1. All existing employer- assisted temporary work visas who are currently in New Zealand and are holding a visa expiring before 31 December 2020, have had their visa extended by six months.
2. The 12 month ‘stand-down’ period for lower paid workers who are holding an employer assisted work visa has been delayed. This time-limited change will allow the lower skill worker (with their visa expiring between August 2020 and December 2020) to work for the same employer, in the same position, and location for a further six months in align with 1. The stand-down period remains if a migrant worker who is subject to the stand-down period moves to another Essential Skills Work Visa (low skilled).
3. All new lower-paid Essential Skills Work Visas will be granted for a period of six months (not 12 months) to help INZ mitigate future labour market risks. This will apply to all new lower-paid Essential Skills Work Visas applied to INZ from 10 July 2020.
It is now official. From 27 July 2020, ANZSCO will no longer be used. The national medium wage (currently at $25.50 per hour) will be used to assess whether a position is lower or higher skill. Any position paid below the national medium wage will need to include a Skills Match Report (SMR) from the Ministry of Social Development.
This is only a short term relief for many of you. Please feel free to contact immigration@tp.co.nz to discuss your current immigration situation and to start your visa application process now.