Changes to work visas taking place over next 18 months

The Minister of Immigration recently announced future changes to work visas. These changes will take place progressively over the next 18 months.

In the meantime, the visa application process remains the same and there are no changes to the status of current work visas.

While specific details of the new policies are yet to be fully designed, a summary of currently available information is on our website and will be updated as policy details come to hand.

What is changing

Among the changes announced by the Minister are:

• a new temporary work visa that replaces six existing work visa categories
• a new employer-led visa application process
• a strengthened labour market test for lower paid jobs with open access for higher-paid jobs in rural regions and lists in cities
• new remuneration thresholds aligned to the median wage to determine skill level (in place of ANZSCO)
• an increased remuneration threshold for the new applications to Work to Residence - Talent (Accredited Employer) visa category
• sector agreements to facilitate access to migrants for targeted sectors
• reinstating the right for lower-paid workers to bring their families to New Zealand on visitor visas.

Details of the policies will be released on the Immigration New Zealand website as they come to hand.

Summary of Policy changes