Clearly specified experience and/or education requirements:
If the specialty is not on the Green List or does not pay double the median salary (the current median is NZ$31.61 per hour), then you must have:
– or at least 3 years of officially confirmed work experience in the specialty
– or education at least level 4 according to the New Zealand standard
Minimum English level requirements:
If your job is an ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5 (usually low-skilled positions), you will need to provide IELTS 4.0 English language test results or equivalent.
If your job is an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3, there is no requirement to provide test results.
Shortened work periods for low-skilled specialists:
If your job is at Skill Level 4 or 5 under ANZSCO, you will be able to apply for a work visa for 2 years with the possibility of extension for another 1 year with an additional Job Check (checking whether there are locals for this position). After a total maximum period of 3 years, you will need to leave New Zealand for a minimum of 12 months before applying for a new work visa.
The special category for bus and truck drivers is being closed:
There was a separate subcategory for them, but now they will be held on a general basis, like the rest.
Green List Changes:
The following will immediately be added to the Straight to Residence category with the possibility of applying for residency: High School Teachers, Aviation Engineers, Marine Designers, System Administrators, Technical Engineers, Aviation Maintenance Engineers. In the Work to Residence category, where you need to work for 2 years for residency, they will add: Prison Officers.
Previously they wanted to add welders and some other specialists, but so far they have decided not to do this.
The Green List can be viewed here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/qualifications-for-work/green-list-occupations
View ANZSCO lists here: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/anzsco-australian-and-new-zealand-standard-classification-occupations/2022/browse-classification
Source 1: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv
Source 2: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-work-to-residence-and-occupations-on-the-green-list
Source 3: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/secondary-school-teachers-moving-to-the-straight-to-residence-pathway
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