What are the key changes?

1. Increasing the minimum base salary for a work to residence visa, from $55,000 to $79,560.

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2. Removing the option to get a permanent resident visa after two years of holding a work to residence visa, with a salary of more than $90,000.

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• Employees will still be able to acquire standard residence but will need to continue living in New Zealand for a further two years to acquire a permanent resident visa.

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3. Limiting employer accreditation to 24 months.

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• From 7 October 2019 Immigration New Zealand will only grant employers accredited status for two years, rather than five.

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Who will be impacted?

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• Accredited employers looking to support employees through the work to residence visa pathway; and
   

• Individuals working for accredited employers who earn at least $55,000 but have not yet applied for a work to residence visa.

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Our advice

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If you are earning between $55,000 and $79,560 and have not yet applied for a work to residence visa, we recommend you do so before 6 October 2019.

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Questions?

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Please get in touch with one of our experts today.

Author

Thought Leadership