Sector Agreements policy and Work to Residence pathway for caregivers announced

Immigration New Zealand yesterday released its Sector Agreement policy, in which it outlined various occupations for which a visa could be obtained even if not remunerated at the median wage.

A certain wage threshold, between $24 and the median wage depending on the occupation, would still be required. 

In addition, the visas will be shorter, have a subsequent stand down period if not paid the median wage by the time a further visa is needed, and in some instances, come with a cap on numbers.

Of most interest, however, is the additional pathway to residence it provides for those working in the care sector. 

The criteria are as follows:

- Be under 56 years old

- Meet health and character requirements

- Meet an English threshold of IELTS 6.5 / PTE 58

- At the time of application, hold an AEWV, or other work visa/CPVV if that visa was granted before 4 July 2022

- Have completed 24 months of experience in a Care Workforce sector occupation, and have been paid at the level 4 rate for those 24 months 

The 24 months of experience can be from 29 September 2021 onwards and must all have been gained whilst holding an AEWV or an interim visa granted between AEWVs. However applicants who held another type of work visa or CPVV that was applied for before 4 July 2022, can have work experience gained on that Visa counted towards the 24 months. Residence applications under this pathway will therefore be open from 29 September 2023.

The 24 months does not need to have been gained consecutively but must have all been gained in the 30 months immediately preceding the residence application. Any parental leave taken during this period can be counted towards meeting the 24 months. 

This will provide a faster route for some of those struggling to meet the points threshold to apply under the Skilled Migrant category. 

As always, please contact us for guidance on eligibility under this or other residence categories.