Green list and other New Zealand immigration changes

Green List and other New Zealand Immigration Changes

Numerous modifications to immigration settings in New Zealand have been declared by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Immigration Michael Wood last week.

Straight to Residence pathway

Registered nurses and midwives will move from the Work to Residence to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway from 15 December 2022. Every medical doctor will likewise be integrated onto the Straight to Residence pathway.

Auditors will also be included in the Straight to Residence Green List pathway from March 2023.

Work to Residence pathway

From March 2023, it was also revealed that the below mentioned professions will be included into the Work to Residence Green List pathway:

• Drain layers
• Skilled crane operators
• Skilled civil machine operators
• Civil construction supervisors
• Gasfitters
• Halal slaughterers
• Skilled motor mechanics
• Skilled telecommunications technicians
• All secondary school teachers (in addition to the specializations already on the Green List)
• Primary school teachers

The Green List will be again re-evaluated in mid-2023.

Open Work Visa for individuals who were not able to utilise Post Study Visas in 2020–2021

People who were in possession of a Post Study Work Visa but could not use it because of the border closing in March 2020 will be qualified for a 12-month Open Work Visa if they’re not presently in New Zealand on another visa.

Pathway for holders of Critical Purpose Visitor Visas who continue in the same position

The government is launching a simplified Specific Purpose Work Visa that can be applied for by long-term critical workers that will allow them to stay in their current position for up to three years.

The application process will be simplified, so all that is required in terms of employment-related information is a letter from the applicant’s employer attesting to the fact that they are still employed in the same capacity and under the same (or better) terms as those stipulated in the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa application.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) employer accreditation extension

If an employer applies for their first accreditation by July 4, 2023, their accreditations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa will automatically be renewed by 12 months.

As we approach 2023, this one-time extension will give companies assurance that they will continue to have access to skilled labour without incurring additional costs or dealing with the hassle of having to reapply for accreditation.

The accreditation system will not be expanded until 2024 to include all immigrants, including those with unrestricted work rights. The government can move forward with other priorities, including as the evaluation of the skilled immigrant category and family and partnership immigration arrangements, thanks to the delay.

Sector Agreement for bus and truck drivers

Through a sector agreement, bus and truck drivers will have a temporary residence pathway. In developing the agreement, officials will confer with members of the transport sector.