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The Government has announced a streamlined residence pathway for temporary visa holders currently in New Zealand.  It is expected that approximately 165,000 people will be eligible. This visa category will provide much needed certainty to many businesses and migrant families.

Applicants must:

1. Have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021; and
2. Be on an “eligible visa”, or have applied for an “eligible visa” before 29 September 2021 (that is later granted).

Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria on 29 September 2021:

1. Have lived in New Zealand for three or more years;
2. Earn at or above the median wage ($27 per hour); or
3. Work on a role on a “scarce” list.

Phase 1 applications will open from December 2021, and Phase 2 applications will open from 1 March 2022.

All applications must be submitted before 22 July 2022.

Working Holiday Visas and SSE Visas

Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visas due to expire between 21 December 2021 and 30 June 2022 will be automatically extended for a further six months.  These visa holders will continue to have open work rights.

What we can do for your business

Our team can assist with each providing immigration advice and preparing visa applications.  We have fixed prices for immigration support.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or would like assistance.

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law and health and safety topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.