The government of New Zealand has announced important changes to its visa policies, making it easier for immigrants to live and work in the country. These updates aim to simplify immigration requirements, provide more job opportunities, and address the growing need for workers in specific industries.
One of the most significant changes is a reduction in the work experience requirement. Immigrants now need only two years of work experience instead of three to qualify for certain visas. This change is expected to help more people find employment in New Zealand without unnecessary hurdles.
Another major update includes adjustments to visa types and their durations. Skilled workers can now apply for a three-year multi-entry visa, while less-skilled workers are eligible for a seven-month single-entry visa. These changes are designed to ensure a steady supply of workers to meet labor demands effectively.
Employers also benefit from the new rules. The salary thresholds for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPWV) have been lowered. Companies now only need to advertise job openings and offer competitive market salaries rather than adhering to strict pre-set salary limits. This makes it easier for employers to hire workers while ensuring fair pay for employees.
For immigrants planning to bring their families, a minimum annual income of 55,844 New Zealand dollars is required. This threshold, which has been in place since 2019, ensures that families can afford the living expenses in New Zealand.
Additionally, the visa duration for jobs categorized under skill levels 4 and 5 has been extended from two years to three years. Workers already holding a two-year visa can apply for a one-year extension. Employers hiring for these roles no longer need to follow a mandatory 21-day recruitment period. Instead, they only need to advertise positions and conduct interviews to show genuine efforts to hire locally.
These updates reflect New Zealand’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers while supporting businesses and the economy. The changes are expected to create more opportunities for workers and make the immigration process simpler and fairer for everyone.
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