New Zealand’s Immigration Rebalance Plan
(correct as of 21 December 2022)
The New Zealand government announced in 2022 they are rebalancing the immigration system to support its plan for a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy, as it moves to fully reconnect with the world following Covid-19 restrictions.
The Immigration Rebalance Plan has been designed to make it easier to attract and hire high-skilled migrants, while supporting some sectors to transition to more productive and resilient ways of operating, instead of relying on lower-skilled migrant workers. It will make it easier to fill genuine skills gaps, where New Zealanders can’t be found. For highly skilled workers in a global shortage, it will ensure New Zealand is an attractive destination, with fast tracked pathways to residence and simplified application processes.
There have been a number of changes in 2022. The Accredited Employer Work Visa replaces 6 work visas, and may possibly be the most commonly held work type visa in the future.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa offers: more certainty about the job you’re applying for; confidence the employer meets New Zealand’s employment laws and standards; a more streamlined and transparent visa application process; and increased certainty earlier in the visa application process.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, a common route to gain residency to New Zealand and previously suspended for some time while New Zealand borders were shut, is open for applications again. The points-based system is designed to prioritise those applicants who: have skills in demand; have skilled employment; or offers of skilled employment in New Zealand. Points required increased from 160 to 180 in November 2022. Notice has been given that settings for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will likely change in 2023.
There are new residency pathways to address critical shortage in highly skilled or high in demand occupations. Three new visas have been introduced, the Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa and Highly Paid Residence Visa. To be eligible for these visas (in addition to further visa criteria), you must be employed in an occupation listed on the “Green List” or be in a highly paid job.
This is a time of change in immigration in New Zealand. Many other visas not listed here have undergone minor criteria and regulation changes as well. We can expect further future changes as a result the Immigration Rebalance Plan.