We’ve received THREE major changes from Immigration New Zealand and the dates are worth noting.

1. Green List policy changes

a. Green List policies have been updated to clarify that locum doctor registration is an acceptable form of registration for all roles registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

b. Qualification requirements for Food Technologist have been updated to clarify that the reference to a level 7 qualification means a Bachelor’s Degree. Effective on 14 November 2022.

2. Median wage increases to $29.66 per hour – [effective 27 February 2023]

a. AEWVs – Wage thresholds must be met at the job check and visa application stages of the AEWV process. This affects the pay requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and other visas.

b. Tourism and hospitality – Many tourism and hospitality roles have a lower wage threshold of NZD $25 per hour until April 2023.

The Government will therefore transition to the median wage threshold in two stages:

• In April 2023 the median wage exemption will increase from $25.00 to $28.18 (95% of the new median wage).
• In April 2024 the exemption will end.

c. Residence visas – the residence visa categories and pathways with median wage-related criteria will also be updated. This includes the Green List and Highly Paid pathways, the Skilled Migrant Category and the Parent Category.

3. Chef qualification requirement removed

The Government’s decision to remove the requirement for a New Zealand Certificate of Cookery (Level 4) or equivalent will allow employers to recruit highly skilled or experienced chefs who do not have formal qualifications. They will still need to meet the median wage and market rate requirement.

a. Current applications  – applications currently being processed by Immigration New Zealand can be assessed under the new instructions from 18 October 2022.

b. Future settings – these new settings will apply for 12-18 months.

To discuss your situation, give us a call on +64 0274214153 or email Admin@a2nz-immigration.com

New Zealand – effective 02 September 2022 – RESIDENCE CATEGORY

From 02 September 2022, the threshold for determining conditions that may impose significant health costs has increased from $41,000 to $81,000.

We don’t see this as a disadvantaging an applicant who has chronic health issues. If anything, the cost over FIVE years has given a future applicant $40,000 more leeway.

Most applicants for residence class visas must have an acceptable standard of health.  

The prior threshold for determining whether health conditions impose significant costs was $41,000, over: 

• five years, or  
• the predicted course of the condition. 

Residence applications lodged before 4 September 2022 will be assessed at the previous cost threshold of $41,000. Applicants may be considered for medical waivers on a case-by-case basis.  

If you have concerns about your Health and feel you will need some guidance for medical waivers, feel free to contact us by emailing Admin@a2nz-immigration.com or calling us on +64 0274214153.