12 Month Stand Down Period Announced for New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa Holders6/21/2023 Effective November 2023, the government will implement a new policy for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), introducing a maximum continuous stay of five years for individuals who do not have a clear pathway to residence. Those who do not meet the educational, qualification, occupation, or wage thresholds required for skilled residence pathways will be required to depart New Zealand for a period of 12 months before being eligible to apply for another AEWV.
The duration of other temporary visas, such as the Post Study Work Visa or Working Holiday Visa, will not contribute towards the five-year maximum continuous stay limit for AEWV holders. In line with this adjustment, the maximum duration of the Accredited Employer Work Visa will be extended from three years to five years, effective from November 2023. This extension will apply to new visa applications, while current visa holders will have the opportunity to apply for an additional visa, allowing them to remain in New Zealand for a total of up to five years (including the time already spent on an AEWV). Please note that this announcement represents the initial information provided by the Minister of Immigration, and further details will be made available in the upcoming months.
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A new simplified points system is set to be introduced for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa on October 9, 2023. The implementation of this new approach will offer a quicker pathway to residency for individuals occupying high-skilled positions, while also providing a clear route to residence for those who work in Aotearoa New Zealand for a certain duration.
These modifications aim to bring greater certainty to migrants and employers regarding the eligibility criteria for temporary work in New Zealand and permanent residency. Consequently, individuals will be able to make more informed decisions about their future plans. The revised SMC program works in conjunction with the Green List and Sector Agreement residence pathways, offering distinct residence options based on an individual's occupation, qualifications, or wage. According to the new system, all applicants for the SMC must either possess a job offer or be currently employed in a position that pays at least the median wage for occupations classified at ANZSCO skill level 1-3, or 1.5 times the median wage for occupations classified at ANZSCO skill level 4-5. Additionally, applicants need to accumulate a minimum of six points to be eligible. These points can be earned through various means, including New Zealand occupational registration, recognized qualifications, or income (which can contribute three to six points), as well as one point per year of work in a skilled job within New Zealand, up to a maximum of three points. The existing age limit, English language proficiency, health, and character requirements for residence applications will remain unchanged. As part of these changes, the Highly Paid Residence Visa will be integrated into the SMC program, eliminating its status as a separate category. Efforts will be made to process straightforward SMC applications, containing all the necessary information, within a timeframe of six to eight weeks. There will be no limit on the number of individuals who can obtain residence provided they meet the required skills threshold. The last draw for applications under the current SMC policy are set to take place in August. To speak with a licensed immigration adviser about how these changes may affect you and potential residence pathways, book a consultation today with Easy Visa to explore your options. |
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