New Zealand has launched some significant changes in its immigration policies, poised to impact both employers and migrants. As New Zealand ushers in the new year, significant changes are underway in the immigration landscape. These modifications aim to address various aspects, from expanding opportunities for certain roles to introducing measures against exploitation.
8 Key Immigration Changes
New Zealand has introduced several key immigration changes that impact various aspects of the immigration system. Here’s a summary of the significant modifications:
 1. Expansion of the Green List (Occupation List):
The green list outlined New Zealand labour market skill gaps for skilled migrants to come and gain permanent residence. Seventeen new roles have been added to the Green List, broadening the scope of occupations eligible for certain immigration pathways. This expansion aligns with the country’s evolving workforce needs.
This list consists of two tiers as follows:
Tier 1 occupations – This list grants immediate New Zealand residency via the ‘Straight to Residence’ pathway to employees under an accredited employer without prior work experience or history in New Zealand
Tier 2 occupations – This list grants New Zealand residency to employees after working for two years in New Zealand via the ‘Work to Residence’ pathway.
2. Changes to In-Study Work Rights for Students in New Zealand
Effective from October 9, 2023, New Zealand is implementing changes to the in-study work rights for students, aligning them with the new criteria for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. The key adjustments include:
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 Removal of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa References:
References to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in the in-study work instructions will be eliminated. Instead, the eligibility criteria will now be based on the qualification’s program level and type.
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Removal of ANZSCO Occupation Relevance Requirement:
References to the requirement for a course to be relevant to the ANZSCO occupation at skill levels 3-5 will be removed from the instructions. This broadens the eligibility criteria for in-study work rights.
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Eligibility Based on Qualification’s Program Level:
With these changes, all students enrolled in a full-time program leading to a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) will be eligible for in-study work rights. Notably, training schemes and micro-credentials, which are not classified as qualifications, remain ineligible for in-study work rights.
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Full-Time Study Requirement
Generally, students need to be enrolled in full-time study to qualify for a student visa and associated in-study work rights. However, there are exceptions for students who are:
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- Completing a course of study qualifying for points under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
- In their final semester of a program lasting at least 2 academic years.
- Level 4 Qualifications and Higher Eligibility
Immigration instructions will be updated to specify that all qualifications at Level 4 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) will be eligible for in-study work rights. This adjustment is crucial to maintain eligibility once the higher qualification threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa takes effect on October 9, 2023.
These changes aim to streamline and clarify the criteria for students seeking in-study work rights in New Zealand. By referencing the qualification’s program level and removing certain occupation-related requirements, the adjustments provide greater flexibility for students while maintaining alignment with the evolving Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa criteria.
3. Changes to the Median Wage
The New Zealand government recently revealed an increase in the median wage to NZD $31.61 an hour, effective from February 2024. Alterations to the median wage signify adjustments to the economic considerations of immigration. The annual increase of nearly $2 per hour ripples through various aspects:
Such changes impact visa eligibility, wage requirements, and overall economic dynamics.
All current wage rates in place will remain, including:
NZ$29.66 per hour for migrants employed on most AEWVs
NZ$26.16 per hour for AEWV holders covered by the Care Workforce Sector Agreement
Specific wage rates for other sector agreements and roles with exemptions to the median wage.
This increase represents a small but impactful step the government can take to alleviate inflationary pressures affecting the New Zealand public.
4. Revised Visa Application Fees
Visa application fees have undergone revisions, potentially reflecting the cost of processing and managing immigration applications. Applicants should be aware of these adjustments when planning their immigration journey.
5. The New Worker Protection Act
The Worker Protection Act is a new legislative measure designed to safeguard workers against exploitation. This new legislation comes into effect on January 6, 2024 in New Zealand. It is designed to strengthen immigration and employment laws to assist in protecting employees from exploitation. The act will amend the Immigration Act 2009, the Employment Relations Act 2000, and the Companies Act 1993 by introducing a fit-for-purpose offense and penalty regime to deter employers of temporary migrant workers from non-compliance with their obligations. The act also allows people convicted of migrant exploitation or people trafficking to be disqualified from managing or directing a company.
 6. Online Permanent Resident Visa Applications.
The introduction of online applications for permanent resident visas streamlines and modernizes the application process. The New Zealand government has initiated accepting online applications for the Permanent Resident Visa from January 2024. This move towards digital platforms enhances efficiency and accessibility for applicants.
You must apply for these visas online. Applying online reduces the need to supply physical copies of documents, such as passports. Once you have applied, you will be able to see the status of your application online
7. Global Growth Tech Residence Visa
A new visa category, the Global Growth Tech Residence Visa, has been introduced. This visa aims to attract skilled professionals in the technology sector, contributing to the growth and innovation of New Zealand’s tech industry.
8. Expansion of Roles in Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement
New roles have been added to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement, addressing workforce demands in these critical sectors. This expansion supports the growth and development of the construction industry.
The following roles will be added to the Sector Agreement early next year – more information is expected nearer the time:
- Driller’s Assistant (821912)
- Earthmoving Labourer (821113)
- Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211)
- Linemarker (721912)
- Machine Operators n.e.c (711999)
- Mechanic’s Assistant (899916)
- Road Traffic Controller (899923)
These changes collectively reflect New Zealand’s commitment to adapting its immigration system to evolving economic, technological, and social dynamics. Stakeholders, including migrants, employers, and educational institutions, should stay informed about these changes to navigate the immigration landscape effectively. Regular updates from official sources will provide clarity on the implementation and impact of these modifications.
How Can We Help You?
Are you looking to explore one of these pathways to relocate to New Zealand? Then Let Havens Travel and Tour work with you to achieve this goal. We are a travel company with experienced experts who can guide you through the process of relocation to New Zealand. Our team at Havens Travel and Tour understands the intricacies of immigration procedures and is dedicated to assisting you in navigating the various pathways available for relocation.
Whether you are considering options such as work visas, study visas, or exploring the potential for permanent residency, we offer comprehensive services to make your relocation journey seamless. Our experienced professionals stay updated with the latest immigration policies, ensuring that you receive accurate and timely guidance.
At Havens Travel and Tour, we pride ourselves on providing personalized assistance and tailoring our services to meet your specific needs and aspirations. Our commitment is to make your dream of relocating to New Zealand a reality, and we strive to simplify the complex processes involved.
