New Zealand Updates Visa Rules to Address Labour Shortages, Check Full Details

In response to ongoing labour market shortages, the New Zealand government has introduced significant changes to its visa and employment regulations. The new measures aim to streamline immigration processes, making it easier for skilled workers and students to live and work in the country.

Key Changes to Visa Rules

1. Reduced Work Experience Requirement:
   The required work experience for migrants has been reduced from three years to two years, allowing skilled workers to meet job criteria more easily.

2. New Seasonal Work Pathways:
   Two new visa pathways have been launched:

   • A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
   • A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled seasonal workers.

3. Removal of Median Pay Criteria:
   For the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), employers are no longer bound by a predetermined salary criterion. Instead, they must offer wages aligned with market rates.

4. Family Financial Threshold:
   AEWV holders who wish to bring their children to New Zealand must earn a minimum of NZ$55,844 annually. This threshold, unchanged since 2019, ensures financial sustainability for migrant families.

5. Extended Visa Duration for Low-Skill Jobs:
   For roles classified under skill levels 4 or 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), the visa duration has been extended from two years to three years. Current visa holders in these roles may apply for a one-year extension.

6. Construction Industry Support:
   The domestic workforce requirement for certain construction roles has been reduced from 35% to 15%, addressing the labour shortages in this sector.

7. Simplified Recruitment and Accreditation:
   Employers hiring for low-skill roles (levels 4 or 5) are no longer required to adhere to Work and Income's 21-day recruitment period. Additionally, accredited employers are exempt from completing online training modules, with Immigration New Zealand providing accessible resources on employment rights.

8. Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) for Indian Students:
   Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand stand to benefit from revised Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) rules. Graduates can stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their qualifications. Students completing a Master's degree after a Postgraduate Diploma will remain eligible for the PSWV.

9. Interim Work Rights for Migrants:
   Starting April 2025, migrants transitioning from a student visa or other work visas to AEWV will receive interim work rights, facilitating smoother transitions.

Impact of the Changes

The revised rules are expected to address critical labour shortages across industries, particularly in construction and seasonal work, while supporting international students and migrant families. By simplifying immigration pathways and offering flexible employment terms, New Zealand aims to attract and retain a skilled workforce.