicants to live together sooner in order to meet the requirements of future partnership applications.

    INZ will email the instructions to the affected applicants or their representatives.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Accredited Employer Work Visa Immigration Instructions Amended

    Posted on by admin

    Applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) open on 4 July 2022. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has already begun accepting applications for Employer Accreditation from 23 May 2022. 20 June 2022 onwards employers can start applying for the Job Check.

    INZ has made the following changes to Employer Accreditation, Job Check and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) immigration instructions:

    • Clarification has been provided regarding when a job, that was approved as part of a job-check, can be reused by an employer.
    • A longer duration will be granted to employer accreditation and Job Check applications approved before 4 July 2022.
    • An explanation has been provided regarding Job Check applications for employment in foreign crew of fishing vessels not being approved.
    • Clarification of qualification requirements for two occupations on the Green List: Environmental Research Scientist & Food Technologist
    • Automated electronic decision making for the processing & approval of Employer Accreditation & Job Check Applications

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info  or call on +64 09 3790219

    Immigration Rebalance & Its Impact on Migrant Workers

    Posted on by admin

    After being almost completely shut to the outside world since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic over two years ago, New Zealand borders will completely be open now for everyone from midnight of 31 July 2022 (technically 1 August 2022). Going forward the NZ Government plans to support a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy through “Immigration Rebalnce” announced.

    What is Immigration Rebalance

    Immigration Rebalance is a plan for New Zealand’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to boost working conditions, improve career pathways and encourage businesses to focus on increasing productivity & resilience. The aim is to attract high-skilled migrants instead of relying on low-skilled ones.

    Aim

    The changes aim to:

    • Encourage employers to offer competitive wages, hire less experienced New Zealanders & train them and work together to showcase employment opportunities
    • Encourage businesses in New Zealand to invest more
    • Reduce the pressure on infrastructure, housing & support economic growth. Shifting dependence from low skilled labour to high skilled labour can boost the growth of a more productive economy.

    Changes for Workers & their Dependants

    Multiple changes have been introduced as part of the Immigration Rebalance plan.

    The changes include:

    • Introduction of the ‘Green List’ (explained below)
    • A median wage threshold for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) and Foreign Fishing Crew Visas.
    • Employment as a chef will henceforth require qualification for migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
    • Exemption for many tourism & hospitality roles. A lower wage threshold of NZ $25 per hour has been allowed for them until April 2023.

    Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

    • 3 July 2022 – Essential Skills Work Visa closes to applications
    • 4 July 2022 – Accredited Employer Work Visa will open for applications
    • December 2022 – Partners of temporary migrant workers can apply for a Visitor visa or an AEWV if they want to work in New Zealand

    The AEWV will be available mainly to workers earning over the median wage of NZ $27.76 per hour from 4 July onwards.

    By 2023, the NZ Government wants all employers to be accredited to hire migrant workers, even those with openwork rights (Eg. working holidaymakers and students)

    Immigration New Zealand aims to complete AEWV processing within 30 days: 10 working days for the accreditation check, 10 working days for the job check and 20 working days for the migrant check.

    Sector Arrangements

    The NZ Government has introduced a Green List. This list will make it easier for employers to hire and attract migrants for high-skilled, hard-to-fill positions in the construction, engineering, trades, health and ICT sectors.

    If an employer wants to hire migrant workers on the AEWV and the role is on this list, then advertising for the job check is not required.

    • Exemptions to the median wage threshold: Certain transition arrangements will allow specific roles in the construction, care, tourism & hospitality sectors to be recruited at rates slightly lower than the median wage.
    • New sector arrangements: Sector-specific agreements support a shift away from low-skilled migrant labour. This includes care, construction and infrastructure, meat processing, seafood, and seasonal snow and adventure tourism sectors.
    • For Green List Occupations, please click here.
    • For roles exempt from AEWV median wage threshold, please click here

    Partnership-based Work Visas

    In a significant change, most partners of temporary work visa holders will be granted Visitor Visas from December 2022. If the partners wish to work in New Zealand, they will have to qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in their own right.

    Unlike other work visas, which require the holders to work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, the partners can work for less than 30 hours a week. The reason being they will have other responsibilities, such as childcare and will not be the primary household earner.

    Partners of migrant workers working in occupations on the Green List or paid twice the median wage will continue to receive automatic open work rights.

    This is to ensure that New Zealand attracts high-skilled migrant workers. There are no changes to automatic open work rights for partners of New Zealanders.

    Easy Residence Pathways

    Immigration Rebalance will streamline pathways to residence for migrants working in the Green List occupations to attract high-skilled migrants.

    • Fast-track Residence: Some can come to New Zealand from 4 July on a work visa and directly apply for residence after September 2022
    • Others can apply for residence after two years of working in New Zealand
    • Migrant workers earning twice the median wage can apply for residence after two years of being on an AEWV

    For other migrant workers, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is an option as a pathway to residence.

    Impact of the changes on current & other visa holders

    The Immigration Rebalance changes focus on the future and migrants coming to New Zealand to work in permanent roles. They don’t affect holders of visas with openwork rights like working holidaymakers. Accreditation is a requirement only from 2023. Visa conditions of current work visa holders and partners who apply for a partnership-based visa before the changes take place in December 2022 will not be affected.

    What the changes mean for employers

    • The median wage threshold will not apply when hiring working holiday makers or students.
    • Changes to the current employment agreements with migrant employees are not required.
    • Employers must get accreditation by 2023

    It is important to note that there are no changes for partners of New Zealanders or a specific purpose, short-term business or visitor visas, Working Holiday Schemes, the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme or other family and humanitarian categories.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Update on the Processing Steps for RV 21 and Secondary Applicant

    Posted on by admin

    The updated Immigration Online system has new features that make it easier to get things done.

    It makes the process of applying for a visa easier by streamlining tasks that are done over and over again. This lets people focus on tasks that require judgement. Immigration Officers are no longer allocated an entire application, and allocation is no longer the first step as many others may assess an application simultaneously.

    The processing steps commence as soon as the application is received.If immigration instructions are followed, the system may fully automate visa processing or trigger manual tasks for assessment.

    The steps below show what needs to happen before an Immigration Officer looks at a Resident Visa application for 2021.

    1. The improved Immigration Online system receives the application.
    2. The applicant is asked to upload any supporting documents that are needed.
    3. Completed identity checks with copies of receipts made and sent to the applicant’s Immigration Online account.
    4. Checks with the NZ police and/or national security are completed.
    5. Checks with the Immigration Health System are completed, and more health information is requested if required.
    6. The case is assessed by an Immigration Officer, and if no more information is required, a decision is made on the application.

    The steps for processing may be different for different types of visas on enhanced Immigration Online.

    You can check the progress of your applications by logging in to your Immigration Online dashboard. Any requests for more information will also come through the dashboard.

    A complete guide to enhanced immigration online can be found here.

    Questions regarding application:

    The status of an application can now be viewed at any moment via the Immigration Online dashboard. The Additional Documents field of the Immigration Online system is not to be used to ask questions about an application, as these will not be answered.  Information can be found on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or call the Immigration Contact Center for further information.

    Update on the secondary applicant: indicate

    Some applicants have specified that they want to include a secondary applicant in the 2021 Resident Visa application under Phase 2, but they didn’t. INZ will contact such applicants before the application can be processed further.

    These updates are in preparation for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme to open applications for employer accreditation.

    Employer accreditation applications will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 23 May 2022. On 4 July 2022, applications for the new AEWV visa will open.

    For details about the AEWV, please click here. To better understand the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them, kindly get in touch Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Immigration Rebalance & Its Impact on International Students

    Posted on by admin

    After being almost completely shut to the outside world since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic over two years ago, New Zealand is now ready to completely reopen its borders to everyone from midnight of 31 July 2022 (technically 1 August 2022). This means that the opening date for the Student Visa category has been brought forward by 3 months, from October.

    What is Immigration Rebalance

    Immigration Rebalance is a plan for New Zealand’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to boost working conditions, improve career pathways for New Zealanders and encourage businesses to focus on increasing productivity & resilience.

    Changes for International Students

    Along with the border opening, the NZ Government has made some immigration changes that affect international students who want to study in New Zealand.

    The changes that affect international students are:

    Post-Study Work Rights

    Changes have been made to post-study work visa rights. They will apply to all student visa applications lodged on or after 11 May 2022 not covered by transitional agreements, including applications from people already in New Zealand.

    • Students enrolled in non-degree programmes (Level 7 & below excluding Bachelor’s degree) will not get post-study work rights except in shortage and skilled occupations.
    • Work privileges for degree-level and other eligible international students (bachelor’s degree, bachelor honours degree and postgraduate diploma) will now be equivalent to the duration of their study. (See the table below)
    • Masters and doctoral students will be permitted to work in New Zealand for up to three years following graduation as long as they have spent 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
    • Additionally, students will not be able to apply for a second post-study visa in New Zealand.
    • Students who have already commenced studying an eligible qualification under current settings and who have applied for a visa or hold a visa for that specific study will be considered under the ‘old’ post-study rules. This includes students who enter New Zealand under the most recent border exception for 5,000 students, provided they meet the current educational requirements.
    • In-study work rights for international students have not been changed.
    Qualification Minimum time spent studying full time in NZ Duration of PSWV under new changes
    Level 7 non-degree or lower qualification that is linked to an occupation on the Green List 30 weeks 1 year
    Bachelor’s Degree Level 7 30 weeks 1 year
    60 weeks 2 years
    90 weeks 3 years
    PG Dip – Level 8 30 weeks 1 year
    Master’s Degree – Level 9 (coursework and research) 30 weeks 3 years
    PhD – Level 10 30 weeks 3 years

    It is important to note that 20 occupations on the Green List have direct pathways from Level 7 and below level qualifications.  These include:  Construction Project Manager; Project Builder; 12 specific engineering roles; Civil Engineering Technician; Electrical Engineering Technician; Secondary School teacher; Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher; Automotive Electrician; Diesel Motor Mechanic

    International students studying at non-degree levels can work while studying. Also, they can apply for another visa after their student visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, if they are eligible.

    Change in cost of living for international students

    From 31 July 2022, fund requirements f will increase:

    • From NZ $15,000 to NZ $20,000 per annum for prospective tertiary student visa applicants
    • From NZ $15,000 to NZD$17,000 for prospective international primary & secondary school students
    • Both these amounts will be adjusted for shorter study periods.
    • Except for some aviation students, students will need to pay tuition fees for the first year or first programme of study (whichever is shorter), and they will have to provide evidence of funds for the same period.
    • As of 11 May 2022, students transferring to post-study work visas must show NZ $5,000 in funds.

    International students make significant contributions to New Zealand education providers & its economy & add to the country’s skill-base.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Reference: Link 1   Link 2

    NZ Border Reopening, Recent Changes affecting Work, Visitor & Student Visas & Other Updates

    Posted on by admin

    After being almost completely shut to the outside world since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic over two years ago, New Zealand is ready to completely reopen it borders to everyone from midnight of 31 July 2022 (technically 1 August 2022).

    Important Dates:

    • 4 July 2022 – All work visa categories including the new Accredited Employer Work Visa will open for applications
    • 31 July 2022 midnight – Applications for student & visitor visas and maritime borders will reopen

    The New Zealand Government is trying to rebalance the immigration system in order to support a more productive higher-wage economy. This will give employers more access to skilled workers, allow international students & visitors to enter New Zealand and permit reunions.

    Work Visas

    Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

    • 3 July 2022 – Essential Skills Work Visa closes to applications
    • 4 July 2022 – Accredited Employer Work Visa will open for applications
    • December 2022 – Partners of temporary migrant workers can apply for a Visitor visa or an AEWV if they want to work in New Zealand

    The AEWV will be available mainly to workers earning over the median wage of NZ $27.76 per hour 4 July onwards.

    By 2023, the NZ Government wants all employers to be accredited to hire migrant workers, even those with openwork rights (Eg. working holidaymakers and students)

    Sector Arrangements
    The NZ Government has introduced a Green List. This list will make it easier for employers to hire and attract migrants for high-skilled, hard-to-fill positions in the construction, engineering, trades, health and ICT sectors.

    If an employer who wants to hire migrant workers on the AEWV and the role is on this list, then advertising for the job check is not required.

    There are certain transition arrangements that will allow certain roles in the construction, care, tourism & hospitality sectors to be recruited at rates slightly lower than the median wage.

    • For Green List Occupations, please click here
    • For roles exempt from AEWV median wage threshold, please click here

    Open Work Visas

    On 9 May 2022, a special direction granted open work visas to those migrants already in New Zealand holding one of the following visas expiring between 9 May & 31 December 2022 (inclusive):

    • Essential Skills Work Visa
    • Post Study Work Visa
    • Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
    • Eligible Ukrainian nationals granted a temporary work visa on 10 March 2022

    The new open work visa:

    • This visa is valid from 9 May 2022 until two years from the visa expiry date of the previous visa
    • It will allow the migrant to work for any employer anywhere in New Zealand and
    • It will allow the holder to leave & re-enter New Zealand

    Family/ Dependants:
    New visas have been granted to the partners and dependent children of the new open work visa holder.

    To be eligible for this visa, the family must meet the following requirements:

    • Hold a visa based on their relationship with the work visa holder whose visa expired between 9 May & 31 December 2022 (inclusive) and
    • Have been in New Zealand on 9 May 2022

    Like the principal applicant, the visa will be valid from 9 May 2022 until two years from the visa expiry date. Also, the dependent family members who held work, student or visitor visas based on their relationship with the principal applicant will be granted the same type of visa.

    Work to Residence Visa

    On 9 May 2022, INZ extended the following work to residence visas by 6 months which were expiring between 9 May & 31 December 2022 under a special direction:

    • Talent (Accredited Employer)
    • Talent (Arts, Culture & Sports)
    • Long Term Skill Shortage List
    • Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Visa
    • South Island Contribution

    The visas have been extended for 6 months from the date of expiry of the previous visa

    Family/ Dependants:

    Visas of partners & dependent children expiring between 9 May & 31 December 2022 (inclusive) have also been extended by 6 months.

    To be eligible for this visa, the family must meet the following requirements:

    • Hold a visa based on their relationship with the work visa holder and
    • Have been in New Zealand on 9 May 2022

    Visa Conditions & Cost

    Visa conditions, including those that have been varied, remain the same.
    The visa holder is not charged for the visa extension.

    • For changing the conditions of a temporary visa, please click here.

    Online Records
    INZ will email the eligible visa holders by the end of May 2022. Online records of the new visas & extensions will be updated by 25 May 2022.
    For information about the Visa Verification Service, please click here

    2021 Resident Visa applications

    Those granted a new visa by the 9 May Special Direction can apply for the 2021 Resident visa if the visa they held before was eligible.

    • To check your eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa, click here

    Working Holiday Schemes

    Besides the border reopening date, the NZ Government has also brought forward the opening date of the following Working Holiday Schemes:

    • South Korea: 10 May 2022 (previously 17 May)
    • China: 19 May 2022 (previously 30 June)
    • Taiwan: 25 May 2022 (previously 23 June)
    • Argentina: 26 May 2022 (previously 30 August)
    • Chile: 31 May 2022 (previously 6 September)

    The opening date of the following Working Holiday Schemes has been pushed back:

    • Luxembourg: 17 May 2022 (previously 10 May)
    • Czech Republic: 2 June 2022 (previously 31 May)
    • For information about Working Holiday Visas, please click here

    Visitor Visas

    Pacific Visitor Visas

    Countries in the Pacific Islands Forum include:
    Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Naru, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

    16 May 2022 – Online applications for visitors from the Pacific Islands Forum reopens.

    Visitor Visa applications are already open for Cook Islands & Niue.

    Unlike before, applications from the Pacific will now have to apply online visa Immigration Online. To be granted a Visitor Visa, applicants must be able to prove their genuine intent of travel to New Zealand

    Maritime Borders
    New Zealand’s maritime border will also reopen on 31 July 2022, in line with the air border. Pre-departure covid tests & vaccination will be required for passengers & crew.

    Students

    As part of Immigration rebalance, policies have been changed to ensure that students who continue to stay in New Zealand after their studies fill the skill shortages.

    • Changes have been made to post-study work visa duration.
    • The funds required for Student Visa applications to support their stay in New Zealand has gone up.

    Travel Updates

    In order to travel to New Zealand, non-New Zealand citizens must hold a valid visa or New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Accredited Employer Work Visa: Updates, Instructions & Webinar

    Posted on by admin

    There are 3 steps for hiring a migrant worker on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV):

    • Employer accreditation
    • Job check
    • Visa application

    Important Dates

    • 23 May 2022 – Employers can start applying for accreditation
    • 20 June 2022 – Employers can start applying for a job check
    • 3 July 2022 – Last day to apply for the ESWV, from 4th it closes
    • 4 July 2022 – Applicants can start lodging AEWV visa applications

    Once New Zealand employers are accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ), they can hire migrant workers on the new AEWV when no New Zealanders are available to do the job and there is a genuine skill or labour shortage.

    Information regarding Job Check & Work Visa

    Detailed information regarding the Job Check and Work visa is available on the INZ website. It covers the following points:

    • The requirements employers will need to meet when applying for a job check & the supporting documents required
    • If an employer should advertise the role and the advertising requirements
    • The requirements for migrant workers applying for an AEWV

    Pending Decisions

    The NZ Government has not yet decided whether there will be any exemptions to the median wage rule. Also, no decision has been reached as to whether any additional restrictions will apply for some roles.

    Information regarding the Job Check

    Employers must advertise a job for at least 2 weeks before applying for a job check. This is for those roles where advertising is a requirement.

    Until the employers are accredited under the new AEWV policy, they cannot apply for a job check.

    AEWV Immigration Instructions

    An outline of the immigration instructions for the Accredited Employer Work Visa can be found here

    Click here for detailed information.

    INZ Webinar

    INZ is facilitating the understanding of this visa category by holding regular free webinars, which are also recorded and available on you tube.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info  or call on +64 09 3790219.

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