New Zealand: Work to Residence Visas Closing Applications

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Key Points 

  • The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa will close to new applications on Oct. 31, 2021, at 11:59pm 
  • The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa replaced by Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in July 2022 

Overview

The New Zealand government announced that the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa will close to new applications on Oct. 31, 2021, at 11:59pm. These visa types will also be replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which will be introduced on Jul. 4, 2022.  

What are the Changes?  

A new visa type will be introduced in July 2022 that will replace the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa. Individuals who currently hold the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa will be able to continue their pathway to residence without disruption. For information concerning the application and processing of work to residence (WTR) visas click here

Looking Ahead 

The government will continue to process the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa after Oct. 31, 2021. Employers can continue to support temporary migrant workers on an Essential Skills Work Visa up to Jul. 3, 2022 without accreditation. For additional information and updates continue to check New Zealand’s Immigration website and Envoy’s website.  

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Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.