Extension of Employer Accreditation status

12-month automatic extension

All accredited employers will have their first approval period extended by 12 months, provided they first applied for accreditation status by 4 July 2023.

This means that all current accredited employers have had a further 12-month validity added to their status, and those who apply between now and 4 July 2023 will be granted a 24-month period of validity.

It remains unclear whether this also covers Triangular Employer and Franchisee accreditation status.

Employers with these forms of accreditation were intended to receive a maximum of 12 months per application, compared to Standard and High-Volume accreditations that were to be valid for 12 months initially and thereafter 24 months on each renewal.

Expansion of Accreditation System

The government’s intention during 2023 was to implement a broad requirement for all employers of migrants, even those on open work visas to be accredited employers.

This intention has now been deferred to 2024.

Green List Changes to Tier 1 Occupations

Several changes were detailed including the addition of three occupations to Tier 1 of the Green List, effective from 15 December, 2022.

• Midwives
• Registered Nurses
• Medical Doctors that are not currently listed under Tier 1.
• Auditors will be added in March 2023 to the Tier 1 group.

Tier 1 occupations allow certain migrants with current employment or an offer of employment in that occupation to qualify for the Straight to Residence pathway.

Applicants must meet any qualification, registration or remuneration thresholds as stipulated for their occupation in order to qualify for residence (in addition to English language, health and character requirements).

Green List Changes to Tier 2 Occupations

In addition to the widening of Tier 1 occupations, it was also announced that additional occupational groups will be added to the Tier 2 group from March 2023.

• Civil Construction Supervisors Gasfitters
• Drainlayers Skilled Crane Operators
• Skilled Civil Machine Operators Halal Slaughterers
• Skilled Motor Mechanics Skilled Telecommunications Technicians
• Primary School Teachers All secondary teachers not already included

Migrants in these occupations (along with the existing Tier 2 occupations) will be able to apply for residence after working in their skilled occupation for at least 24 months in New Zealand.

Applicants must meet any qualification, registration or remuneration thresholds as stipulated for their occupation throughout the 24-month period, in addition to meeting English language, health and character requirements.

Critical Purpose Visitor Visa Holders

Those critical workers who came to New Zealand on 12-month Critical Purpose Visitor Visas, and who have remained in the same role, will be eligible for a three-year Specific Purpose or Event work visa.

This will require the holder to still be on their Critical Purpose Visitor Visa, be working in the same role and are being paid at least the same rate as when they applied for their Critical Purpose Visitor Visa.

Post Study Work Visa holders

Those people who held a Post Study Work Visa after studying in New Zealand but were unable to use the visa due to the border closures will be able to apply for a 12-month open work visa, if they have not already travelled to New Zealand on another visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require immigration support. Visit www.advisa.co.nz or email info@advisa.co.nz

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Steve and the Global Team at Advisa