You may have heard about some of the changes that came about late last week but just in case you have not, here is a brief overview of the changes. These changes are in effect from 19 July 2021 until mid-2022.

Accredited Employer Work Visa temporarily deferred

The introduction of the AEWV, previously scheduled for 1 November 2021, will be temporarily deferred to the middle of next year.

Essential Skills Work Visa changes – People earning above the median wage ****

From 19 July Essential Skills visa holders who apply for a new visa to remain in their current job:

Employers who are retaining migrant workers in the same roles will not have to prove there are no New Zealanders available.

Employers will still need to undergo a labour market test for vacant roles or where your worker will change the region they work for you in.

Applicants will not be required to provide medical and police certificates if these were previously supplied with a visa application.

Applicants remaining in the same role will not need to include an employment agreement with their new Essential Skills visa application.

Essential Skills Work Visa changes – People earning below the median wage ****

From 19 July Essential Skills visa holders who apply for a new visa to remain in their current job will be able to stay for longer.

The maximum duration of Essential Skills visas for jobs paid below the median wage is extended from 12 to 24 months.

All the above applies including

Changes to requirements apply up to the middle of 2022.

INZ will provide an update as soon as an exact date is confirmed.