New Zealand Implements Updated Regulations for Visas

New Zealand’s employment landscape is undergoing significant transformations with the implementation of new immigration policies by the government. These revisions impact the duration of stays for foreign workers, considering factors like salary, job classification, and visa application timing.

The alterations primarily affect the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, where employers sponsor overseas workers for specific positions. Previously, most AEWVs allowed a maximum stay of five years. However, under the new regulations, a tiered system based on the ANZSCO skill level of the job has been introduced.

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For jobs classified under ANZSCO Levels 4 & 5, the maximum visa length is reduced to 2 years, with the option of extending it for an additional year through a Job Check application. The total continuous stay on AEWVs is capped at 3 years, after which individuals must leave New Zealand for a period, typically 12 months, before applying for another AEWV. These changes apply to those who applied for their first AEWV on or after April 7, 2024, or before June 21, 2023.

However, certain categories of ANZSCO level 4 & 5 jobs are exempt from the shortened visa lengths, such as roles on the New Zealand Green List, positions covered by transport and care sector agreements, high-paying jobs, and individuals already on a pathway to residence.

These regulations do not affect the visa lengths for jobs classified under ANZSCO level 1 to 3, which continue to offer a maximum stay of five years, with the requirement to leave New Zealand for a period after reaching the maximum continuous stay limit.

Understanding these changes is crucial for prospective workers planning to apply for AEWVs, enabling them to make informed decisions about working in New Zealand and strategize their immigration journey accordingly.