New Zealand ready to welcome more migrants with construction and infrastructure skills

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The New Zealand Government has confirmed a number of immigration changes that will help recruit more skilled migrants including those with construction and infrastructure skills.

The Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement enables employers to recruit migrants for roles on the sector agreement at a lower wage threshold (currently $26.69 per hour) than under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (which has a current wage threshold of $29.66).

“Cabinet has agreed to add seven roles to the agreement next year to continue the government’s delivery of new houses and infrastructure,” Andrew Little said.

Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement

  • Driller’s Assistant
  • Earthmoving Labourer
  • Earthmoving Plant Operator general
  • Linemarker
  • Machine Operators not elsewhere classified
  • Mechanic’s Assistant
  • Road Traffic Controller

More roles added to the Green List

Following the latest review, the Cabinet has agreed to add 17 roles to the Green List. “From next year the ICT, automotive and engineering sectors will have the option of Green List visas when they need to fill specialist skilled role when a New Zealand worker cannot be found,” Andrew Little said.

Additional Green List roles:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
  • Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer)
  • Corrections Officer
  • Fitter and Turner
  • Fitter general
  • Fitter-Welder
  • ICT Database and System Administrator
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
  • Metal Fabricator
  • Metal Machinist first class
  • Naval Architect (Marine Designer)
  • Panel Beater
  • Paving Plant Operator
  • Pressure Welder
  • Road Roller Operator
  • Vehicle Painter
  • Welder

The roles will be added to the Green List from March 2024. More information, including the specific requirements for each role and the specific residence pathway that will be available, will be available nearer the time.  

Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery visa

The Government has announced that the Recovery Visa is closed to new applications from 23 September 2023.   

Existing onshore Recovery Visa holders can now apply for a three-month extension in which to transition to longer-term work visas, and the category has now closed to new applications.

“The Recovery Visa was an immediate response to the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Our focus is now on building a longer-term workforce to support the recovery ongoing recovery and be ready to respond to future extreme weather events,” Andrew Little said.

Immigration New Zealand will contact existing visa holders as their visas approach expiration, to inform them of their options. Eligible visa holders will be able to apply for the extension using the existing online form for the Specific Purpose Work Visa. 

Specific Purpose Work Visa

Applications for work to residence pathway open

From 29 September 2023, the Green List and Sector Agreement Work to Residence pathways will open to applications for existing occupations on those lists.

Migrants with 2 years of eligible work experience in a Green List Work to Residence or eligible Sector Agreement role will be able to apply for residence if they meet other requirements relating to age, health, character and English language ability.

For more information check the Green List roles.

Green List roles 

Source: New Zealand Government media release

Source: New Zealand Immigration

Disclaimer: Any posted material is not intended to be immigration advice and does not purport to represent all requirements for a successful application or applications. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in any post without obtaining advice relevant to their situation, and without considering and taking professional advice where necessary. For more information visit: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

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