Update: Critical & Other Critical Workers

March 14, 2022

Reconnecting New Zealand is the Government’s plan to open the country’s borders in a phased manner. Effective 14 March 2022, the government has made some important changes.

Critical Workers

As part of step 2, critical workers earning 1.5 times the median wage (NZ$ 84,240 per year or NZ$ 40.50 an hour) for roles longer than 6 months may be eligible for a border exception. They do not need to show that their skills are not easily available in New Zealand. This means Labour Market need not be tested by prospective NZ employer. Partners and dependent children of these workers can apply for a visa.

Other Critical Workers

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made some changes to the 2021 Resident Visa instructions. The purpose of this is to update the requirements of Other Critical Workers.

To be eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa, Other Critical Workers’ role must be for more than 06 months and:

• Be paid at least NZ$ 1,08,060 per year OR
• The role must be essential for the completion or continuation of a science programme OR
• The role is crucial for the delivery or execution of an approved major infrastructure project OR
• if they applied before 14 March 2022, have a role essential in a government-approved event or major government-approved programme or in support of an approved government-to-government agreement OR
• Be a part of one of the following class of workers –
  • Mixed & large animal veterinarian
  • General practice veterinarians
  • Assistant Dairy Farm Manager or 2IC managerial roles, Dairy Herd Manager, Dairy Farm Assistants(NOTE: Only dairy farm assistants approved their visa as part of the first 200 cohort are eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa)
  • Early Learning Teachers and Primary/ Secondary school teachers
  • Port Crane Operators
  • Specialist tech sector worker
  • External Auditor

Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219.