What are the key changes?
1. Increasing the minimum base salary for a work to residence visa, from $55,000 to $79,560.
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.
-
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.
3. Limiting employer accreditation to 24 months.
-
From 7 October 2019 Immigration New Zealand will only grant employers accredited status for two years, rather than five.
Who will be impacted?
-
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.
Our advice
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.
Questions?
Please get in touch with one of our experts today.
Author
