We’re now in a position to begin processing a wider range of visas, including Essential Skills work visas for applicants currently in New Zealand.
Immigration instructions require INZ to be satisfied that there are no New Zealanders available to do the work offered, in order to grant an Essential Skills work visa. As part of the application process, employers must provide evidence that they’ve taken all reasonable steps to hire a New Zealander first. Employers wanting to employ overseas workers in New Zealand for ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 occupations are also required to provide Skills Match Reports and advice from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
In normal circumstances, it’s unlikely the labour market would change significantly between when an employer attempts to recruit New Zealanders, and the time the application is assessed.
However, COVID-19 has greatly affected New Zealand’s economy, and job market. More than 180,000 people are now accessing Jobseeker Support, and over 1.6 million people are associated with paid applications under the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
It’s vital that we also take the current employment environment into consideration. We need to make sure our processes reflect the government’s commitment to supporting New Zealand businesses, so they can continue providing their services, while also ensuring that employment opportunities are given to as many New Zealanders as possible.
What’s changing - Further evidence required
Going forward, INZ may ask employers to provide further evidence to show that, at the time the application is assessed:
- the availability of New Zealanders to undertake the work remains unchanged, and
- the employment offer is still valid and the employment is sustainable.
This may include evidence of ongoing recruitment of New Zealanders by the employer for similar roles, or evidence that the employment is so specialised or skilled that suitable New Zealanders continue to be unavailable. Employers won’t be required to re-advertise their role, but they may choose to as part of providing further evidence.
Skills Match Reports
Employers wanting to employ overseas workers in New Zealand for ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 occupations are required to provide Skills Match Reports and advice from MSD. This requires employers to work with MSD to place New Zealand jobseekers into the role before offering employment to migrant workers.
Skills Match Reports are available from the MSD. Employers who require an SMR need to first list their vacancy with the MSD and can do this on the Work and Income website.
Next steps
We’re aware that many businesses are facing challenges right now, and we acknowledge that this requirement may impact your recruitment processes. Although it’s not possible to give exact timeframes on how long it will take to process these applications, we aim to do so as quickly as possible.
Essential Skills work visa applications will be assessed in date order.
Employers aren’t required to provide anything proactively - if more information is required, INZ will request it at the time the application is being processed. |