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You can now apply online to transfer a visa or lodge a Parent Residence Visa expression of interest.

 

Check out https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/new-online-forms-for-visa-transfers-and-parent-resident-visa-expressions-of-interest

 
For individualized immigration advice engage a Licensed Immigration Adviser.

 

The age limit for the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program has increased to 35 years old. The increase in age will also be available for young Australian travellers going to the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme.

 

Check out: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/dreaming-of-a-working-holiday-the-maximum-age-limit-for-this-destination-is-set-to-increase/107gnq0uh

 

For individualized immigration advice engage a Licensed Immigration Adviser.

Partners of New Zealand work visa holders will soon only be able to work for an Accredited Employer and, unless specifically exempt, must be paid at the median pay rate. This change affects work visa applications lodged from 1st June 2023 when the category is based on their partner holding an Essential Skills or Accredited Employer work visa.

Before discussing what this rule change means, let’s first break down what “median wage” means compared to other wage terms.

Median Wage

Presently $29.66 and renewed annually, it is the middle point of the current pay rate range across all fields in New Zealand.

Average Wage

The average rate is calculated by adding the salaries for a select group of employees and dividing that sum by the number of employees in that group. It is at the middle of the pay rate, the market rate determined by supply and demand.

Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates are set by the government and are reviewed annually. The legislated minimum wage in New Zealand is $22.70 per hour for adults aged 16 and over. This amount came into effect as of 1st April 2023.

It is worth noting that there are different minimum wage amounts for 16-19-year-olds “starting out” in the workforce and for apprentices doing approved industry training programmes. These do not apply to the general population.

partners of work visa holders picture showing immigration stamp

Immigration New Zealand Ahead of the Game 

For decades Immigration New Zealand (INZ), ahead of many other immigration services, recognised the various forms of partnership relationships, including same-sex and de facto relationships. This is an acceptance and recognition of diversity within marriage-like unions.

INZ has previously accepted the importance of the relationship between work visa holders and their partners, and of the contribution the temporary workforce makes to the economy and fostering a more diverse society, regardless of visa category.

Employers consider this category’s availability in the workforce as an added bonus to those they actively recruit offshore through the Accredited Employer category.

Until now, partners of work visa holders have been able to gain work visas and work for any employer at the going pay rate. Like their Essential Skills and Accredited Employer partners, they bring unique skills and experiences to the table. In particular, this has been invaluable to the healthcare industry and for part-time and casual roles providing additional flexibility for employers and filling surplus vacancies.

Accredited Employers

The need to be an Accredited Employer to employ work visa holders was introduced in July 2022. Accreditation ensures businesses wishing to hire work visa holders are viable (read bonafide), financially sound, tax-paying operations not in the commercial sex industry, with good employment practices. INZ have signalled they will monitor and enforce the Employer Accreditation obligations, thus providing a safety net for those vulnerable to migrant exploitation.

Implications Of The Wage Rate Rule Change

The wage rate rule change isn’t inclusive or good for our reputation; it’s reactive and reduces global competitiveness. The limitation of work opportunities for partners may influence whether the principal work visa holder chooses to come to New Zealand over other countries such as Australia, Canada, or the USA.

Limiting employment to an Accredited Employer is understandable, but insisting pay is at the median wage doesn’t support our society’s family-friendly stance, further reduces the active labour force and, ultimately, may make New Zealand a less desirable place for all.


Do you need advice about this rule change and how it affects you? Contact Mary


Heartland Immigration sends you greetings of good will with wishes for a peaceful holiday season.
 
The office is closed between 22 December and 16 January 2022.  
 
Incoming INZ communications and Advisers phones will be monitored for urgent action.
 
Happy Christmas!

Autumn 2022 is here along with a Covid outbreak, and my special gratitude goes to those who care for the sick and ensure virtual supplies and services are maintained.

Balancing staffing, sickness and shortages can be overwhelming.  For visa-related matters let Heartland Immigration figure it out.

Visa Restrictions
Are easing as outlined in an earlier newsletter, and in the case of tourists, this has been accelerated to the first of May whereby visitors from countries, with which New Zealand holds a visa waiver agreement, are able to enter New Zealand.  This is positive for the tourist and hospitality industries, and wonderful for reunions of family and friends with many of those folk looking forward to that first cuddle with a grandbaby.  

However, many migrants working in New Zealand continue to wait for permission for their immediate family to arrive so that they too may be reunited with their families.

Higher earners and other categories of workers are eligible for critical visas; however, the general prohibition of lodging visa applications offshore remains in force.  

Thank goodness that Working Holiday Visa applicants can now apply to work in New Zealand as these young folk have the ability to fill labour and skill shortages and will provide some relief to the staffing challenges many of us face. Eligible nationals are from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the USA.

Watch out for further acceleration of border restrictions and remember the devil is in the details.

2021 Residence Visa applications
Huge numbers of Phase 2 applications have been lodged with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the folk at Heartland Immigration remain busy lodging more applications.  

Don’t be concerned if your 2021 Residence Visa application is yet to be lodged as the opportunity exists until July 2022 and processing at INZ doesn’t begin until April 2022, whereby allocation will be based on the availability of Immigration Officers and the expiry of the applicant’s work visa.  

Be prepared to wait.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
I am mindful that employers may, at the very least, sigh heavily at my reminder of employer accreditation.  Be assured that this has been at the forefront of my mind as INZ remains committed to the implementation of a three-check work visa process.  They are however yet to publicize the instructions and provide the application form.

The first check of the three-step process for employers supporting work visa applicants from 4 July 2022 is to hold employer accreditation.  While the second check is a new method to determine if New Zealanders are available, while we know about these shortages, INZ won’t be convinced without specific evidence for the various roles in the different locations.  The third AEWV step is the migrant check whereby a work visa application is made.

Employers, we will be contacting you in April to start your business-specific journey to become an AEWV Accredited Employer.  

Onshore work visas
Automatic work visas will be provided to those who have lodged 2021 Residence Visa applications.  Other categories of work visa holders should consider bringing forward the work visa renewals to avoid being caught in the transition to the AEWV regime. 

Check expiry dates of work visas along with those of family members now.

Keep safe 

Mary Noonan
Managing Director

Disclaimer: Mary Noonan is Heartland Immigration Ltd’s Managing Director. Her views expressed in this article are not intended to replace the professional service provided to individual migrants by a Licensed or Registered Immigration Adviser or Migration Agent.


From nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and USA.

For personalised service use a Licensed Immigration Adviser or for more details visit:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions/when-you-can-apply-for-a-working-holiday-visa