On 9 May 2022, INZ has granted multiple entry open work visas valid from 9 May 2022 until two years from the expiry date of the previous visa to workers in New Zealand holding one of the following visas expiring between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (inclusive). These new open work visas below will allow the holder to work for any employer anywhere in New Zealand:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Post Study Work Visa
- Partner of a NZ Work Visa
- Eligible Ukraine nationals
granted a temporary visa
on 10 March 2022
Family members (partners and dependent children) of the new open work visa holders who are already in New Zealand and held a relationship-based visa have also been granted new visas valid from 9 May 2022 until two years from the expiry date of the previous visa.
On 9 May 2022, holders of all Work to Residence visas in New Zealand whose visas are expiring between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (inclusive) were extended by six months.
Family members (partners and dependent children) of the above work to residence visa holders who are already in New Zealand and held a relationship-based visa have also been granted new visas valid from 9 May 2022 until six months from the expiry date of the previous visa.
Online visa applications will reopen for visitors applying from Pacific Islands Forum countries from 16 May 2022.
The Essential Skills Work Visa will close to applications on 3 July 2022.
All work visa categories, including the new Accredited Employer Work Visa, will open for applications on 4 July 2022.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa that is being introduced on 4 July 2022, will be available mainly to workers earning over the median wage. From 4 July the median wage will be $27.76 per hour.
The New Zealand border will be fully reopened by 1 August 2022.
On 1 August 2022, the maritime border will reopen, as will applications for student and visitor visas.
A new Green List of occupations has been introduced that will make it easier for employers to hire and attract migrants for specified high-skilled, hard-to-fill occupations, including in the construction, engineering, trades, health, and ICT sectors. Nonetheless, for certain roles within sectors such construction, care, tourism and hospitality, transition arrangements have been made to allow recruiting at rates slightly lower than median wage.
From September 2022, streamlined pathways to residence for migrants in Green List occupations or paid twice the median wage would be introduced.
From December 2022, most partners of temporary migrant workers will need to qualify for their own AEWV or Visitor Visa.
In 2023, INZ will require all employers to be accredited to employ any migrant, including those with open work rights (such as working holidaymakers or students).
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