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New Zealand Immigration Announces New Work Visa Allocation Priorities

Immigration New Zealand is accelerating the processing times for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. This move is designed to make the process more efficient and is welcome news for foreign workers aiming to work in New Zealand.

Streamlined Processes Enhance Efficiency 

To enhance efficiency, New Zealand Immigration has restructured how applications are grouped, especially for large groups within the same sector or location. By grouping these applications, there’s a quicker turnaround time for approval. This makes applicants optimistic about faster processing times for obtaining their AEWV, which permits working under an accredited employer for at least 30 hours weekly. Additionally, AEWV holders have the opportunity to study up to three months every twelve months or pursue necessary employment-related courses. Most visa holders can remain in New Zealand for a total of five years.

Visa Options for AEWV Holders 

Foreign workers holding an AEWV might also qualify to apply for several types of residence visas: Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, or Transport Work to Residence Visa.

Focused Prioritization and Application Quality 

New Zealand Immigration emphasizes prioritizing complete applications with necessary documentation like police certificates and English language test results. This focused prioritization ensures that applications meeting all requirements get processed more swiftly. Incomplete submissions not only prolong decision times but can also lead to declination.

Current Allocation Priorities as of November 3, 2024 

  • Employer accreditation applications where the employer’s interim accreditation will expire within six weeks receive top priority.
  • Job Check applications for positions listed on the Green List, ANZSCO skill level 1 roles, and those submitted within the last ten days.
  • Applications tied to ANZSCO skill level 2 hospitality roles.
  • Job Check applications with employer accreditation expiring by November 30, 2024.

Handling Expired Employer Accreditation

Employers with expired accreditation related to Job Check applications are required to submit a renewal application within a five-day window. Failure to do so may result in ongoing Job Check applications being declined.

Approach for Work Visa Applications

For work visa applications where the employer’s accreditation is set to expire before the end of November, a five-day period will be granted for renewal application submissions. If not submitted, these applications may be reviewed and potentially declined.

Visa Applications for Interim Visa Holders

Individuals currently on interim visas without work rights, transitioning from a visa with open work rights, need to be aware of applicable procedures and requirements.

Work Visas for Green List Roles

Work visa applications relevant to Green List roles are being prioritized. Additionally, applicants seeking to extend their work visas up to the maximum duration allowed for these roles can submit their applications under this category.

Conclusion

By refining allocation priorities weekly and designating specific teams per category, Immigration New Zealand aims to improve processing speeds significantly while ensuring that all cases are addressed in a timely manner.

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