Upcoming changes to Essential Skill Work Visa

17/7/2017

Many people heard about changes to Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. However, they may not know about upcoming changes to Essential Skills Work Visa which will also be implemented by the end of August this year.

New Essential Skills Work Visa will introduce remuneration thresholds to determine skill levels and associated visa conditions. There are three categories.

1. Higher-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa
Applicants would get a work visa up to five years.
Their ANZSCO skill level can be any level but must earn at least $35.24 per hour. Visas will be available for partners and dependent children.

2. Mid-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa
Applicants would get a work visa up to three years.
It will be only for ANZSCO skill level of 1, 2 & 3.
However, the applicants must earn $23.49 per hour.
Visas will be available for partners and dependent children.

3. Lower-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa.
Applicants would get a work visa up to one year.
Their skills will be ANZSCO skill level of 4 or 5 earning below $35.24 per hour.

No visas will be available for their partners and dependent children unless they qualify in their own right.

It means the partners of Low-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa holder would be no longer eligible for Partners of a Worker Work Visa or a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. They would be able to come to NZ if they meet the requirements of a visa in their own right. A partner would be able to work in NZ if they applied for an Essential Skill Work Visa and satisfied the labour market test.

The similar approach to the children of Low-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa holder. The children would no longer be eligible for a student visa which would give them domestic students status. It means they would be able to come to NZ only if they meet the requirements of a visa in their own right. They would be able to study in NZ, if they applied for, and were granted, a student visa as international students.

Once Low-Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa holders have reached a maximum duration allowed on a lower skilled Essential Skills Work Visa which would be up to one year, there would be a stand down period of one year before they are eligible for another Lower Skilled Essential Skill Work Visa.

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5 Comments

Aman

3/8/2017 04:02:30 am

Hi dear, is that $41538 package according to new announcement apply to resendency as well instead of $49000? Or what the package requirement for residency? Thanks

Simon Park link

3/8/2017 05:10:28 am

Yes, you are right. Check my recent post http://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/new-zealand-immigration-news/essential-skills-work-visa-changes

Amandeep

3/8/2017 02:32:04 pm

So that mean to be eligible for residency need to have $41,538 annual package now?

aman

3/8/2017 03:53:24 pm

HI dear, thanks for your response, but there is confusion as we have heard the new income threshold $41,538 will only apply to essential work visa not to residency? please clear me, i check your recent post which says changes to smc work visa and when the expected EOI date will be? thank you

7/8/2017 11:26:21 am

Skilled Migrant Category is the most common pathway to residence. From 28 August 2017, for employment to be considered skilled, new additional requirements, will also take into account the applicant’s salary. To be eligible, migrants will need to have an annual base salary of at least $41,538.

For jobs that are not currently considered skilled, they would qualify where the applicant’s annual base salary is at least $73,299 a year.

Changes will also put more focus on skilled work experience, more recognition of skill levels in the 30-39 year age group and high salary levels.

Immigration New Zealand are aiming to make more information on this available shortly.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

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