Income Thresholds Rise For Residency And Work Visa Applications

2 February 2018

On 15 January 2018 Immigration New Zealand increased the salary bands for Essential Skills work visa and Skilled Migrant residency visa applications.

The increases are slight, and come about because the remuneration thresholds are indexed against the New Zealand median income. In September 2017, Statistics New Zealand announced that the average earnings from salaries and wages was $50,000. Previous INZ salary bands had the minimum salary at $48,859, hence the need for an increase.

These changes apply to any application made on or after 15 January 2018.

Threshold changes- Essential Skills work visa

Thresholds	Prior to 15 January 2018	From 15 January 2018
Threshold for mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO 1-3	$19.97 per hour or above (or the equivalent salary)	$20.65 per hour or above (or the equivalent salary)
Threshold for higher skilled employment in any occupation (including those at ANZSCO 4-5)	$35.24 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)	$36.44 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)

Threshold changes- Skilled Migrant Category

Thresholds	Prior to15 January 2018	From 15 January 2018
Threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO 1-3	$23.49 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)	$24.29 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)
Threshold for skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO 4-5, or which is not included in ANZSCO	$35.24 per hour or above (or the equivalent salary)	$36.44 per hour or above (or the equivalent salary)
Threshold to earn bonus points.	$46.98 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)	$48.58 per hour or above (or the equivalent annual salary)

Salary equivalent is calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by 40 (being 40 hours per week) and then by 52 (being 52 weeks of the year).

Remuneration remains a key element of any application to Immigration New Zealand. Evidence about pay rates and the actual hours worked are needed to support any visa application based on employment. Remuneration levels must also be at the right market rates for applicant’s role. If the salary being offered is below what the role would normally attract in the relevant industry, even if it is above the salary bands, the application us likely to be rejected.

If you or would like assistance with applying for an Essential Skills Work Visa, or you employ migrants and require advice on these changes, contact Michelle Urquhart, Paul Milne or Lauren

Income Thresholds Rise For Residency And Work Visa Applications

Written by Michelle Urquhart