Parent Resident Visa – Re-opening Feb 2020
Just in and what most people have been waiting for, is the re-opening of the Parent Resident Visa Category.
There will be changes to the current requirements and EOI’s (Expression of Interest) will only be accepted once the category opens with selection starting in May 2020.
To be an eligible sponsor, you must hold a resident visa for at least three years [ or be a citizen].
The category is also capped at 1000.
| Single Sponsor | Current Requirement | New Income Threshold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 parent | NZD $65,000 | NZD $106,080 | Twice the median salary |
| 2 parents | NZD $65,000 | NZD $159,120 | Three times the median salary |
| Sponsor and Partner | Current Requirement | New Income Threshold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 parent (joint income) | NZD $90,000 | NZD $159,120 | Three times the median salary |
| 2 parents (joint income) | NZD $90,000 | NZD $212,160 | Four times the median salary |
| Guaranteed lifetime income of 1 applicant or a couple | NZD $28,166 or NZD $41,494 | NOT required | |
| Settlement funds | NZD $500,000 | Not available in the new category | |
IMMIGRATION POLICY CHANGES
Less than 24 hours ago, the Minister of Immigration announced the details of the employer-led temporary visa application system. These changes will be rolled out over a 18 month period.
We will see a three-phase rollout starting 07 October 2019 followed by mid 2020 changes and finally 2021 where employers are targeted.
Below is a summary of what to expect:
| Visa Category | Change | Effective Date | Advice / Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work to Residence -(Accredited Employer) | Annual salary increases from $55,000 to $79,560 ( based on a 40 hour week) | 07 October 2019 | You can apply for this visa up unto 06 October 2019 |
| Residence From Work (Accredited Employer) | Removal of a Permanent residence visa if you earn +$90,000 p.a. | 07 October 2019 | You will still obtain a Resident Visa. You will need to show further commitment to New Zealand for a further 2 years (4 years in total) |
| Employer Accreditation | Only allowing employers accreditation with INZ for 24 months | 07 October 2019 | The removal of accreditation for a 5 year period. Employers will have to re-apply after 24 months. |
| Sector Agreements introduced | Negotiations start October 2019 for sector of Residential Care and Meat processing.Dairy, Forestry, Road/Freight Transport, Tourism and Hospitality start negotiations by 2020. | Mid -2020 – first two sector agreements will be announced.The remaining four sectors will be addressed from mid 2020. | TBC |
| Essential Skills Work Visa | Skill-levels and wages. ANZSCO will not be used determine rate of pay.High-paid jobs will be defined as “at or above” median wage.Low-paid jobs will be below median wage. | Mid -2020 | High-paid jobs will be issued with a 3-5 year visa.Low-paid jobs will still be issued with a one year work visa. This will be dependent on the region they are employed in. This will include all applicants earning less the Median Wage.The median is currently at $25 p/hour which is reviewed and amended every November. |
| Essential Skills Work Visa | Low-paid applicants will be able to support their family’s visas. They must however meet the minimum income threshold. | Mid -2020 | They will be issued a 12-month visa, with a maximum stay of three years. They will have a stand-down period of 12 months, after the three years. There is no certainty of remaining in New Zealand longer than three years. |
1. Essential Skills Work Visa 2. Essential Skills Work Visa – Approval in Principle 3. Talent (Accredited Employer) 4. Talent (LTSSL) 5. Silver Fern Job Search 6. Silver Fern Practical Experience | Six visa categories will be scrapped | By 2021 | TBC – a new visa system will be introduced. This will also change the landscape of the Residence Category. |
| Mandatory Employer Accreditation | All employers looking to employ migrants will require accreditation from INZ | By 2021 | There will be three types of accreditation on offer. |
Previous Posts
- Remuneration threshold changes for Skilled Migrant Category and Essential Skills Work Visa Holders – effective 26 November 2018
- Post-study work rights for international students – effective 26 November 2018
- New Immigration New Zealand Visa Fees – effective 5 November 2018
- Minimum Income Threshold changes to Samoan quota scheme, Essential skills and Religious workers, and Tier One Parent Category – 31 May 2018
- Seasonal Labour Shortage – Bay of Plenty – 7 May 2018
- 3 Day Processing for Indian Visitor Visas – 3 May 2018
- Remuneration Threshold – Changes to the Skilled Migrant and Essential Skills policy – effective 15 January 2018
- Part 2 – Tom and Sophia’s Journey
- Essential Skills in Demand List – Effective February 2018
If you have concerns on your current work visa status or would like to talk to us about your pathway to residence, feel free to contact us.