Introduction of new employer-led accreditation process

The Minister of Immigration has announced the introduction of a new accreditation process for employer-assisted work visas. While specific details of the new policy are yet to be finalised, all the currently available information is on the Immigration New Zealand website. 
 
Current information on changes to work visas
 
This process will not be fully implemented until 2021. However, there are some other changes that will be implemented in October this year.
 
Immigration instruction changes to come into effect on 7 October 2019
 
These changes are:

• Increasing the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa salary threshold from $55,000 to $79,560 (150% of the current median salary)
• Limiting the duration of accreditation granted to employers under the Talent (Accredited Employer) policy to 24 months
• Removing the ability to give a Permanent Resident Visa in place of a Resident Visa to Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa holders who earn above $90,000
• Permanently closing the Silver Fern Job Search Visa.

 
The immigration instructions that apply are those that are in place when the relevant application is received by INZ.

For example, any Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa application that is received by INZ on or after 7 October will need to meet the new salary threshold, regardless of when the applicant’s employer was granted accreditation.

​People currently holding Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visas and people who apply before 7 October will still be able to apply for residence based on the salary threshold of $55,000.
 
Details regarding these upcoming changes can be found on INZ's website.
 
Changes to the Talent (Accredited Employer) policy
Permanent closure of the Silver Fern Job Search Visa