Immigration updates

Recruiting overseas? Read the latest immigration updates

Author: Steve Baker, Advisa Immigration Services Ltd. (A partner of Enterprise Recruitment)

New priority processing order for skilled residence applications

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.

Work to Residence pathways open 29 September

The three visa pathways available under Work to Residence are:

Skilled Residence: Green List Work to Residence visa
Skilled Residence: Care Workforce Work to Residence visa, and
Skilled Residence: Transport Sector Work to Residence visa.

All work visa holders and Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders with work rights can claim work experience for these residence pathways.
Applicants must have two years of work experience in a relevant role gained from 29 September 2021 and within 30 months from the date the residence application is made.
Applicants will also need to meet the relevant skill and wage thresholds.
Applicants must work for or have an offer of employment from an accredited employer to be eligible for a Work to Residence Visa

Green List Work to Residence

Applicants must earn at least the hourly rate specified in the Green List for their occupation for the duration of their 24-month work experience, or at least the median wage if there is no specified rate in the Green List for their occupation.
If the occupation specific or median wage rate increases during the 24-month period, the applicant does not need to meet the new threshold until they make their residence application, unless they change employment.
There is one exemption to the median wage requirement for people applying under the Green List pathway: People who applied for their work or Critical Purpose Visitor Visa before 29 September 2023 only need to be paid at least the median wage at the time they are applying for residence. This exemption does not apply to Accredited Employer Work Visa holders or when there is a specific rate to be paid by the Green List for the occupation.

Sector agreement criteria

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.

Care Workforce Work to Residence visa

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.