10 Dec 2024
New Zealand’s latest immigration reforms aim to create a more flexible and efficient system that supports workforce demands in essential industries like engineering. These updates address workforce shortages, enhance family support for migrant workers, and streamline employer compliance processes, providing the engineering sector with critical tools to maintain project momentum and meet infrastructure goals.
Direct employer engagement in recruitment processes
A key reform impacting engineering employers is the requirement for direct engagement with Work and Income New Zealand when recruiting for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles. Starting October 2024, immigration professionals can no longer act as the primary contact for these engagements, ensuring that employers are directly involved in verifying the availability of New Zealand workers.
For engineering firms, this means HR teams or other authorised personnel must handle these interactions, ensuring compliance with updated guidelines. By doing so, New Zealand reinforces the integrity of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, promoting transparency and prioritising local workforce participation.
Transitioning from ANZSCO to the New Zealand Occupation List (NOL)
As part of its ongoing efforts to refine immigration policies, New Zealand will replace the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) with the New Zealand Occupation List (NOL). The NOL aims to provide a more tailored and accurate framework for defining roles and skill levels relevant to New Zealand’s labour market needs. Employers should stay updated on how this transition impacts job categorisation and visa requirements.
Streamlined employer accreditation during business transitions
The engineering sector frequently encounters business restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions, and recent updates simplify accreditation during these transitions. Under the new guidelines, if an AEWV holder’s role and location remain unchanged following a business change, they can apply for a “Job Change” rather than going through Job Check and a new AEWV process with the new entity, which saves time significantly.
This adjustment reduces administrative burdens, allowing engineering firms to maintain continuity in staffing and focus on delivering infrastructure and innovation projects without delays related to visa approvals.
Supporting families through open work rights and extended visa duration
Family support is critical to retaining skilled professionals in the engineering sector. From December 2024, partners of AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 1–3 roles or meeting specific wage thresholds will gain open work rights, enabling them to work across various industries. This change fosters household income stability and long-term settlement for migrant families, boosting retention rates for skilled workers.
Additionally, partners of New Zealand citizens or residents can now secure work and visitor visas for up to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and providing more certainty for migrant families planning their future in New Zealand.
Faster processing for skilled residence visas
New Zealand’s removal of the cap and queue system for skilled residence visas accelerates processing times for applications with complete documentation. For engineering firms, this means quicker onboarding of international talent, ensuring projects stay on schedule and workforce needs are met efficiently.
Employers should ensure all necessary documents, such as police checks, medical certificates, and qualifications, are submitted accurately to avoid delays and leverage faster processing benefits.
Immigration acronyms for employers
Understanding immigration-related acronyms can help engineering employers navigate visa and compliance processes more effectively. Below are some commonly used terms:
- AEWV: Accredited Employer Work Visa
- ANZSCO: Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (to be replaced by the NOL)
- CAP: Competence Assessment Programme (relevant to regulatory bodies)
- INZ: Immigration New Zealand
- NOL: New Zealand Occupation List (replacing ANZSCO)
- RSE: Recognised Seasonal Employer
- LMQ: Labour Market Quota
- STR GL Tier 2: Straight to Residence Green List Tier 2
- ITA: Invitation to Apply (stage of residence visa application)
- SMC: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (new pathway introduced to simplify residence applications)
For a comprehensive glossary, employers can refer to Immigration New Zealand's website.
Building a stronger engineering workforce
These immigration updates are designed to meet immediate and long-term workforce needs in New Zealand, supporting the engineering sector’s critical role in the country’s development. By understanding and adapting to these changes, engineering firms can secure skilled talent, simplify compliance during business transitions, and strengthen workforce retention through family-friendly policies.
For specialised assistance on navigating these immigration changes and managing compliance, contact Maggie Chen.
This article was written by Maggie Chen, Immigration Advisor at Absolute Immigration New Zealand.
