Temporary work visas to be replaced in 2021

Posted on 14^th December 2020 by Russell Phillips

By Vanessa Godbaz Licensed Immigration Adviser License No 201900114

In-House licesed immigration adviser for Automotive Employment NZ.

Temporary work visas to be replaced in 2021

In September 2019, the Government announced temporary work visa changes to replace six temporary work visa types with one new employer-assisted work visa in 2021.

We acknowledge that further detail and criteria for the new process was previously expected to be available in late 2020. This has been delayed due to our work responding to COVID-19.

The employer-assisted work visa will be introduced after mid-2021.

We will send regular updates by email and continue to update our website with more information as the new criteria and process is confirmed in early 2021.

The new 3 step process

The new employer-led process to support a migrant for an employer-assisted work visa will involve 3 steps via a new online application platform

Employer check, where all employers will be required to meet an accreditation level based on how many visa holders they support
Job check, where we will check the conditions of the job and any labour market test requirements are met
Migrant worker check, where the migrant worker applies for the visa once a job is approved

Temporary work visas that will be replaced in 2021

This six visas that will be replaced by the employer-assisted work visa are:

Essential Skills Work Visa
Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed 7 October 2019)
Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa

Any current visas held under the above are not impacted and remain valid until their expiry. Other work visas will not be impacted by these changes.

Temporary work visas to be replaced in 2021