31 October 2021: This is the last day you can submit a Talent (Accredited Employer) or Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa application

Mid – 2022: The new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme will come into effect (unless changed again by Immigration) and the Essential Skills Work Visa Category will be scrapped

1 July 2022: The implementation of the stand-down period comes into place. The stand-down period requires people on lower-paid Essential Skills work visas to leave New Zealand after a certain amount of time before they can apply for another lower-paid work visa.