Temporary work visa pathways closed as New Zealand prepares for new visa program

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration New Zealand recently closed three visa pathways in preparation for a new Accredited Employer Work Visa that will be launched on Nov. 1, 2021.

Key Points:

• Employers are no longer able to apply for or renew statuses as of June 30 for the following categories:
  • Accredited Employer (Talent – Accredited Employer).
  • Labor Hire Accreditation (Essential Skills).
  • Approval in Principle (Essential Skills).
• Employers can still support work visa applications under the Essential Skills and existing accreditation work visa category until Oct. 31.
• Employers who do not intend to use accreditation or approval in principle from now until Oct. 31 should wait to apply for accreditation under the new system.
• Employers who already employ migrants on temporary work visas do not need to keep their accreditation active for the visas’ duration.
• Initial information on the new Accredited Employer Work Visa can be found here; however, the policy is subject to change until its implementation date.

Additional Information: INZ will continue to accept temporary work visas including Essential Skills and Talent Work to Residence visas until Oct. 31. Migrants holding a current temporary work visa are not affected by the aforementioned changes. Existing accredited employers will not be able to utilize the streamlined pathway into the new scheme.

BAL Analysis: The changes to temporary work visas are designed to help regions and businesses find qualified workers while ensuring New Zealanders have priority in the job market. Additionally, the changes intend to protect migrant workers’ rights and place increased responsibility on the employer throughout the application process.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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