A number of migrant workers currently in New Zealand will now be able to stay and work here for longer with adjustments to visa settings announced by Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi yesterday.
Employer-assisted work visas extended by 6 months
Employer-assisted visas expiring from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 (inclusive) will be automatically extended by another 6 months. Anyone who is eligible for this extension will receive a confirmation email from Immigration New Zealand by March 2021.
This applies to the following visas:
- Essential Skills Visa
- Work to Residence Visa
- 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
- Fishing Crew Visa
- Religious Worker Visa
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
Visas held by their partners and dependent children will also be extended.
If your visa is expiring outside of the 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 date range, or you are concerned about a family member’s visa, you can contact us directly to find out what options are available to you and your family.
Email Arno Nothnagel to find out more at arno.nothnagel@absoluteimmigration.com
2019 median wage in effect until July 2021
Immigration New Zealand will continue to use the 2019 median wage of $25.50 to determine visa conditions until at least July 2021, at which point it will rise to $27 an hour.
Statistics NZ has updated the median wage from $25.50 to $27.00. This 5.8% increase is unusually high due to some lower-paid roles dropping out of employment, which is why INZ has decided to delay increasing the median wage that they use to assess applications until at least July 2021 to temporarily ease pressure on employers.
If this affects you, we will be in touch to discuss your options.