Changes to essential skills work visas – what do they mean?

The government has announced changes to the essential skills work visas . The following outlines what these changes might mean for you or your employees.

When will the changes happen?

28 August 2017

What are the main changes?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is introducing remuneration bands for work visas. The remuneration bands will affect how long applicants can stay and whether their families can stay too.

How long are essential skills visas currently granted for?

This depends on the skill level of the job.

If the job matches with an occupation that is ranked at Level 1, 2 or 3 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) then a work visa is granted for at least three years. The work visa can continually be renewed.