Overview of the changes to Essential Skills Work Visa
As of last Monday 28 August, the Essential Skills Work visa policy has changed dramatically.
The three major changes are:
- Introduction of skills bands and remuneration thresholds
- Length of permitted stay
- Ability to bring family
Most affected by the changes are people in skilled occupations that historically pay low salaries. Chefs are a good example.
1. Remuneration thresholds and skill bands
Immigration New Zealand uses a system that divides occupations into skill levels. There are 5 skill levels. Skill level 1 is for unskilled occupations and skill level 5 for highly skilled occupations.
In addition, they have introduced remuneration thresholds. The skill level combined with the remuneration determines the skill band an occupation falls in.
| Skill Band | Hourly rate* | Skill level |
| High-skilled | > NZD 35.24 | All skill levels |
| Mid-skilled | between NZD 19.97 and NZD 35.24 | 1, 2, and 3 |
| Low-skilled | < NZD 19.97 ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย < NZD 35.24 | All skill levels ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 4 and 5 |
ย *Hourly rates are indexed every year in November, including this November!
Hourly rate
If you work variable hours per week OR if any overtime is not paid you have to be very careful. The hourly rate is determined by the week you work the most hours.
For new contracts and new work visa applications, Immigration New Zealand may ask an employer to give an indication of how many additional hours an employee is expected to work. For instance, if your contract is for 40 hours, your employer might indicate that you will actually work between 36 and 44 hours per week. The hourly rate is then determined by the highest number of hours (44 in this example).
When applying to renew your Essential Skills work visa, Immigration New Zealand may request proof of the hours you worked while on your current Essentials Skills work visa. If you worked a lot of unpaid overtime, you may be in trouble
Example: You work 40 hours a week. A couple of times a year you had to put in overtime to meet a deadline. You worked 50 hours 1 week. You earn NZD 44,000. Your hourly rate for the week you worked 50 hours is NZD 16.92. This means you occupation is classified as low-skilled for your new visa application.
Market rate
Your employer still has to pay you at least market rate. They might try to offer you NZD 20 per hour, which sits just above the mid-skilled band. But if the market rate for your occupation is NZD 28 per hour, Immigration will not accept a salary of NZD 20 per hour as that is way below the market rate.
2. Duration of Essential Skills work visa and length of permitted stay in New Zealand
The skill band your occupation falls in determines the maximum length your Essential Skills work visa may be granted for. It also determines if you may have to leave the country after a number of years.
| Skill Band | Maximum length of visa* |
| High-skilled | Up to 5 years |
| Mid-skilled | Up to 3 years |
| Low-skilled | Up to 1 year, maximum of 3 1-year visas, then a stand down period of 1 year |
* visas may be granted โup toโ X number of years, this means a visa for a shorter period may be granted
You may apply for different types of visa. For instance, if you are in a low-skilled occupation and have held 3 work visas for 1 year, you may not apply for another Essential Skills Work Visa. But you may apply for a student visa if that visa suits your needs.
3. Eligibility of family members for a dependent visa
Family members (children and partner) of a work visa holder that has a mid-skilled or high-skilled occupation may still come with their partners and apply for the appropriate dependents visa.
However, if an Essential Skills Work visa holder has a low-skilled occupation their family member may not apply for dependents visa. If they wish to come to New Zealand they have to apply for a visa on their own merit. This also means that children going primary and secondary school will have to pay international tuition fees.
There are transitional provisions for dependents that already were in New Zealand when these new instructions came into effect on 28 August 2017.
Hi, my wife just received an offer from Auckland to be sponsored as accountant. She has a Master Degree in Accounting but less than 3 years experience.
Is this enough to apply for Essential Skill Visa?
Hi Ferreira,
Without knowing the rest of your circumstances, I cannot tell if this is enough (e.g. is her Master Degree recognised in New Zealand?)
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi my husband is on essential skill Visa and our stand down period is this year in november.
He is planning to change jobs that is listed as needed jobs in N Z but will be a beginner together he will be doing courses.
His previous job was in forestry.
He will be payed 23 dollars an hour .
Would he be able to be given another 3 years work Visa as he does not want to take our daughter off high school .
Our daughter is classed as one of the best student and she is doing extremely well in her education here.
Olease could tou email me.
Thank you and god bless always.
Hi Jennifer,
The only way, your husband is able to stay and work in New Zealand is if he finds a job that is classed as mid-skill employment. This means it must be a skill level 1, 2, or 3 occupation AND he must be paid at least $25.50. If his job will only pay $23 per hour, it will be lower-skill and as he already is on his third lower-skill visa, he will not get a new one.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am currently holding an Essential Skills work visa for three years. The company (biggest competitor) is chasing me to work for them. The thing is they are not currently seeking people so they have not advertised on seek the role. The role is the same i currently have and in the same city (Auckland) so basically i’ll apply for a variation of conditions. My question is due to the fact i have already been granted a visa do i have to send evidence that there are not new zealanders available for the new role as well? Would be a bit awkward to ask to the company to publish an advert for the role when they are not currently looking for people they just want me… makes me feel a bit strange because is common sense that sometimes this kind of things just happens… i have alrready experience in new zealand and a company can be interested on me…
Hi Belu,
If the job title is exactly the same (and the tasks and responsibilities are very similar) and you stay in Auckland, you can apply for a Variation of Conditions. An employer does not have to pass a Labour Market Test, so it is not necessary to provide evidence of advertising.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I made a variation of conditions on my Essential Visa to work with a new employer, but I don’t like it ๐
If I quit and start looking for work, would there be a problem?
I am very stressed and would like to take a few weeks.
What would you recommend me?
Thank you ๐
Hi Jeremias,
Your work visa is granted to work for a specific employer. It is intended for you to work. When you quit your job, your work visa essentially is no longer valid and you would need to leave the country as soon as possible.
If you wish to change jobs, it’s best to search for a new job first and apply for a new work visa (or variation of conditions) when you have found a new job.
If you do quit, you need to notify Immigration New Zealand and they will tell you if there is a grace period where they will not serve a Deportation Liability Notice. If there is such a period, it usually is 4 to 6 weeks. There is no guarantee Immigration will allow you this, though.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Im on a low skilled essential work visa since 2016 with the same employer. The stand down rule was announced in August 2017. If I would apply for another low skilled visa this year, would they likely approve that until August 2020?
Thank you
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
The stand-down period was introduced in August 2017. The 3-year period starts counting from the first low-skill visa approval after August 2017. If the first 1-year low-skill visa approved in January 2018, for instance, then you should be able to get new 1-year low-skill visas up to January 2021.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi! I have a question please. I first visa was approved August 30 2017, but doest not indicate a lowered skilled unlike my next visa it was assessed as a lower skilled and my current visa now will expires on august 7 2020, do i still have the chance to apply new visa under essential skills as my current salary now is $25.50 per hour.
Hi Gay,
The first work visa did not have low-skill on it because you probably applied for it before the new rules came into effect. The 3-year period until the stand-down period applies starts counting from the first low-skill visa that was approved. I assume this was on 7 August 2019. If my assumption is correct you can be granted low-skill work visas up to 7 August 2022.
Whether or not you qualify for a mid-skill visa I don’t know. Currently, the skill band is determined by the pay rate and the skill level of the occupation. From mid-2020 (no official start date has been announced yet) the skill level (low-paid or high-paid) will be determined solely by the pay-rate. If you earn above the median wage you are considered high-paid and if you earn below the median wage you fall in low-paid. So, it’s possible that your next visa application will fall under the new rules. The current median wage is $25, but this will be indexed in November (and likely will go up to around $25.50, no official announcement has been made yet).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I am in the process of applying my second Essential Skills Work Visa . Last year I have done a General Medical Certificate for this visa and this year, my form is asking me to do the certificate again but when I read the New Zealand immigration website, it says I don’t need to submit the general medical certificate if I submit one on a previous application. Ive sent them an inquiry but haven’t got a response yet. Should I just submit the application without getting another one? Thanks
Hi Ayse,
If you already completed a medical check with your previous application and this was less than 36 months ago and your health has not deteriorated, you do not need to complete a new test. My guess is that you ticked the incorrect box in the form under the health section.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, Just had a query about my current visa. I arrived in NZ on an Essential Skills visa valid for 5 years. would it be possible to apply for permanent resident visa after 2 years? I have a remuneration of $6o/ hour. Also does a 5 year Essential skills visa lead to naturalization? Thanks
Hi Jay,
You need to apply for a resident visa first. When that is granted, you can apply for a permanent resident visa after 2 years. A temporary work visa such as Essential Skills does not lead to citizenship. You need a residence class visa first.
Happy to help you out with your resident visa application if you meet the requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
My partner and I are on essential skills work visas (low skilled) and we are expecting a baby shortly. When it comes time to apply (basically renew) our visas for another year, what are the visa options for the child? I know we cannot support a child’s visa with our low skilled visas?
Many thanks,
Wes Fish
Hi Wes,
If you wish to stay in NZ as a family, at least one of you will need a job that is assessed as mid-skill and meets the income threshold to support a dependent child. If you continue to be on a low-skill visa then the only option for your child is a general visitor visa but this is only provided for 9-months maximum (the time from the birth until the visa renewal may be deducted from this period). Please also be aware that you may have to pay for maternity services yourself as you may not be eligible for state-funded health care.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I finished my level 7 in accounting. My employer is now supporting me to offer job. I am already on open work visa ending in 2020.
I have submitted my EOI to the department –
1) So what things I should be keeping in my when it comes to applying for permanent residency?
2) Are there any conditions I should make sure are followed as the website says I can work for almost any job and any employer
3) If I work more than 8 hours a day – do I need to take care of anything? in terms of my contract matching the hours ? I do get market rate pay.
4) I have studied accounting but I work as shop handler or grocery handler.
Hope to hear soon
Hi Sabrina,
I’ve answered your email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi can I confirm if I marry with nz citizen girl after that when can I apply for residency how long it takes after marriage as I am on work visa
Hi Binder,
You do not need to marry someone to qualify for a partnership visa. Neither does marriage mean that a partnership based visa will be granted. You must be able to prove you are in a genuine and stable relationship. You also must be living together (for at least 12 months for a resident visa application).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, i left NZ last year working for a company while on an essential skills visa skill level 3. it doesn’t run out till July 2020 but i want to come back and work for a different company. Can i apply for a new visa in this situation?
Hi Jon,
When you left your job (I assume you quit), your work visa is no longer valid as it is mandatory to work for the company specified on your visa label and in the position specified on your visa label.
Even if the work visa was still valid, you have to apply for a new visa when switching jobs in most cases, as the work visa is tied to a specific employer and a specific position.
Kind regards,
Feija
I have an essential work visa as a Retail manager of a wine store of a franchise (4 stores, including head office)
we applied to a Store manager position, Anzco level 2 (last year) but I got a lower skilled visa for 1 year. It was super complicated to get it.
This year I want to apply again to the same position but I’m not sure if applying to the same title (Store manager) or apply to sales assistant and make the process less complicated, my payment is $ 25 per hour, so my question is if with this salary I can apply to sales assistant position knowing that it is level 5 and the minimum pay is $ 37.50, or what would be the best option to obtain a new visa working on a franchise?
Regards
Jaquelina
Hi Jaquelina,
A Store Manager position within a franchise chain will always be difficult as some of the core tasks that Immigration believes are part of the job of a Retail Manager are done by head office (e.g. marketing campaigns, setting prices).
I would be happy to talk to you about your options and the best way forward in a Consultation (a fee applies). Please contact me via the contact form on the website.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
Currently, I have an Essential Visa for 3 years.
If I lose my job, what will happen to me? Immediately my Visa disappear?
How many time I have to find another job?
In the case I want to change my work, I will need to apply for another Essential Visa with the new employer before to start?
Best regards,
GC
Hi GC,
An Essential Skills work visa is only valid for a specific employer and a specific occupation. If you wish to change jobs, you need to apply for a new work visa, in most cases (there are a few exceptions). Please do not quit your job until a new work visa is approved.
If you lose your job, your work visa is no longer valid and you should:
a) leave the country as soon as possible
b) rectify the situation as soon as possible by finding a new job and applying for a new work visa – there is no set term for this, but generally 3-4 weeks maximum. If the new application is declined, you should leave the country.
You should notify Immigration New Zealand when you lose your job as this is a material change to your circumstances.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am on a mid skilled essential work visa for 3 years. Can I apply for residency after this visa expires? What other options do I have to extend my stay here for a few years, if I can not apply for residency.
Hi Catherine,
You can apply for a resident visa as soon as you are eligible for it. You do not have to wait a certain number of years (unless you need more points for work experience). It can take 12-18 months for a resident visa application to be processed. You need to have a valid visa at all times, so it’s better to start the process sooner rather than later. If your work visa expires when a resident visa application is being processed, you can apply for a new work visa.
If you do not meet the requirements for a resident visa, you can also apply for a new work visa as long as you and your employer keep meeting the requirements.
In general terms, the requirements for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa are:
– be of good health and character
– have a good command of the English language
– have a suitably skilled full-time offer of employment or current employment that is ongoing and genuine, with a pay rate of at least $25 per hour (the rate is indexed every November)
– be able to claim at least 160 points – you may get (bonus) points for age, job offer, qualification and work experience
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I just got essential visa for 3 years and in my visa they mention i i should pay $21.25 p.h.
and i put $22 p/h in my contract. so is it OK if my boss pay me $21.25 p/h.
one more thing want to ask is it compulsory to do 40 hours a week or i can do 34 or 36 hours as well.
Hi Pari,
No, if you contract states your hourly rate is $22, your employer must pay you $22 per hour.
If you look at your visa label it will say your employment is mid-skilled. To meet the requirements of a mid-skill level, you must be paid at least $21.25. But in addition, it applies that your employer must pay you a fair market rate AND must adhere to the hourly rate in your employment agreement. The visa label is confusing.
Just remember that if your employment agreement says your hourly rate is $22, you must be paid $22 per hour.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi good day ! here is my situation i work for a accredited employer they hired me from middle east 2 yrs ago having 8 yrs exp at the same field at middle east as cnc machine operator and i hold a essential skilled work visa w/ salary of 21.25 having average of 65,000 anual salary before tax because of over time my question is am i elligeble to aply for a residence visa or work to residence visa?
Hi Louie,
If you are currently on an Essential Skills work visa, you cannot apply for a Residence from Work resident visa as you must hold a Work to Residence visa for 2 years first.
You also are not eligible to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa because your hourly rate is too low (minimum is NZD 25 per hour – this rate is indexed every November). I can’t tell from the information you provided if you would be able to claim enough points under the Skilled Migrant Category to apply for residency if you had a higher hourly rate.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
A simple question, I am dairying and have a potential new employee whoโs low skill visa runs out in sept/2019 after 3 years. Do they have the ability to apply for a new low skill visa and work toward their mid skill qualification level 4 or do they need to stand down?
Thanks John
Hi John,
If the potential employee already is on their third one-year visa, a stand-down period of 1 year applies. They can apply for another type of visa, e.g. a student visa but they will have to pay international tuition fees (they can only work 20 hours per week)
If they apply for a new visa to work for you, this visa, most likely, will be until September 2019.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,there
I have one case. Currently I hold essential skill work visa in lower skill for 1 year until Dec 2019. And today ,I have job offer from new employer with pay rate NZD 23/ hour. My job is ANZSCO level 2.
My question is :
1. What should i do if i want to move from my current job?
2. Is it possible for me to get medium skill if i move to this new employer?
3.Which one should i do, VOC or apply for new visa?
Thank you for your assist
Regard
Kade
Hi Kade,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello, I just have a question. Im currently on essential skills work visa employer assisted but im not happy with my job and i want to quit. I already submitted partnership work visa 1 week ago. My question is can i quit my job now? while waiting for the result of my partnership work visa?
Hi Joy,
It’s never wise to quit your job while you are still waiting for a visa application to be decided. If the visa is declined and you already quit your job, your work visa is no longer valid either, so you may heave to leave the country.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am currently employed and my employer and myself would like to begin the application for an Essential Skills Visa so that they can keep me for the role. It meets the pay and qualification requirements for Mid-Skilled employment. We are preparing the necessary documents, but are not certain because of the wording of the application whether you still need to prove you have made real attempts to hire a NZ resident if you are continuing with an existing role, rather than getting a visa for a new job offer.
The application suggests you don’t need to show this evidence, but I have friends who are doing similar visa applications and their employer did need to advertise and prove as such.
I would really appreciate your thoughts on if this is needed.
Thanks.
Hi Katie,
Yes, your employer needs to advertise the role.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
I am an overseas experienced teacher and have been offered a full time permanent secondary teaching job in NZ. I will be in NZ on Essential Skills Work Visa. However, prior my job offer my wife being the principal applicant expressed an interest for the skilled migrant visa and we settled on 140 points and our application is still pending. My wife is a graduate from a University in NZ. Now that with my job offer raising the points to 180, she is using to support our application to get through. What are the chances of our application be considered, considering our skilled migrant application was done way before my job offer? Now that I will be considered for ES work visa, are we still currently eligible to be considered under skill migrant visa considering our situation? or how does that work with our situation?
Hi Ben,
As your question is a bit too complex to answer here, I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi. This is my third year being on an essential skills work visa. My employment is considered low skilled which means I will have to leave when my visa expires in November. What are some of my options if I wanted to continue living in NZ?
Hi Koroi,
There are not many options. The main one is to find employment that is mid-skill. From mid-2020, the skill level of employment for work visas is only determined by the pay rate (and not the ANZSCO skill level). If you earn $25.50 or more, your employment will be considered mid-skill.
Another option is to enroll in a course but you pay international tuition fees. Without knowing the details of your situation, I can’t think of any other options.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
I am currently on an essential skills work visa. I am still in the same job as when I applied (which was last year).
I know I need to submit my form and the employer supplementary Form but do i still have to submit all the extra documents (ie evidence that the company tried to look for a citizen for the job role, etc.)
Thanks for helping!
Bea
Hi Bea,
You need to meet all the requirements for a work visa all over again. Your applying for a new work visa (and not extending your current visa as a lot of people think).
Kind regards,
Feija
I am A coach driver on $25ph working 50h weeks, currently on a lower skill visa that ends 25th may 2019.
How many more years can i do this before having to leave for a year?
first visa was may 2016 – may 2017
second visa was may 2017 – may 2018
third visa may 2018 – may 2019
This new rule was introduced Aug 17 does that mean my “first year” would have started may 2018. meaning i can get 2 more one year visas?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, that is correct. The three years start counting from the first visa that was issued after the new rules came into force.
Kind regards,
Feija
If you are leaving the country but currently on an Essential Skills visa, is it possible to quit and stay in the country for a specific amount of time before needing legally to leave?
Hi,
An Essential Skills Work Visa allows you to work in New Zealand and to be employed by the employer mentioned on your visa label. If you are no longer employed by that employer, your work visa is no longer valid. If you do not have a valid your are in the country unlawful. You must leave New Zealand before your visa becomes invalid or as soon as possible after this happens. Please note that being in the country while you have no valid visa is considered overstaying and this may affect future visa applications.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
I have a few questions, if you could help me clear some of them:
1. If am applying for Essential Skill Work Visa, point system indicator does not apply to me?
2. If I am granted for Essential Skill Work Visa will I able to apply for permanent residency given I have $30 per hour and planning to get my wife and 2 kids?
3. If I am applying for Essential Skill Visa and I am on the Immediate Skill Shortage List, Does my employer need to provide evidence trying to recruit New Zealanders?
Thank you.
Hi Vergel,
The point system does NOT apply if you apply for a work visa. Based on the information provided you should be able to bring your wife and children when you apply for a work visa.
To be able to apply for a resident visa you need:
– a full-time skilled job offer with an NZ employer that pays at least $25 per hour
– be able to claim at least 160 points (you can get points (and bonus points where applicable) for age, qualifications, job offer, and work experience)
– be of good health and character
– have a sufficient level of English
Based on the information provided it is not possible to determine if you qualify for a resident visa.
I would be happy to provide answers to specific questions you have about a visa application (e.g. what evidence you need to provide) in a Consultation (a fee applies). I would also be happy to assist you with a work visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have applied essential skill work visa.
My only worries that i have only secondary school certificate.
Do i get approval. Please answer me.
Thanks
Hi Ahmed,
To meet the requirements of an Essential Skills Visa, you need to be able to show you are qualified for the job you are offered in NZ. You can do this through work experience and/or tertiary qualification. It depends on the skill level of the job what you exactly need. If you have work experience but no qualification, you may still meet the requirements of an Essential Skills Work visa. It is not mandatory to have a tertiary qualification.
If you have no work experience, not sufficient work experience or you can’t prove your work experience and you also do not have a tertiary qualification, you will not meet the requirements of an Essential Skills work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi i have low skilled visa already and i want to change new employer .i want to get information of variation of condition visa. Thank you
Hi Taka,
You can only apply for a VOC if you change your employer. The town/city where you work and your job title must remain the same. If either of those change as well, you need to apply for a new work visa.
Please note that processing times are quite long and there is no guarantee that a new work visa or VOC will be approved, so please do not quit your current job until a new visa is granted.
If you require any assistance, please contact me via the “Ask Feija a Question” form on http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/ and upload any relevant documents.
Kind regards,
Feija
What happens if you are currently working for a company on a working holiday visa (which expires in less than 6 months) and they would like to continue to employ you for another position however the experience needed for the position was gained whilst working for the company. Could you please provide advice as to how to go about the essential skills visa?
Hi Megan,
To meet the requirements for an Essential Skills visa you need to have the work experience that is required for that occupation. Depending on the occupation that is 0-1, 3 or 5 years of work experience. You can use past work experience (with the same company or with another company).
I would be happy to assist you with an Essential Skills work visa application (if you are eligible). Please contact me through the main website http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/. Complete the “Ask Feija a question” contact form and upload your cv.
Thank you.
Feija
Hi, I have a question about my visa I had a 3 yrs. Visa as a lift technician and it’s been my 8 months here in new zealand. I was a labour hire from a man power agency and working in a i ternational company based here in auckland. I signed $20 per hour rate in the agency, after 6 months they give me a 22.50 hourly rate. I’m planning to bring my wife here in new zealand by next year through partnership visa. My question is what is the current category of my essential visa ? And is there any chance that I can bring my wife here ? Thank you in advance.
Hi Jellar,
The category of your Essential Skills visa should be printed on the visa label. There will be a sentence like: your employment has been assessed as (lower-skilled, mid-skilled or higher-skilled). As your hourly rate was above the threshold of $19.65 when your visa was granted, and your occupation appears to be skill level 3, I would expect, your employment to be classed as mid-skill. The skill level of the employment does not change as long as your visa is valid.
If the employment indeed is mid-skilled, then you can support your wife to come to New Zealand for either a work or a visitor visa. If you opt for a visitor visa you will have to show you or she has enough funds to maintain herself for the remainder of the time your visa is valid.
Kind regards,
Feija
What position do I need to have mid skilled?
Hi Lakhbir,
Whether a position is falls under the mid-skill band is determined by the occupation and the hourly rate. At the moment, you need an hourly rate of $20.65 or higher (the rate is expected to go up later this month as it is indexed every November). In addition, to a sufficiently high hourly rate, you also need a skill level 1, 2 or 3 position.
There are 5 skill levels for occupations, with 1 being the highest and 5 the lowest. Every occupation is classed as being skill level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
As you have not mentioned what your occupation is (and I have not seen your position description), I can’t tell which skill level it is.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there, I got my mid skill work visa in July 2018 and started at my new job in September 2018. I would like to find something else.. are there any grace periods for you to find a new job? My work visa is however linked to this company for 3 years….
And I am currently waiting for my partner to receive his work visa itโs been almost 3 weeks now. I have already submitted my visa as well for a partner visa on my partners application , but have to wait till he get his before mine is processed
Hi Lauren,
I think I answered your question via email, but no there are no grace periods. If you wish to change jobs, you need to find another job and apply for another work visa. You can only start your new job once the new visa is approved. The current processing time for temporary applications, such as work and partnership visas is around 8 weeks.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Iโm currently in a working holiday visa, I have a low level job $21ph an 18 hours. Iโm looking at getting another 12 hours to make it 30 hours however may be doing 2 15 hour days. Can I apply for essential visa, do I have to apply every year for 3 years or can I apply for 3 years.
Hi Danielle,
You do not mention your occupation. to fall in the mid-skill band, your hourly rate must be over $20.65 (the rate is indexed in November and is expected to go up) AND your occupation must be skill level 1, 2 or 3. If you don’t meet either of these requirements a 1-year work visa will be issued if the application is approved. If you meet these requirements then a 3-year visa will be issued if the application is approved.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, my job is a supermarket supervisor so low skilled Iโm on $20.32ph. I wonโt be doing 15 hr shifts now but they are still looking to make me 30 hrs contracted permanent. Someone mentioned I need 32 hrs but on the website for essential visa says min 30 hrs. Would u be able to clarify this. Many thanks Danielle.
Hi Danielle,
Immigration New Zealand defines full-time work as 30 hours or more.
Definition of ‘full-time employment’
Unless otherwise specified, full-time employment is considered to be at least 30 hours of work per week for the purpose of all work instructions.
Kind regards,
Feija
My husband is on mid skill worker. Can he apply for PR in NZ.
Hi Sobhna,
Your husband can apply for a resident visa if he meets the following requirements:
– an offer of employment or current skilled employment with an hourly rate of NZD 24.29 or higher (the rate is indexed in November 2018 and likely will go up)
– sufficient work experience or a qualification to show he is skilled in his occupation
– be able to claim at least 160 points, points and bonus are awarded in the following categories: age, job offer, qualifications and work experience
– be of good character, meet English language standards and have good health
I can calculate the number of points your husband can claim as the principal applicant in a Detailed Points Assessment. Please see http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/detailed-visa-options-assessment/) for more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi i am appying essential skill visa i am a fiber tecnician and my company pay me $20 per hour. I need to support my partner she is in new zealand staying with me since 2016. When she arrived New Zealand at that time she applied partnership visa but immigration grant general visior visa and right now i have dependent work visa can i apply partnership visa for my wife.
Please advice her visa expring in 18- oct-2018
Hi Hardik,
I need to know more about your situation and see some visa labels to be able to tell you if your wife is eligible for a partnership visa.
Please go to http://experienzimmigration.co.nz and fill in the contact form (bottom of the home page) and attach any relevant documents.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there
Recently i applied for my essential skill visa as a store manager. My pay is $22 an hour and working more than 35 hours a week.But INZ assessed it as low skill visa category and i got 1year visa. My question is can i apply again from the same store and on same position for 3year visa.
Hi Guri,
The only reason INZ could have assessed your application as low-skill that I see (without knowing any details of the case) is because they believe your job isn’t that of a Store Manager but probably that of a Store Supervisor. You can apply again for the same store and the same position, but unless something has changed significantly, it is unlikely a 3-year visa will be approved.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I got my essential skill work visa on Oct 2017 for 3 years and after that, I have applied for my spouse work visa and she also got the work visa with the same duration of mine. Now I have lost my job 2 months back because of a dispute with the employer. So can my spouse work at this time till I apply for another visa?
Hi Garry,
When you lose your job (or quit your job), your work visa (and your wife’s work visa) becomes invalid as you breach the condition of your work visa (being employed for the employer stated on the work visa label). Your wife should stop working as she technically does not have a valid visa anymore. Her employer is breaching Employment Law by employing someone without a valid visa.
You should notify Immigration New Zealand of the change in your circumstances. If your visa was granted specifically for this job, and you are no longer employed there, you are breaching your work visa conditions, which may result in you being liable for deportation.
You must immediately change your status by making a new application. If you have a new job to go to, you should apply for a new work visa. Your other options are a visitor visa or a student visa if you meet policy requirements for either of those applications.
If you are not eligible for any further visas in New Zealand, you should arrange your departure to avoid becoming unlawful. There usually is a 6-week grace period in which Immigration New Zealand will not issue a Deportation Liability Notice.
If you were dismissed during your trial period, you may apply for a visitor visa for dismissed workers
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Team,
I currently hold the Essential Skills Work Visa, I have received a new job offer from the new employer with the same Position and Region, We are submitting an application for a Variations of Conditions, my visa will expire in less than 6 months, Would it be ok to submit application for a New Work Visa at the same time with Variations of Conditions? Or submit an application one at a time?
Please let us know.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Paul Jacob
Hi Paul,
To save cost it might be economically more sensible to apply for a new work visa, but if you want to do both, you have to wait with a new work visa application until the Variation of Conditions is decided.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,I want to confirm that my husband have job search visa.i have open work visa and my son 6years old on study visa.now my husband should apply for postgraduate work visa,his pay rate 20.82.can he support our visa,some lawyer say if he got essential visa than he canโt support me and my son bcoz we came in newzealand after 28th August 2017.me and my son came in nz on 18th April 2018.my visa will expire end of sep.plz reply
Hi Baljeet,
If your husband applies for a postgraduate employer-assisted work visa then you can get an open work visa as his partner.
If your husband applies for an Essential Skills work visa, for instance, if he doesn’t meet the requirements for a postgraduate employer-assisted visa, then he should be able to support your open work visa application too. The only exception is when your husband’s occupation falls into the low-skill band. People with employment assessed as low-skill are not able to support their partner and dependent children.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
I have a question please. My partner got his 3 yrs work visa (Essential skills work visa) from his company, He is only earning $23 per hour as PR requires more or less $25 per hour. Is it alright for him to look for a different job which is similar to what he is doin with eligible salary and apply for a variation of visa?
Hi,
In some cases, it is possible to apply for a Variation of Conditions, but often a new work visa application is required. There are three variables that can change: the employer, the town/city of work, and/or the occupation. Whether or not a new work visa application is required depends on which of the three variables or combination of variables is changing.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi feija’
I have 3 years essential skill work visa as a chef and is expiring on july 2022. However i found a new job within same area but my position will be CDP and the pay is below $25.50. If i apply for VOC will get approve?
Hi Roshan,
As your current visa is for 3 years, your employment is probably classed as mid-skill. If the new employment is paid less than the median wage, you cannot apply for a VOC, you must apply for a new Essential Skills work visa. Whether the application will be approved depends on a number of factors.
If the application is approved and a visa granted it will only be for 6 months. The question is whether it is wise to change jobs as your current visa is valid until July 2022. Even if you can negotiate a pay rate of $25.50 or above, you may need to apply for a new work visa as your job title (and job description) are different from your current job (even though the ANZSCO code is the same).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hii
I already got my essential work visa for 3 years but my question is could i get same lengh of visa when i extened my visa i means again imiigration will give me 3 years of work visa when extened
Hi Tejeskumar,
It depends on the skill band of your occupation. Low-skilled you only get a visa for 1 year. Mid-skilled is a visa for up to 3 years. An occupation is mid-skilled when your hourly rate is $20.65 or higher (rate is indexed every November) and you have a skill level 1, 2 or 3 occupation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi is it possible to be approved with partner visa of a working visa holder but we cannot provide proof of living together because of work locations?
Hi Betz,
If you have never lived together at all, it will be very difficult to impossible to get a partnership visa approved. There may be other options though.
If you’ve been in a relationship for a while and have lived together before, it might be possible.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, i’m an I.T graduate and my experience was mostly on I.T as well. I was recently hired from a restaurant and they said they are willing to sponsor me and provide the necessary documents. The thing is, the website says to submit my education/experience which I don’t have since I haven’t worked in any restaurant before, do you think I will be approved for an ESV?
Hi Mark,
Generally speaking, if you do not have any experience in the position you were offered, nor a qualification in that field then an Essential Skills work visa application will, mot likely, be declined.
Kind regards
Hi, Iโm interested in applying for the job as a sawmill labourer. I donโt have any experience but I have required equivalent qualification. I only have experience on paper and pulp mill worker. In this condition, am I eligible for essential skilled visa? If I work in essential skilled visa, can I change my employer to accredited employer before my visa expires? If yes, when should I apply if the employer is unable to renew my visa because of various factors? Thanking you….
Hi Grg,
The job you are intending to apply for appears to be a low-skill job. Based on the information you have provided, I can’t exactly tell what the skill level of the occupation is, but for a skill level 5 occupation (e.g. Saw Mill Worker), you do not need any experience, just a high school diploma. For a skill level 4 occupation (e.g. Sawmill operator) you need at least 1 year of experience.
You can apply for an Essential Skills work visa but your employer will have to prove there are not NZ citizens available in various ways. If there are suitable NZ citizens or residents that apply then you will not be granted a work visa. You will only be able to get a 1-year visa.
You can try and look for a job with an accredited employer. If you find a job, you can apply for a new work visa (do NOT quit your job until a new work visa is approved). Please be mindful that to apply for a Work to Residence visa, you must earn at least NZD 55,000 annum (based on 40 hours per week). There is a discussion going to increase the salary threshold.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
Im fiber technician. Iโm on essential work visa. As per my contract my hourly pay rate is $18.75/hr but my employer pay me $16.75/hr and in salary slip itโs also showed $16.75/hr. Iโm planning to change my job in same field. Will immigration asked me about my salary slip? and if they asked me whoโs the fault? Me or my employer? Because Iโve told him many times but he didnโt pay me as per my contract. ( i got my visa in January end 2018 since Iโm working with him)
Hi Pinal,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi my job is classified under level 4 for essential skill work visa but my employer is giving me 20.65 salary so is my partner is eligible for work visa. Thanks
Hi Ankush,
Your job will still be classed as lower-skilled because it is a skill level 4 occupation and the pay rate is below $36.44.
This means your partner is not able to apply for a work visa as your partner.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello everyone. recently I applied for an essential Work visa online from Pakistan. I uploaded job offer and Employment Agreement (20 pages) also attached an employer Supplementary form filled by employer. Uploaded and evidence of that my employer can’t find any new Zealander for this job. Job was posted in trademe.nz.co. I have done everything but only evidence I didn’t uploaded is my qualifications. I uploaded two experience letters of 8 years in my field. I’m tiler i learnd tiling from my father since my childhood but i don’t have any paper evidence related my field. . Is this possible to get visa Without Qualifications? Thanks
Dear Abdul,
Yes, it is possible to be granted a work visa without qualifications if you meet the work experience requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello, I got 1 year essential visa without any conditions, so can I work for two employers? And can I apply for partnership visit visa for my wife.
Thankyou
Hi Alex,
Essential Skills work visas are seldom (or never) without any conditions. So it might be worth checking if you indeed hold an Essential Skills Work visa or a different type of work visa.
It depends on the type of visa you have if you may apply for a partnership visa for your wife. I really do not have sufficient information to assess this. Feel free to send me a message through the homepage of the website (experienzimmigration.co.nz).
Kind regards,
Feija
l lm applying for work to residence work visa for south island contribution if my application declined can l still apply for essential work visa
Hi Raymond,
It’s not possible to apply for a South Island Contribution Visa anymore. Applications closed on 23 May 2018.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
Im on essential skill work visa and my pay rate is $22.50. I Don’t have anzsco skill 1,2-3 qualification but I’ve got experience in the field im working can I still apply mid skill visa
Thanks
Hi Mohammed,
To qualify for a mid-skilled work visa, your hourly rate must be over $20.65 if you have a skill level 1, 2 or 3 occupation. It must be over $36.44 if you have a skill level 4 or 5 qualification. In addition, you must be suitably qualified for the job (either through a qualification or sufficient work experience).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi. I am on essential skill work visa which is expiring on october 2022 with my current employer. But i am not happy with him. We had a argument yesterday and he asked me to resigned, so i did with two weeks notice. Hopefully i will get a new job offer soon which is under processing with payrate above 25.50, same position and same region. My concern is what if my current emplyer notify immigration about my resignation. Does my visa expires immediately if i dont have any job or do they give me time to look for new job or to do VOC? thanks
Hi,
When you quit your job and no longer work for the employer mentioned on your Essential Skills visa label, you breach the conditions of your visa. And this means it is no longer valid and you either need to leave the country as soon as possible or remedy the situation (by applying for another visa) as soon as possible.
You also should notify Immigration New Zealand about this change. They may give you a specific time period before you must leave the country but often they are quite vague. Immigration realises that it may take a couple of weeks to either submit a new visa application or pack up your life in NZ and allows a grace period of a few weeks.
Immigration announced a 2-month visitor visa for people that have trouble leaving NZ (e.g. because there are no flights or the flights were canceled), so if you plan to leave NZ but have trouble doing so, the 2-month visa may be a way to stay in NZ lawfully.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello
I have NZ certificate in cookery(L4) and job offer as a chef de partie/cook at a reputed cafe offering me 25$/40h contract. Am i eligible for essential skills work visa?
Please advise.
Thanks
Hi Abhishek,
Yes, you should be eligible for an Essential Skills work visa if you and your employer meet all requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi
i already holding a skill visa and im making 20 per hour but when i applied they just gave me 1 year that mean i have a lower skill visa i really dont know what wrong i did with my application because i have experience.
if i want to apply again showing my experience can i get a mid-skill visa or just i have to wait for my third application and spend 1 year outside?
i will appreciate your help.
Hi Luis,
The reason you got a 1-year visa and your occupation was assessed as low-skilled may be because of your hourly rate. The minimum income threshold for mid-skilled employment is $20.65 (indexed in November each year, this means it usually goes up). If youe hourly rate is only $20, it is below the threshold.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Team,
I had a query and might need some help . Im on an essential work visa as a shift manager for a pizza franchise, before that i was on a different essential work visa with another company. My current essential visa expires in Nov 2018, so could i apply another essential visa through the same company my hourly rate is just $17 . will appreciate your help
Hi Aces,
Yes, you can apply for another work visa through Essential Skills. As your hourly rate is below the threshold for mid-skilled employment, your employment will be assessed as low-skilled and, if granted, a visa will only be valid for 1 year. You can get a maximum of 3 1-year visas. This only applies for visas granted after 28 August 2017.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good evening sir/madam I will ask regarding our salary because our company will change our weekly salary to monthly salary is this true that is the government policy?Then the second question is what will happen because there is a new law regarding the work to residence and the per hour is more than $30 plus this last august and what will happen in the mid skill because our salary is 21.65 is there any increase for the mid skill?
Hi Paulo,
An employer can pay their employee weekly, fortnightly or monthly or at any frequency they see fit, as long as it is regular and the employee knows when their salary will be paid.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no new salary threshold (yet) for work to residence visas.
Usually, all hourly rates and most of the salary thresholds are indexed once a year. For Essential Skills work visa, this happens in November. Currently, the mid-skill threshold is $21.25 and it went up from $20.65 in 2018, which is $0.60. So this year, I expect the new threshold to be somewhere near $22.
A new threshold does not affect a current visa. A new threshold only impacts new visa applications.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello
I would like to know about work visa.
I am on essential skill work visa since 2016 and now I am planning to put my spouse on dependent visa.
My visa is going to expire on September 2018 and I am earning $18.90 / hour.
So will my wife get work visa on me. Note she was never on dependent visa before this will b first time she is planning to come on my visa.
Kindly suggest me what shall I do
Looking forward to hear you soon
Regrads
Juned
Hi Juned,
This is a bit of a complicated situation. Your wife may be eligible for a work visa as your dependent up to September 2018. If you apply for a new work visa in September and you still have the same hourly rate, your employment will be assessed as low-skilled. This means your wife will no longer be entitled to a work visa as your dependent.
Hi, I have been offered a job opportunity as cook with NZ$22 per hour with 40 hrs work . I would like to know whether I will get work visa for me and partner/dependent visa for my spouse and children..
Hi Pradeepa,
If you only earn $22 per hour and a visa is granted, it will be for low-skill employment. This means it is not possible for your husband to get a work or visitor visa. Your children also can’t get a visa based on your relationship with them. From mid-2020 it will be possible again for partners and children of lower-skill work visa holders to apply for a visitor visa, but at the moment this is not possible.
Kind regards,
Feija
I want to look for another employer for i am not happy on my present workplace but hesitanr to do that because i have a contract with my present employer.can i still able to look and change employer?whatabout the contract i sign to them that i have to work for 3 years for they are the ones who get my essential visa?
Hi Alberto,
The fact that you have an employment agreement with an employer does not mean you need to keep working for them your entire life. You can search for and accept a new job offer.
However, please be mindful that an Essential Skills work visa is tied to your employer and your job. This means that if you find a new job, you will need to apply for a new work visa (in some cases a Variation of Conditions is an option). Please do not quit your current job until a new work visa is approved.
If you meet the conditions for a Variation of Conditions, and if it is approved, your work visa will have the same end date as your current visa. If you have to apply for a new visa, and it is approved, the visa will be for 3 years if your pay-rate is $25.50 or above. If your pay-rate is less than $25.50 the visa, if granted, will be for 6 months.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi! I would like to know which skill band am I in if im applying for essential work visa? I have been given a job offer with an hourly rate of $21.50 for 30hrs. Can my partner and dependent children apply? My employer said its an open contract…what does that mean ” open contract “?
Hi Masi,
The skill-band of the employment is determined by the hourly rate you earn and the skill level of the occupation. Skill level 4 and 5 occupations are almost always in the low-skill band (unless your hourly rate is $37.50 or higher). The same applies if you earn less than $21.25.
As your proposed hourly rate is above $21.25, the skill band will be determined by your occupation.
NOTE: Please note the hourly rate will go up to around $21.70 later this month and your proposed hourly rate is below the new rate, so you could end up in the low-skill band irrespective of your occupation
Kind regards,
Feija
I am on a 3 year essential skills visa and applied for a variation of conditions to change my employer. What happens if that is declined?
Hi Daniel,
If your variation of conditions is declined, you cannot work for the new employer and you need to stay with your current employer. You can submit a new work visa application for the job with the new employer (whether that is successful depends on a number of factors).
Kind regards,
Feija