Changes to new zealand immigration and working visa requirements

New Zealand's immigration and working visa requirements have undergone several changes in recent years. Here are some of the key changes:

2020 Changes:

  1. Skilled Migrant Category: The Skilled Migrant Category has been replaced by the Skilled Work Visa, which is a points-based system that assesses applicants' skills, qualifications, and work experience.
  2. Work to Residence: The Work to Residence visa has been replaced by the Skilled Work Visa, which allows workers to live and work in New Zealand for up to 30 months before applying for residence.
  3. Essential Skills Work Visa: The Essential Skills Work Visa has been introduced to fill labor gaps in specific industries, such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
  4. International Student Graduates: International student graduates can now apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows them to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years to gain work experience.

2019 Changes:

  1. Points-Based System: The Skilled Migrant Category has been replaced by a points-based system, which assesses applicants' skills, qualifications, and work experience.
  2. New Zealand Qualifications: Applicants must now have a New Zealand qualification or equivalent to be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Category visa.
  3. Language Requirements: Applicants must now demonstrate a higher level of English language proficiency to be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Category visa.

2018 Changes:

  1. Work Visa Fees: Work visa fees have increased for some categories, including the Essential Skills Work Visa and the Skilled Migrant Category.
  2. Job Offers: Applicants must now have a job offer in New Zealand to be eligible for a Work to Residence visa.
  3. Residence: The Residence from Work visa has been replaced by the Skilled Migrant Category, which allows workers to apply for residence after living and working in New Zealand for 2 years.

Other Changes:

  1. Border Exception: New Zealand has introduced a border exception policy, which allows certain workers to enter the country without a visa, including those in the healthcare and technology sectors.
  2. Digital Nomads: New Zealand has introduced a new visa category for digital nomads, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 12 months.
  3. Regional Migration: New Zealand has introduced a regional migration policy, which aims to attract workers to regions outside of Auckland.

It's essential to note that immigration policies and requirements are subject to change, and applicants should always check the official government website or consult with a licensed immigration adviser for the most up-to-date information.