With February fast approaching, it is important to pay regard to Immigration New Zealand’s upcoming remuneration changes. As of the 24 February 2020, wage and salary thresholds are increasing for those wishing to obtain either a Skilled Migrant Resident Visa or an Essential Skills Work Visas.
This change comes as a result of Immigration New Zealand’s annual review of remuneration thresholds, and reflects their finding that the median New Zealand wage and salaries have increased by two percent in the last year.
With such changes, those on current visas have no need to worry. The forthcoming changes will not impact visas which have been approved and there is a lenient transition period. For instance, persons applying under the Skilled Migrant Residence Visa category are able to do so under the old threshold as long as their expression of interest (EOI) is selected before the 24 February 2020. Likewise, a transition period applies to the Essential Skills Work Visa; as long as an application is received by Immigration New Zealand before the 24 February 2020, the old threshold applies. However, it must be noted that applications for a further visa may result in different visa conditions if an applicant’s remuneration no longer falls within its original category.
Overall, the new threshold date is around the corner and therefore due consideration must be given to the upcoming changes. The changes can best be summarised under the following categories:
Changes to Skilled Migrant Residence Visa applications
ANZSCO level one to three occupations:
- As of the 24 February 2020, applicants for ANZSCO level one to three occupations must be remunerated at least $25.50 per hour in order to receive points for skilled employment.
- Based on a 40 hour work week, this amounts to $53,040 per year.
- This is an increase of 50 cents per hour, up from the previous $25 per hour threshold.
ANZSCO level four and five occupations:
- Applicants for ANZSCO level four and five occupations must be remunerated at least $38.25 per hour in order to receive points for skilled employment.
- Based on a 40 hour work week, this amounts to $78,000 per year.
- This is an increase of 75 cents per hour, up from the previous $37.50 per hour threshold.
- It must be noted that there are some occupations which are exempt from this remuneration rate. Exempt occupations are able to receive skilled points for employment if they earn at least $25.50 per hour. Such occupations include but are not limited to a: child care worker, tour guide and logging plant operator. A comprehensive list of exempt occupations can be found online at Immigration New Zealand.
Pay rate to claim bonus points:
- Applicants must be remunerated at least $51 per hour in order to claim bonus points in an application.
- Based on a 40 hour work week, this amounts to $106,080 per year.
- This is an increase of $1 per hour, up from the previous $50 per hour threshold.
Changes to Essential Skills Work Visa applications
Mid-skilled employment in an ANZSCO level one to three occupation:
- Applicants must be remunerated at least $21.68 per hour.
- Prior to this remuneration was required to be $21.25 or more per hour.
High-skilled employment, including ANZSCO levels four and five occupations:
- Applicants must be remunerated at least $38.25 per hour.
- Prior to this remuneration was required to be $37.50 or more per hour.
Lower-skilled employment, at any ANZSCO level:
- Applicants remunerated $21.67 or less per hour are considered lower-skilled.
- Prior to this, lower-skilled was considered to be remuneration of $21.24 or less per hour.
Lower-skilled employment in an ANZSCO level four or five occupation:
- Applicants remunerated $38.24 or less per hour are considered lower-skilled.
- Prior to this, lower-skilled was considered to be remuneration of $37.49 or less per hour.
- It must be noted that some ANZSCO level four and five occupations are exempt from this threshold and may be considered mid-skilled if they are remunerated $25.50 per hour. Such occupations include but are not limited to a: travel consultant, civil celebrant and a train driver. A comprehensive list of exempt occupations can be found online at Immigration New Zealand.
Contact
For further information or assistance with emigration, please contact Lane Neave Lawyers on +64 3 379 3720 or email liveinnewzealand@laneneave.co.nz
