Updates To Immigration Routes

• Published date: 16 December 2022
• Subject Matter: Immigration, General Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: Envoy Global, Inc.
• Author: Mr Jessie Butchley

Key Points

• New Zealand introduced changes to several immigration routes including eligibility under the Straight to Residence Green List and the Specific Purpose Work Visa
• New Zealand will extend accreditation permissions granted to employers who apply under the Accredited Employer Work Visa route prior to 4 July 2023

Overview

The government of New Zealand introduced several changes to various immigration routeson 12 December 2022. These changes include:

• Effective 15 December 2022, registered nurses, midwives and medical doctors will be moved from the Work to Residence scheme to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway.
• Additional work categories will be added to the Straight to Work Green List pathway beginning in March 2023.
• Foreign nationals who previously held a Post Study Work Visa but were unable to use it due to border closures and pandemic restrictions will be eligible for a 12-month Open Work Visa if they are currently outside of New Zealand or do not hold another visa type.
• Streamlined measures will be introduced for Specific Purpose Work Visa for foreign nationals...