The maximum duration of an Essential Skills Visa for a job paid below the median wage has been increased from 12 to 24 months.
The duration of Essential Skills visas for roles paid the median wage or above will still be up to three years.

Labour market test

For applicants remaining in their full-time employment (and not changing their role, employer or region of work), the employer no longer needs to meet a labour market test.
Those applicants and employers will have to declare that job requirements have been met, but not provide evidence.

Documentation for applicants in NZ

For Essential Skills Visa applicants, and their partners and dependent children, medical and police certificates will not be required if these were previously supplied with a visa application.

Application process

Employers will need to provide the most recent version of the Employer Supplementary form.
You can now apply using the updated online form. Applications made using the original online form will still be eligible.

Fees unchanged

The fee for the new visa will remain 0, plus the Immigration Levy of .

You need to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires if you plan to stay in New Zealand. If you have already applied for a new visa, we will contact you when we have made a decision or need information. 

If you plan to leave New Zealand before your visa expires, you do not need to do anything. We hope you have enjoyed your time in New Zealand. 

Staying in New Zealand after your visa expires

If your visa expires, you become unlawful in New Zealand. This means you:  

• cannot work or study
• may not be able to come back to New Zealand again if you are here without a visa for 42 days or longer  
• risk being deported.  

If you are concerned about your visa status, please contact your immigration adviser and or Immigration New Zealand.

People unlawfully in New Zealand should seek medical advice if they are unwell. Their treatment will be in complete confidence and their information will not be passed on to other agencies.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or their doctor immediately. Your immigration status will not impact on your ability to receive health care related to COVID-19.

For more information related to the New Zealand COVID-19 response including where you can get tested and how to book a vaccine, visit www.covid19.govt.nz.

If you can’t leave due to COVID-19

If you can’t leave the country due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, you can apply for a Short-term Visitor Visa.