Newly Announced Categories For New Zealand Permanent Residence
Information about three new residence categories that will assist firms in luring workers to fill certain high-skilled, in-demand positions.
Following the announcement of the Immigration Rebalance in May, the Government has now revealed the specifics of three new resident categories that will make it simpler for firms to recruit and attract immigrants for a variety of high-skilled, in-demand jobs.
Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, and Highly Paid are the three new residence categories.
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As long as the job's minimal requirements at least match the minimum standards, employers are permitted to perform a Job Check for the Accredited Employer Work Visa under the Straight to Residence and Work to Residence programs. These programs are related to the various Green List occupations. For people making double the median income, there is a new Highly Paid Resident Visa.
People can start applying for the Straight to Residence pathway on September 5, 2022.
People can apply for the Work to Residence and Highly Paid paths starting on September 29, 2023, but they must have worked for 24 months prior.
This work in New Zealand can be counted starting on September 29, 2021, which coincides with the eligibility date for the 2021 Resident Visa. This ensures that the few individuals who do not meet the requirements for the 2021 Resident Visa can still have some of their work in New Zealand recognized through these two new pathways.
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There are other ways to obtain skilled residency besides these new visas. With the same health, age, and character requirements as the Skilled Migrant Category but a different, easier application process, they are meant to complement it. As part of the Immigration Rebalance, the Skilled Migrant Category is presently halted while the government considers recommendations.
