Blog - Category: Skilled Migrant residency
Changes to immigration regulations and visa criteria
(Correct as at 09 October 2023)
This is a shortened summary of some of the changes to the immigration regulations. It is meant as a helpful guide and is not meant to be exhaustive or complete. Many other visas not listed here have also undergone minor criteria and regulation changes as well. If you are not sure how your personal situation meets current visa criteria, please contact me.
As a part of the government’s Immigration Rebalance plan which was introduced in 2022, changes continue to be made in the immigration space.
Traditionally, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) has been the most common pathway to obtain residency for migrants. In the past year, this visa has undergone a period of consultation, followed by a complete revision of the points-based system.
From 9 October 2023, to be eligible for the SMC you must have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand and 6 points (as opposed to 180 points in the previous system). Points are awarded for qualifications; professional registrations; meeting wage thresholds; and skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has been in place for approximately a year now, and small changes have recently been made, including the removal of a 90 day trial period that was previously a requirement of employment for some employers.
The Green List, which is a list of skilled and in demand occupations, continues to have occupations added to it, providing further opportunities for migrants. The Green List is relevant to two visas which offer fast-tracked pathways to residency.
There are new residency pathways for Care Workers, and specific occupations in the transport, construction and infrastructure sectors.
A welcome change has been made to Parent Category visas. Previously only a single adult child or joint adult child and their partner could be considered to meet Parent Category sponsor income requirements. A change has been made to allow the income of two adult children to be considered to meet Parent Category sponsor income requirements.
Many visas have wage thresholds or criteria that are based on the median wage. The median wage is reviewed and adjusted annually. The new median of NZD$31.61 an hour will be adopted into the immigration system in February 2024.
Many visas have occupation criteria which involve the applicant requiring to have a specific qualification. Applicants who have an overseas qualification may need to have their qualification assessed, in order to establish their worth in relation to New Zealand qualifications and be formally recognised. The list of qualifications that do not require to be assessed, as undergone significant changes.
Immigration changes bring important changes and will open doors for some applicants – South Island Contribution Visa and Skilled Migrant route to residency – Rupert Ward – Immigration Barrister
Immigration changes bring important changes and will open doors for some applicants – South Island Contribution Visa and Skilled Migrant route to residency
Very recently Immigration have announced new changes to Skilled Migrant residency rules.
They bring exciting new opportunities for residency for those people who have been committed to the South Island – such as those helping with the Christchurch rebuild. You can read more about this new visa here. The changes will also change the points available to a number of Skilled Migrants.