From 15 December 2022, the following professions will be added to the Straight to Residence Green List pathway:
· registered nurses
· midwives
· All medical doctors
· Auditors (From March 2023)
The following professions will be added to the Work to Residence Green List pathway from March 2023:
· Civil construction supervisors
· Halal slaughterers
· Gasfitters
· Skilled motor mechanics
· Drainlayers
· Skilled telecommunications technicians
· Skilled crane operators
· Skilled civil machine operators
· Primary school teachers
· All secondary school teachers (in addition to the specialisations already on the Green List)
Open Work Visa for people unable to use Post Study Visas in 2020–2021
People unable to use Post Study Visas in 2020–2021 due to the border closing in March 2020 will be eligible for a 12-month Open Work Visa if they’re not already in New Zealand on another visa.
Pathway for Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders staying in the same role
There will be an introduction of a streamlined Specific Purpose Work Visa that long-term critical workers can apply for which will allow them to work in their current role for up to three years.
The applicant will only need a confirmation letter from the employer that the employee, will remain employed in the same role on the same (or better) conditions as the ones approved in the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa application.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Employer Accreditation Extension.
Employer accreditations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa will automatically be extended by 12 months if their first accreditation is applied for by 4 July 2023.
This is a one-off extension to provide employers certainty heading into 2023 that they will continue to have access to skilled labour without the additional cost and burden of re-applying for accreditation.
Accreditation system expansion in order to cover all migrants, including those with open work rights will be deferred until 2024.
Sector Agreement for bus and truck drivers
Bus and Truck drivers will have a time-limited residence pathway through a sector agreement. Officials will consult with transport sector representatives in the development of the agreement.