New Zealand’s Immigration System Revamped to Attract International Talent

In a bid to address talent shortages and bolster its workforce, New Zealand has recently introduced significant changes to its immigration policies. These modifications aim to attract a diverse pool of global professionals and foster growth in various sectors of the country’s economy.

New Inclusions on the Green List:

The Green List, serving as a fast track to residence or work-to-residence pathway, has been expanded to incorporate 17 new roles. Among the newly added positions are Aviation Engineers (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineers), Naval Architects (Marine Designers), Mechanical Engineering Technicians, ICT Database and System Administrators, and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, among others. These roles are set to be included in the Green List by March 2024.

Openings for Work to Residence Pathway:

Effective from 29th September 2023, the Green List and Sector Agreement Work to Residence pathways are now open for applications for existing occupations. Foreign workers with two years of eligible work experience in either a Green List Work to Residence role or an eligible Sector Agreement role can apply for residency, provided they meet other prerequisites related to age, health, character, and English language proficiency.

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Amplified Capacity for Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme:

To meet the escalating demand for workers in the horticulture and wine sectors, New Zealand has raised the cap for the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to 19,500 for the 2023/2024 season, marking an increase of 500 from the previous year. This expansion facilitates the recruitment of workers from participating Pacific countries, ensuring a steady workforce supply while considering the local labor market dynamics and suitable accommodation availability.

Closure of Recovery Visa and Transitional Measures:

As of 23rd September 2023, the Recovery Visa ceased accepting new applications. However, existing visa holders in New Zealand have the option to request a three-month extension, allowing them ample time to transition to longer-term work visas if needed. Immigration New Zealand will reach out to visa holders nearing expiration to outline their options and facilitate the application process through the existing online form for the Specific Purpose Work Visa.

Expansion in the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement:

Furthermore, an assortment of roles, such as Driller’s Assistant, Earthmoving Labourer, and Earthmoving Plant Operator, will be integrated into the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement, broadening the scope for skilled professionals to contribute to New Zealand’s infrastructure development.