Recent changes made by INZ to the AEWV will significantly impact employers recruiting for low-skill roles. From the below summary, you will see that the Visa pathway for many individuals & smaller employers looking at low-skilled jobs (that cannot be filled by a New Zealander) is now via the Working Holiday Visa
The new minimum skills threshold means that everyone must have either 3 years of relevant experience for their job or a level 4 qualification or above. This is also a requirement for low-skilled roles that would not generally require that length of experience or level of qualification.
Lower skilled workers will now need to provide evidence of their English language ability either through being a citizen of NZ, Australia, USA, UK or Canada. Or, they would also need to show a qualification gained in NZ, Australia, USA, UK or Canada otherwise they must apply for an approved English examination (eg: IELTS, OET or Pearsons). This brings additional costs to applicants as qualifications below Bachelor level 7 will now be assessed by NZQA to determine if a job qualification level and English tests are required.
These changes mean that lower-level roles will receive a shorter visa period (2 years initially and an additional 1 year subject to a new job check). This will impact a migrant’s ability to stay in NZ and employers will need to constantly refill/retrain lower skilled positions as migrants are required to leave. This short-term thinking will cost employers considerably.
Employers will now need to do 2 job checks to keep lower skilled workers for the maximum 3-year period.
Jobs/roles at Level 4 and 5 without a pathway to Residence are no longer able to support Work/Visitor/Student visa applications for their partners and dependent children.
Contact us
Please get in touch with any questions you may have to services@woburn.co.nz
Woburn International is New Zealand’s leading specialist in NZ immigration, skilled migrant placements, relocation, emigration, international remuneration and cultural awareness. Contact us to find out how we can help you move to New Zealand.
