Green List expansion announced

Immigration Minister Hon Michael Wood yesterday announced measures to attract more high-skilled workers to New Zealand including:

• additional roles on the Green List
• 12 month extension of Employer accreditation for employers who have applied or will apply before 4 July 2023
• granting Post Study Work Visas for people affected by border closure
• Specific Purpose Work Visas for Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders

More information here.

Green List additions
Additions to the Green List and a review in 2023 will help address workforce needs. Eligible migrants employed overseas or in New Zealand in Straight to Residence (StR) Green List roles may apply for residence. Eligible migrants employed in Work to Residence (WtR) Green List roles may apply for residence after two years.
 
Employers and applicants applying for a job check or Accredited Employer Work Visa will need to use the following ANZSCO code: Specialist Physicians nec (253399).
 
From 15 December 2022

• all medical doctor roles not already included on the StR Green List will be added
• all registered nurse and midwife roles will move from the WtR to the StR Green List.

From March 2023

• auditors will be added to the StR Green list
• all primary and secondary school teacher roles not already included on the WtR Green List will be added
• Halal Slaughterer, Skilled Motor Mechanic, Skilled Telecommunications Technician, Gasfitter, Drainlayer, Building Associate (specifically Civil Construction Supervisor), Skilled Crane Operator, Earthmoving Plant Operator (General), Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Excavator Operator, Grader Operator and Loader Operator will be added to the WtR Green List
• bus and truck drivers will have a residence pathway through a sector agreement.

The Green List will be reviewed in mid-2023.
 
Employer accreditation
Validity of AEWV accreditation will be extended by 12 months for employers who have applied or will apply before 4 July 2023.
 
In May 2022, the Government announced that any employer seeking to hire any migrant, including those with open work rights (such as working holidaymakers or students), would need to be accredited in 2023. That accreditation requirement has been deferred to 2024, allowing employers more time to prepare.
 
More detailed information on the employer accreditation extension will be made available next year.
 
Post Study Work Visas
The Minister of Immigration has agreed to grant 12-month open work visas to those who held a Post Study Work Visa but were unable to enter New Zealand, or had to leave early due to the closure of the border in March 2020. Family of the visa holder may apply for relationship-based visas, including open work visas for partners, visitor visas, and student visas for children. Those granted a student visa will pay only domestic study fees.
 
Those eligible will be contacted by Immigration New Zealand in 2023.
 
Helping critical workers remain in their current role
Critical Purpose Visitor Visa (CPVV) holders in New Zealand who want to remain in their role after their visa expires will be able to apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) from 15 December 2022.

This will ensure critical workers get the full three years that they would have under Accredited Employer Work Visa or Essential Skills before a further labour market test.
 
How to apply
The SPWV application process for CPVV holders will be streamlined. To be eligible, the CPVV holder must:

• not be deepwater fishing crew, deep sea fishing crew or seafarer worker
• have been granted a 12-month CPVV as a critical worker
• be paid at least the median wage
• meet standard health and character requirements, and
• provide a letter from their employer confirming the worker will remain in the same role on the same or better conditions.

Employers will not need to be accredited but must comply with New Zealand’s employment and immigration laws.
More information here.

Visa details
The SPWV will allow critical workers to remain in their current role for up to three years from the start date of their CPVV. The fee for SPWV applicants is NZD $735.
 
Family
Family of the visa holder may apply for relationship-based visas, including open work visas for partners, visitor visas and student visas for children. School-aged children granted a student visa will pay only domestic study fees. Partners of those granted an SPWV will be able to apply for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa.