Summary of INZ work visa changes - March 2023

• Published date: 11 March 2023
• Subject Matter: Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: Cavell Leitch
• Author: Mr Shi Sheng Cai

Several changes have been made or will be made to the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policy settings. This alert summarises the key changes.

1. Increase of the median wage rate to $29.66/61,692.80 per annum (40 hour work week) and the twice median rate to $59.32 per hour/ $123,177.60 per annum (40 hour work week).
2. Introduction of a 6 month Recovery Visa - (Specific Purpose Work Visa) to help in the recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent weather events.
3. Proposed introduction of conditions to Partnership Work Visas where a sponsoring temporary visa holder partner does not work in a role that is on the Green List and is not able to meet associated requirements, or is not paid twice the median wage. Changes will not impact current Partnership Work Visa holders or those that submit applications before 31 May 2023. The new conditions are likely to require Partnership Work Visas holders to be paid the median rate or at a reduced rate if they work in a role that benefits from the wage rate exemption.
4. Workers that submit new Accredited Employer Work Visas to work in Tourism and Hospitality roles, that benefit from the wage exemption, will need to be paid at least $28.18 per hour from April 2022.
5. Work visa holders already in New Zealand, who need to change their role and location, will be able to do so for up to two months without breaching their visa conditions, as long as they stay with the same employer.
6. ...