Update
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a targeted review of the ANZSCO job classification system, which has moved some lower skilled occupations over to the medium skilled occupation group. This is a positive update for employers looking to hire individuals working in the impacted occupations, listed below.
INZ does not intend to use the fully updated version of ANZSCO until mid-2020 but transitional policy has been introduced in the interim. This will allow individuals working in these occupations to benefit from this new ANZSCO version.
ANZSCO occupations upgraded
The below ANZSCO occupations have been upgraded from low to medium skilled.
Benefits of this transitional policy
Employees working in these positions may now be eligible to apply for a medium-skilled work visa. This is provided that they are being paid at or above the median income rate (currently $25.00 per hour or $52,000 per annum for a 40 hour week). Holding a medium-skilled work visa will allow employees to support family for dependent visas and to avoid the stand-down period imposed on low skilled workers, which requires them to go home after holding three 12 month work visas.
This update will also provide a potential opportunity for individuals working in these occupations to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Our advice
Current employers with migrant employees working in the above occupations should consider if an application can be made for a longer term temporary work visa or the grant of residence under the Skilled Migrant Category. We recommend applying under these categories before the median income threshold rises, as anticipated by INZ.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
