Latest and upcoming major visa changes

Updates to Green list

From 15 December, Registered Nurses, midwives, and specialist physicians are eligible for a Straight-to-residence visa under the Green list pathway and job opportunities are aplenty.

From March 2023, Internal Auditors will also be added to the Straight-to-residence list while Primary and all Secondary School Teachers will be eligible under a work-to-residence pathway (early childhood and secondary school teachers for certain subjects are already on the list).

Halal Slaughterer, Skilled Motor Mechanic, Skilled Telecommunications Technician, Gasfitter, Drainlayer, Building Associate (specifically Civil Construction Supervisor), Skilled Crane Operator, Earthmoving Plant Operator (General), Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Excavator Operator, Grader Operator and Loader Operator are also occupations due to be added to the Work to residence Green List early 2023.

Last but not least, bus and trucks drivers will have a residence pathway through a sector agreement, currently being finalised. We have employers already looking to fill these roles throughout New Zealand.

Employer Accreditation

Validity of the initial employer accreditation will be extended by 12 months for employers who have applied or will apply before 4 July 2023. This means that accreditation renewal requirements have been deferred to 2024, allowing employers more time to prepare.

Partner's work rights

After hinting at a potential restriction of work rights for partners of workers from December 2022, Immigration has announced that they would not make any changes until April 2023 at the earliest. These changes, if implemented, would allow the partner of a work visa holder to work, but only if certain requirements are met. Many stakeholders, economists, and immigration specialists are advising against this change and the Government is considering this feedback at the moment. This would in any case only affects application submitted after the policy change.

Thinking of moving to New Zealand?

Let On Arrival take care of your Resettlement.

All of our Consultants have experienced an International move, so understand what it entails, and focus on the “Total needs of your Family.”

Contact: - Don@onarrival.co.nz