Immigrating to New Zealand? Overcome Visa Related Challenges with This Advice
There have been major changes to New Zealand’s work visa and skilled migrant residence policies which came into effect on the 15th of January 2018. This may cause major problems for people looking to immigrate to New Zealand, as migrants looking to work or gain residence in the country need to renegotiate their income with their employers to stay in New Zealand.
In September 2017, Immigration New Zealand introduced remuneration thresholds to determine an applicant’s skill level. Basically, depending on how much money you earn, migrants are sorted into three skill levels namely high-skilled, mid-skilled and low-skilled. These skill levels were based on income regardless of your abilities, job responsibilities or the calibre of work that you can bring to your role.
To apply for residence in New Zealand, you had to be making at least $23.49 per hour. To get an essential work visa as a farmer, chef or manager, for example, you had to be making a minimum of $19.97 per hour.
The barre has now been raised again. Resident candidates can say goodbye to $23.49 and hello to a minimum of $24.49 per hour. Work visa applicants also have to earn $20.65 per hour instead of $19.97 per hour from 2018. These figures have been calculated according to a standard 40-hour working week for 52 weeks in a year. An engineer, for example, would need to be making at least $42,952 to qualify for a work visa and $50,523 to qualify for an SMC visa.
How do you overcome these barriers? Firstly, you would need to renegotiate your work contract with your employer. Partnering with immigration experts at Tri-Nations Migration can help you overcome a number of challenges related to immigrating to New Zealand. Contact us today and watch the video about major changes to NZ work and skilled migrant residence policies.
