We have provided below an expected timeline of Immigration changes;
- A brief timeline of immigration changes:
- 1 January to 30 June – If your work visa expired between 1 January and 30 June 2021, you would have received an automatic extension, which means that your visa will now expire between July and December 20201. You must apply for a new visa before this current visa expires.
- 19 July – As expected the median wage rate is increasing from $25.50 to $27 on 19 July 2021. This wage rate is the determining factor on whether you will get a 1 year or a 3-year visa and whether you can support a partner for a new partnership visa application. This rate of $27 applies to essential skills work visas and also for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
- 31 October – will see the abolishment of 6 work visa types, which are 2 essential skills, 2 work to residence and 2 silver ferns work visas.
- 1 November – introduction of the compulsory employer accreditation and also the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- July 2022 – the compulsory stand down period for low-paid essential skills work visas will start.
- What can you do right now?
- If you can secure a job offer for $25.50 and lodge a visa application by 18 July, you may be eligible for a 3 year work visa. Your employer will not be required to apply for accreditation until they need to sponsor you again when your visa is about to expire.
- If you are already earning at least $27, you can also lodge a visa application by 31 October to get a new year work visa. Again, your employer will not be required to apply for accreditation, until they need to sponsor you again when your visa is about to expire.
- If you work in an occupation that is listed on the long-term skill shortage list, and you meet the skill requirements for that occupation, lodge a work to residence visa by 31 October 2021.