Employer assisted work visas’ expiry dates extended

In an early Christmas present to migrants, the Immigration Minister today announced that all employer-assisted work visa holders and their partners and dependent children who have visas expiring from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021, will have their visas extended automatically by another six months.

Employer assisted work visas include the following:

  • Essential Skills
  • Work to Residence
  • Special and Skilled work visas for China, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam
  • Special category work visas for Japanese Interpreters and Thai Chefs
  • Employer-specific work visas granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009
  • Religious Worker
  • Fishing Crew
  • Silver Fern Practical Experience

Visas held by partners and dependent children will also be extended. Post graduate open work visas do not appear to be included.

Immigration New Zealand will contact eligible visa holders by email with details of the changes. Please do not call the Immigration Call Centre as they do not have any further information. We will update you as soon as new information is available.

If the conditions of your employment have changed or your employment has ended, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa.

A full copy of the Minister’s announcement can be found by clicking this link: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/comprehensive-visa-changes-allow-onshore-migrants-help-fill-labour-shortages

Greenstone’s push for a stay in the increase of hourly median wage successful

Following significant representation by Greenstone’s advisers to Immigration New Zealand, the Immigration Minister and MPs, we are pleased to announce that the Immigration Minister today announced a delay in the introduction of the $27 per hour median wage until AT LEAST July 2021.

Greenstone had strongly advocated to Immigration New Zealand that the latest increase in hourly wage was the result of an anomaly caused by Covid 19 and not a reflection of the labour market (to read our blog explaining this issue click here.

The median wage is used by INZ to determine the length of visa issued to a migrant and also carries through to the Skilled Migrant Category in determine whether an occupation is skilled or not.

We advise migrants who do not want to be caught out by this potential increase in hourly wage thresholds from $25.50 to $27 to submit their work visas well before July 2021.

Stand down period for low paid essential skills visa holders postponed 

The stand down period for essential skills visa holders earning less than the median wage (currently $25.50) has been postponed until January 2022.

Working holiday visas extended

Working Holiday visas will be extended for six months, and restrictions will be relaxed on the maximum duration of work permitted, allowing Working Holiday visa holders to continue working in any industry they choose (including horticulture and wine sector roles). Working Holiday makers will no longer be transferred onto a Supplementary Seasonal Employer work visa when their working holiday visa expires. 

If you need assistance with any aspect of your visa please contact us.

Merry Xmas to all our clients

From all of the recruiters, advisers and staff at Greenstone. we wish all our clients a very merry Xmas and a happy New Year.

The Team at Greenstone