EXTENSION OF ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA IN NEW ZEALAND

Immigration New Zealand has announced that Essential Skills visa holders who apply for a new visa to stay in their existing work after July 19 will be permitted to stay for a longer period of time.

For jobs paying less than the median income, the maximum term of an Essential Skills visa has been increased from 12 to 24 months.

Employers will no longer be required to submit a labour market test as part of the application process if the applicant is staying in the same job position, and employers will no longer be required to present an employment agreement as part of the application process.

You will not be required to provide a medical or police certificate to Immigration New Zealand if you have already done so.

Changes in criteria will be in effect until the middle of 2022. As soon as a precise date is confirmed, an update will be published.

Employers will still be required to submit labour market tests for vacant positions or if a person will move the region in which they work for the business. The cost of a two-year Essential Skills visa will continue at $440, plus a $55 Immigration Levy. Employers are urged to cover these expenses.

Legislation and policy about immigration in New Zealand change quite often. Please make sure that you check the website of Immigration New Zealand for changes that may be applicable to you.

We at Fortune Immigration and Education helps applicants with visas and much more on immigration. Please contact us for more details.