Skilled Migrant Residence Category

Finally, an update on the Skilled Migrant Category. Selection of Expressions of Interest under the Skilled Migrant Category remains suspended.

Minister Faafoi’s update on 14 September 2021 advised that an announcement on the resumption of selections could be expected by the end of October 2021.

Closure of Talent (Accredited Employer) and LTSSL Work Visa Applications: 31^st October, 2021

INZ recently delayed the implementation of the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework and associated accreditation standards, due to come into effect on 1 November 2021, to at least mid-2022.  The Minister has now confirmed that some of the changes that had been announced as part of the transition to the new framework will still go ahead. Specifically, the closure of the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work visa and the Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Work visa will happen on 31 October 2021.

Note that this is different to INZ’s earlier intention for these visas to continue to be applied for beyond October 2021.

Those valid Accredited employers will be able to support Work to Residence – Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa applications up to 31 October 2021 only.

After this date, new applications will not be possible.

Visa Processing during Level 4 lockdown

The Auckland INZ offices remain closed. Auckland is the primary receiving centre for paper-based applications, and this has caused considerable delays with the processing of most applications. This mail has now been redirected from the Auckland documentation office to Immigration New Zealand offices outside the city, there will continue to be delays in the receipting and lodgement of paper applications.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their visa applications using INZ’s Online system where possible. Online applications are being prioritised.

Immigration New Zealand recently released an online request portal for Variation of Conditions applications for work visa holders. These applications are being processed in the order received, with priority given to paper applications submitted prior to lockdown.

Only Variation of conditions applications related to work visas can be requested through this new channel. Individuals applying to vary the conditions of their visa to study, for example, will still need to submit paper-based applications in the normal manner.

Border Exemptions – “other critical workers”

Employers and supporting agencies are still able to request to bring workers into New Zealand, if they are deemed “other critical workers”.

Employers are expected to genuinely seek to fill job vacancies with New Zealanders in the first instance.

If the skill is genuinely unique and not readily available on shore and you can show the value of such a worker to your business, the local / national economy it is a worthwhile exercise to request such an exemption.

The costs are extreme as the employer is expected to cover all associated costs with the request, application if invited to apply, travel and MIQ, etc. 

Requests for approval of critical workers must be made by employers and not by the individual workers.

Requests for critical workers are considered on a case-by-case basis by Immigration New Zealand officials.

There are 3 categories, each with their own criteria, where you can bring employees into New Zealand:

1. worker needed for a short term role — less than 6 months in total
2. worker needed for a long term role — more than 6 months
3. worker for an approved class.

Holding an Essential Skills work visa is not enough to qualify as an ‘other critical worker’.

Employers, supporting agencies who want to request for a critical worker to travel to New Zealand can apply by completing the Employer request for critical worker exception form.

If you require additional support with your immigration requirements please contact Steve and his team via the details below.

Steve Baker DDI 03 353 0680 M 027 212 5483 E steve.baker@enterprise.co.nz