New Zealand has recently reduced the work experience requirement for migrants from three years to two. This change is expected to benefit Indian workers, who bring valuable skills to New Zealand’s labor market.
“This is a step towards simplifying access for skilled migrants while meeting employer demands,” said a spokesperson for Immigration New Zealand.
Key Updates to New Zealand Visa Policies
New Zealand has introduced several updates to its visa and employment policies to address labor shortages and attract skilled workers. These include:
New Pathways for Seasonal Workers
- Three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
- Seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.
These visas cater to seasonal labor demands, especially in industries like agriculture and horticulture.
Salary Requirements Modified
- The median pay criterion for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) has been scrapped.
- Employers must now pay market rates based on the role and location.
- AEWV holders bringing their children to New Zealand must still meet the minimum income requirement of NZ$55,844 annually (unchanged since 2019).
Extended Visa Durations
- Skill level 4 and 5 jobs under ANZSCO now have an extended visa period from two years to three years.
- Current employees with two-year visas can apply for a one-year extension.
| ANZSCO Skill Level | Examples of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Skill Level 4 | Clerical staff, sales assistants, technicians, care workers |
| Skill Level 5 | Farm laborers, factory workers, kitchenhands, fast food workers |
Simplified Recruitment and Training Rules
- The 21-day recruitment period previously required for skill level 4 and 5 jobs has been removed.
- Employers must only show genuine efforts to hire locally.
- Accredited employers are no longer required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online training modules.
Construction Industry Support
- The domestic workforce requirement has been lowered from 35% to 15% to address labour shortages.
Interim Work Rights and Student Visa Transitions
- From April 2025, migrants transitioning from student or other work visas to AEWV will receive interim work rights while their visa is processed.
Post-Study Work Visa Benefits for Indian Students
- Indian students completing a Master’s degree after a Postgraduate Diploma can now work in New Zealand for up to three years.
Indians in New Zealand
- The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand.
- The Indian population in New Zealand has increased 22% since 2018, reaching 292,092 in 2023.
- By 2025-end, the Indian population is projected to be 328,800.
FAQs
1. Who benefits from New Zealand’s reduced work experience requirement?
Migrants, particularly skilled workers from India, benefit from this change as they now only need two years of work experience instead of three.
2. What are the new visa options for seasonal workers?
New Zealand has introduced two seasonal worker visas:
- A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
- A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.
3. How have salary requirements changed for work visas?
The median pay requirement has been removed, and employers must now pay market rates based on job role and location.
4. What are the new visa durations for lower-skilled jobs?
Skill level 4 and 5 jobs now qualify for three-year visas, and current visa holders can apply for a one-year extension.
5. How has the recruitment process changed for employers?
Employers no longer need to advertise jobs for 21 days before hiring migrants for skill level 4 or 5 jobs. They just need to show a genuine attempt to hire locally.
6. What changes impact international students in New Zealand?
- Students transitioning to an AEWV from April 2025 will receive interim work rights.
- Indian students who complete a Master’s after a Postgraduate Diploma can work in New Zealand for up to three years.
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand, these updates provide greater flexibility and opportunities for skilled workers and students. Stay informed and prepare accordingly!
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Sachin is an experienced writer with a strong background in education-related content. With years of expertise in creating informative and engaging material, he covers topics such as teaching strategies, educational technology, and learning methodologies. His work aims to inspire both educators and learners, reflecting his deep understanding of the evolving education landscape.
