Updates from INZ - Market Rate Sources, Teaching Certificates, and Visa Pak 623

Immigration New Zealand has issued fresh guidance on several key topics: determining the market rate for job roles under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), updates to Green List requirements for teachers, and the introduction of Visa Pak 623.
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Understanding Market Rate Expectations – Visa Pak 618When applying for an AEWV, employers must offer at least the market rate for the role. Visa Pak 618 (effective 7 March 2025) provides insight into which sources Immigration New Zealand (INZ) considers valid for determining market pay.

What employers and applicants need to know:

• Not all wage data sources are treated equally. Immigration officers consider how recent and reliable the data is, including how it was gathered and whether it reflects training, experience, or regional variations.
• For example, a 2024 salary report from Seek is likely to carry more weight than outdated data from Careers NZ.
• INZ has recently leaned on Seek data due to its recency, but this doesn't mean it's the only acceptable source. Employers should review all relevant data and ensure it's current and representative of the role.

This approach ensures that employment offers are aligned with actual market conditions, avoiding reliance on a single outdated source.

Green List Update: Teacher Practising Certificates ClarifiedAn important update to the Green List criteria for teaching roles was introduced in March 2025.

Key change:

• INZ now accepts both provisional and full practising certificates issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for roles on the Green List.
• Previously, instructions only referenced provisional certificates. This clarification allows greater flexibility for qualified teachers.
• While the application form is being updated, applicants holding a full certificate can ignore any warning messages and upload the certificate under "other evidence."

This change removes unnecessary confusion and makes it easier for fully registered teachers to qualify under the Green List pathway.

New Visa Pak 623 ReleasedVisa Pak 623 has also been released, providing further clarification on immigration processes. While specific details were attached to the original announcement, practitioners and applicants are encouraged to review this Visa Pak for the latest procedural guidance.

Need expert help with your visa application?
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At Immigration Trust, we specialise in handling complex applications and staying up-to-date with every policy shift. Contact us today to make sure your application is prepared correctly and competitively.

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