Auckland: Immigration New Zealand has released the final operational details for changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and related Work to Residence pathways, with the revised rules taking effect from August 24.
The changes are particularly relevant to skilled workers employed in areas such as trades, technician roles, dairy, construction and manufacturing.
Simplified wage requirement
Under the revised Skilled Migrant Category rules, most applicants will need to meet one wage threshold, based on the rate applicable when they began gaining skilled work experience in New Zealand, rather than a potentially higher threshold applicable when they apply for residence.
If the wage threshold increases after a visa is issued but before the applicant starts work, a five-month grace period will apply.
The same simplified wage rules and grace period will also apply to Work to Residence, Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence visas.
Stricter evidence for qualifications
The requirements for proving qualifications have also been strengthened. Applicants claiming points for Level 8 or Level 9 qualifications will generally need to hold a supporting bachelor’s degree or equivalent and provide certificates and transcripts. The exception mentioned is applicants claiming five points for a New Zealand master’s degree.
For the Trades and Technician pathway, the requirement for overseas qualifications to contain 120 credits has been removed. However, New Zealand qualifications must still contain at least 120 credits, which can be achieved by combining more than one relevant qualification.
Self-employment excluded from relevant experience
Self-employment will no longer count directly as relevant work experience under either of the two new pathways:
Trades and Technician pathway
Skilled Work Experience pathway
Immigration New Zealand has also strengthened requirements around genuine skilled employment. Job offers must be available and ongoing, and employers must demonstrate a genuine need for the role to be based in New Zealand.
The changes are expected to provide greater certainty for skilled migrants already working in New Zealand, particularly those progressing towards residence through the revised pathways. Applicants have been advised to verify their individual eligibility and current requirements directly with Immigration New Zealand.
