Author: Steve Baker, Advisa Immigration Services Ltd. (A partner of Enterprise Recruitment)
There is a new priority processing order for skilled residence applications takes effect from 29 September. This covers applications under Work to Residence, Straight to Residence and the Skilled Migrant Category.
Visa applications are generally allocated and processed in the order INZ receive them. Residence applications take longer to process as they require additional checks and information from applicants.
From 29 September, a new priority processing order will apply, recognising the importance of Tier 1 Green List occupations, highly-paid workers, and well-qualified or well-paid Skilled Migrant Category applicants.
These applications will be allocated for processing before other skilled residence applications:
· People in occupations on the Tier 1 Green List
· People paid three times the median wage.
· Skilled Migrant Category applicants with 6 points without work experience.
There is no cap on the number of Skilled Residence visas that can be granted. Visas will be granted to all applicants who meet the relevant immigration requirements.
The three visa pathways available under Work to Residence are:
Care Workforce and Transport Sector Work to Residence applicants must meet the specified pay requirement for the whole of the 24-month work experience in New Zealand when they apply for residence.
Applicants must have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in a care workforce sector role that paid the level 4 support workers’ minimum wage per hour rate or more.
Applicants must have worked in a transport sector role for 24 months and meet the role's work requirements.
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