I have received many queries regarding the work visa category, requirement and process. A work visa allows the applicant to work in New Zealand for a limited amount of time. The applicant can apply for a work visa:-
Temporary work visas is available for people who:
I have discussed in the past regarding the study to work category and today I want to put some light on the essential skills work visa category. To obtain a work visa under essential skills work category, the applicant must meet the following requirements:-
There are a number of requirements that all applicants need to meet for a work visa in New Zealand. The applicant must:
If the applicant is granted a temporary work visa, the applicant needs to meet certain conditions during the applicant’s stay:
If the applicant breaks any of these conditions, they may be required to leave the country immediately.
Essential Skills Work Instructions allow people to work temporarily in New Zealand, in areas where we need people to fill shortages where New Zealanders are not available.
Essential Skills Work Instructions
Essential Skills Work Instructions have replaced General Work Instructions, under Essential Skills Instructions if the applicant have a job offer for which the applicant is suitably qualified and experienced, and:
The applicant’s employer may need to show that the rate of pay the applicant have been offered is not less than the market rate for New Zealand workers in that occupation.
Essential Skills Work Instructions differentiate between occupations on the basis of skill level. Skill level is determined according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
The skill levels in ANZSCO range from 1 (high skilled) to 5 (low skilled). If the applicant’s occupation is within ANZSCO Skill Level 1 we may give the applicant a five-year work visa, provided the applicant’s job offer is for at least five years and the applicant’s annual salary is at least NZ$55,000.
Immigration NZ can only give the applicant a five-year visa under these instructions once, although the applicant may re-apply for a further visa for a shorter duration (up to three years). If the applicant’s application is successful and the applicant’s occupation is within ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5
the maximum duration of the applicant’s visa is one year.
For immigration queries please contact below
RAJ PARDEEP SINGH/ ASHIMA BUDGOOJAR
Barrister & Solicitor
Kenton Chambers Lawyers
Ph: +64 9 358 1900
Fax: +64 9 358 1903
EMAIL: raj@kentonlaw.co.nz / ashima@kentonlaw.co.nz www.kentonlaw.co.nz