Skilled Migrant Residence and Essential Skills Work Visas: Changes to Remuneration Thresholds

Immigration New Zealand (“INZ”) has announced changes to remuneration thresholds for Skilled Migrant Residence and Essential Skills Work Visa Applications.

From 24 February 2020, if you or a migrant employee are submitting a Skilled Migrant Residence Application or Essential Skills Work Visa Application the following remuneration thresholds will apply.

Skilled Migrant Residence:

• The threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3, or in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5 that is treated as an exception, will be $25.50 per hour or above;

• The threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5, or which is not included in ANZSCO, will be $38.25 per hour or above;

• The threshold to earn bonus points for being highly paid will be $51 per hour or above.

Essential Skills Work Visa:

• The threshold for higher-skilled employment in any occupation (including those at ANZSCO skill level 4-5) will be $38.25 per hour or above;

• The threshold for mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1-3 will be $21.68 per hour or above;

• The threshold for mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 4-5 that is treated as an exception will be $25.50 per hour or above;

• All other occupations will be considered lower-skilled.

IMPORTANT

From 24 February 2020 the new remuneration thresholds will apply even if the employees employment agreement was signed before 24 February 2020 and contains a wage / salary condition that meets current remuneration thresholds.

People who have submitted an Expression of Interest for Skilled Migrant Residence that meets current remuneration thresholds for skilled employment points but have not had their Expression of Interest selected as at 24 February 2020 will need to review their position to assess if they meet the new remuneration thresholds for skilled employment points. If they don’t they will need to take steps to update their Expression of Interest so they can claim the points previously claimed.

Talk to us

Should you require assistance navigating what are becoming increasingly complicated rules for Skilled Migrant Residence and Essential Skills Work Visa Applications contact our Immigration Team.