11 May 2022 - The Government announced key components of the Immigration Rebalance and a new, faster timeline for reopening the border and reconnecting New Zealand with the world.

Aotearoa-New Zealand’s border will now be fully reopened by the end of July.

Cabinet has agreed to bring forward work, visitor and student visa categories which had originally been scheduled to open in October.

The changes announced today include:

From 4 July:

- The Accredited Employer Work Visa will include a median wage threshold
- A green list will make it easier for employers to hire and attract migrants for high-skilled, hard-to-fill positions
- New sector agreements to provide for short-term or ongoing need to access lower-paid migrants

From September 2022:

- Streamlined pathways to residence for migrants in green list occupations or paid twice the median wage

From December 2022:

- Most partners of temporary migrant workers will need to qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in their own right, instead of automatically getting an open work visa

Other Changes:

- Changes to work rights and cost-of-living requirements for students
- All Work to Residence visas expiring on or before 31 December to be extended by six months
- Two-year open work visas for all onshore Essential Skills, Post-Study Work and Partner of a New Zealander work visas expiring on or before 31 December
- During 2023, a new requirement will come into effect, with all employers needing to be accredited to employ any migrant, including those with open work rights.

VISIT New Zealand border fully reopening by July 2022 - Click here | Immigration New Zealand

VISIT Immigration New Zealand Website - Click here | Immigration New Zealand