Explained: Latest changes in essential skills visas
Friday, July 16, 2021
Sandeep Singh
The latest changes announced by the Immigration Minister of extension of 18,000 essential skills visas also accompanies with simplification of the “application process.”
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has announced this morning extension of 18,000 essential skill work visas by an additional one year.
“From Monday 19 July, the maximum duration of Essential Skills visas, for jobs paid below the median wage, will increase from 12 months to 24 months,” Minister Faafoi said.
Additionally, the visa process has also been simplified where workers are already in the role.
“Employers won’t be required to complete a labour market test where a worker is applying for a visa for a full time role which the worker already holds. These applicants also won’t need to provide medical and police certificates to Immigration New Zealand if that information has been supplied previously,” the press release from the office of the Minister Faafoi said.