Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A number of key policy changes will come into effect on 30 July 2007. These changes are as described below. Please contact TNC for further information.
Residence policy changes
There are several changes to the points awarded under Skilled Migrant Category policy.
- Bonus points awarded for skilled employment, recognised qualifications, and work experience in an identified future growth area will increase.
- Bonus points awarded for skilled employment, recognised qualifications, and work experience in an identified cluster will be removed.
- Bonus points awarded for a principal applicant’s partner’s offer of skilled employment in New Zealand will increase.
- The number of years required to be awarded points for work experience in New Zealand will be reduced.
- Separate bonus points will be awarded for a recognised New Zealand qualification and for two years of full-time study in New Zealand.
- Bonus points will be available for a post-graduate recognised New Zealand qualification.
- Bonus points for a principal applicant’s partner’s recognised qualification will increase.
Skilled Migrant Category policy will also be amended to clarify that an Expression of Interest may be selected on the basis of only the principal applicant’s skilled employment in New Zealand (ie not the secondary applicant’s skilled employment).
Under Residence from Work – Talent Policy
There will be an increase in minimum base salary. Applicants must have employment with a minimum base salary of NZ$50,000 per annum if their Work to Residence application is made on or after 30 July 2007.
The salary threshold for applications under Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Policy will increase from $45,000 to $50,000.
The Refugee Family Support Category
This will replace the previous Refugee Family Quota ballot system. Tier one registrations under the new policy will not be accepted until 12 November 2007.
Temporary Entry policy changes
Bulgaria and Romania will be added to the list of countries whose nationals are able to enter New Zealand as visitors, visa free for up to three months.
Student Visas/Permits
Students who are studying part time and are completing a course of study that was undertaken in New Zealand, and is of two years duration, or qualifies for points under the Skilled Migrant Category, will be eligible for a student visa or permit.
English language students who want a variation of conditions (VOC) to their student visa or permit to work part time will be able to meet the English language requirements for a VOC after the initial date of application for a student visa or permit.
Tertiary exchange students who are undertaking a full-time course of study of at least one academic year’s duration will be able to get a VOC to their student visa or permit that to allow them to work part-time.
Partners of students studying towards a qualification on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) will no longer be eligible for open work visas and/or permits; their partner will have to be studying for a qualification specified on the LTSSL.
Receiving offices
A note will be added for Palestinian passport holders: they must lodge applications to the appropriate receiving office for their country of residence.
Skill shortage lists
Both the LTSSL and the Immediate Skill Shortage Lists have been updated, effective 30 July 2007.
Please contact TNC for further information.
