Conditions for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visas, AEWVs updated

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The government of New Zealand has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa changes:

• Beginning Oct. 9, qualification requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will be replaced with a simplified points system that sets clear skills requirements for residence and offers several ways for individuals to demonstrate their skill level.
• More information regarding the new points system for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is available here.

Accredited Employer Work Visa changes:

• Individuals who are unable to show they are on a pathway to residence will be able to stay in New Zealand for up to five years on an AEWV.
• Individuals must live outside of New Zealand for at least 12 months if they have lived in New Zealand for five years continuously on an AEWV to be eligible to apply for another AEWV.
• Beginning in November 2023, the validity of AEWVs will be extended from three to five years to align with the introduction of the five-year maximum continuous stay limit for AEWV holders.

BAL Analysis: New Zealand authorities updated the conditions of the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and the AEWV to help support New Zealand’s economic growth and to provide more certainty to migrants and employers.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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