Navigating New Zealand’s Work Visa Requirements: Essential Insights for Employers and Migrants

May 6, 2024

In the intricate world of immigration, ensuring that work visa applications are decision-ready upon submission to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is paramount for both employers and migrants. The stakes are high, and the process is nuanced. Understanding the specific requirements for roles and visa applications can be the difference between a smooth transition and a costly, time-consuming decline and recourse. Here, we outline crucial steps for success in the New Zealand immigration landscape.

For Employers: Understanding and Meeting Job Check Requirements

New Zealand employers looking to hire migrant workers face a critical first step: correctly identifying the skill level of the role they wish to fill. This classification not only affects the immediate hiring process but also determines the intricacies of compliance with INZ standards.

Skill Level Classification Matters

Roles classified as Skill Level 4-5 carry different requirements from those classified as Skill Level 1-3. Misclassification or a failure to adhere to the eligibility requirements can lead to application decline. Therefore, understanding and correctly applying these classifications is not merely administrative; it’s critical.

The Imperatives for Skill Levels 4-5

• Before inviting a candidate to apply for an AEWV, employers are obligated to ensure that the individual satisfies the skill requirements stipulated by Immigration NZ (INZ), including a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, and possesses the skills and experience outlined in the Job Check. This condition is applicable to all future Job Checks. INZ mandates that employers keep precise records of this verification process and holds them accountable for its accuracy, whether they perform these checks personally or delegate them to a third party, such as a recruitment agency. Non-compliance could result in the suspension of the employer’s accreditation.
• Also starting from 7 April 2024, individuals applying for a new AEWV for a role categorized under ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 in New Zealand, and earning at or above the median wage, will be eligible for a visa with a maximum duration of two years. An additional year may be requested through a new Job Check. For these employees, upon reaching the maximum permitted stay in New Zealand without qualifying for residency, they must exit New Zealand for a 12-month period before they are eligible to apply for another AEWV.
• Employers aiming to recruit for positions at ANZSCO level 4 and 5 are now obliged to advertise these roles for 21 days, instead of the previously required 14 days. They must also liaise with Work and Income and justify within the Job Check the reasons for not employing any New Zealand citizens or residents who applied.

The rationale here is clear: INZ requires evidence that significant effort has been made to fill the role domestically before looking towards migrants. Skipping these steps, or cutting corners, will more than likely end in application denial.

For Migrants: Ensuring Your Application Is Decision-Ready

For migrants aspiring to work in New Zealand, the clarity of understanding around visa requirements is just as crucial. Two key areas stand out: language proficiency and skill level evidence.

The English Language Requirement

Applicants for roles classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 are now required to demonstrate proficiency in English to qualify for an AEWV. Eligibility can be established through the applicant’s nationality, their work and study history, or by passing an approved English language test. Acceptable tests include the IELTS (General or Academic), where a minimum score of 4 is necessary, or the Pearson (PTE Academic), with a required overall minimum score of 29.

Demonstrating Skill Level

Starting from 7 April 2024, applicants for the AEWV must fulfill minimum criteria specified by INZ, which could exceed both the requirements for the worker and those identified in the Job Check. It will be employers responsibility to verify that your worker satisfies these criteria. Except for positions that align with the Green List or offer a salary at least twice the median wage, all candidates are now expected to possess either a minimum of three years of work experience or a relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher. Any qualifications below a bachelor’s degree must be pertinent and include an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

The Path Forward

For both employers and migrants, the message is clear: preparation, understanding, and compliance are the keys to navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s work visa process smoothly. For employers, this means diligent attention to job classification and the advertising process. For migrants, it involves meticulous preparation of personal documentation, from language proficiency to skill demonstration.

In the world of New Zealand immigration, being decision-ready is more than preparation; it’s a strategy for success. Whether you’re an employer looking to enrich your team with international talent or a migrant ready to start your New Zealand adventure, understanding these requirements is your first step forward.

Migration is a pathway paved with challenges, but with the right guidance, achieving a successful application outcome is within reach. Engaging with professional immigration consultants can provide the expertise needed to steer through these complex processes effectively. Remember, in the realm of immigration, knowledge is not just power—it’s progress.