Consultation on a new approach to employer-assisted work visas and regional workforce planning

Please direct any queries to MBIE’s Immigration Policy team.

This consultation will inform recommendations to Cabinet on final proposals and implementation for an employer-assisted temporary work visa system.

The proposals will impact the following 6 temporary work visa categories:

• Essential Skills including the Essential Skills in Demand Lists (ESID)
• Approval In-principle
• Talent (Accredited Employer)
• Work to Residence – Long-term Skill Shortage List Occupation
• Silver Fern (Practical Experience)
• Silver Fern (Job Search).

Announcement on Final Decisions:

Following consultation, the Government has announced a number of changes to the employer-assisted temporary work visa system that will affect employer wanting to recruit temporary foreign workers.

The changes reflect feedback that was provided during consultation and aim to improve the temporary work visa system by ensuring that foreign workers are only recruited for genuine shortages, while also providing incentives for employers to employ and train more New Zealanders.

To find out more about the changes, read our news item on Changes to employer-assisted temporary work visas.