Resident Pathways are back on the horizon!

Exciting transformations are on the horizon for those dreaming of making New Zealand their new home. Starting October 9, 2023, the immigration policy is set to undergo significant changes, and we're here to guide you through these updates and help you prepare for the journey ahead.

In general there are three residency pathways: Skilled Migrant Category(SMC)pathway, Green List pathway and Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreements pathway.

1.Introducing the New Six- Point Skilled Migrant Category System:

In this revamped points system, aspiring residents will now need to accrue a minimum of 6 points to be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. These points can be claimed based on your New Zealand occupational registration, qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), or income from your job or job offer (earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand).

- Wage Rate Requirements for Visas:

Wage rate requirements will play a crucial role in determining your eligibility. Your job or job offer must meet specific criteria related to working hours, wage levels, and contract duration to be considered a skilled job.

- Skilled Job Offer Criteria:

To qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, it's vital to secure a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. The job or job offer must be at least 30 hours per week, in an ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and paid at or above the median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and paid at or above 1.5 times the median wage, and on a permanent contract or fixed-term contract for at least 12 months.

- Some Requirements Remain Unchanged:

Certain vital requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa remain unchanged, including character, health, English language, and age requirements (you must be 55 years old or under).

- Application Process and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa:

There is no cap on the number of people who can obtain residence through this visa category, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Straightforward applications with all the necessary information will be decided within 6 to 8 weeks. If your current temporary visa expires during the application process, you will be granted a Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa, allowing you to stay and travel within New Zealand while your resident visa is being processed.

- Alternative Visa Options:

If you seek more certainty regarding your stay in New Zealand, you can explore options like applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa before your current visa expires.

2. Green List Pathway:

As for the Green list, all straight-to-residence applicants must have a job offer that meets the median wage or a specific occupation wage threshold. Please be aware that from when the skilled work experience was counted, you should meet the threshold of median wage which is now $29.66 per hour.

Work-to-residence visas are still available. For 24 months, you must have worked in a green list Tier 2 role and met your role’s Green List requirements. Please be noted that your employer must be an accredited employer, your salary meets the median wage or salary threshold, registration, professional membership or qualifications. Your job must be genuine, full time, permanent or fixed- term for at least 12 months. Work to residence is available to apply from 29 September 2023.

3. Care Workforce and Transport Agreements Pathway

A work to residence pathway for care workers and the transport sector will be available to apply for from September 2023. Care workers pathway will allow care workers who are paid NZD $28.25 an hour (level 4) of the Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlements Act 2017 to gain residence after 24 months. Transport sector pathway will allow bus drivers who are paid $28 an hour to be accessible to residence after 24 months. In addition, truck drivers, aircraft refuellers, furniture removalists, tanker drivers, tow truck drivers, ship’s masters and deck hands who are paid at the least the median wage may gain a resident visa after 24 months.

We understand that navigating immigration policies can be complex, and these changes can be overwhelming. Rest assured, we're here to support you throughout this journey. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to explore our website or reach out to us.