Thousands of migrant workers applying for jobs in trades, hospitality and other mid-skilled roles will need to meet basic English language requirements from next week under new rules that expand existing requirements.
From June 1, minimum English language standards will apply to skill level 3 roles under the Accredited Employer Work Visa — the largest single group of AEWV applicants, accounting for around half of all applications.
The required standard was IELTS 4.0 or equivalent, described by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford as “basic, everyday English for common situations, not a high or advanced level of English“.
“Being able to communicate in basic, everyday English ensures that workers understand their rights and engage effectively at work and in the community while they are here,” she said.
Until now, the requirement applied to only skill levels 4 and 5, which together make up just 16% of AEWV applications.
Stanford said the changes were also preparation for two new residence pathways launching in August under the Skilled Migrant Category.
For the first time, dedicated routes would be created for migrants in trades and technician roles, as well as those with at least five years of skilled work experience including two years in New Zealand.
“With the introduction of two new skilled residence pathways in August it is also important that people coming to New Zealand for mid-skilled roles with aspirations for residence arrive with a minimum of basic, everyday English,” she said.
“They will then have up to five years to meet the higher level of English required for residence.”
Transitional arrangements mean current AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before December 1 this year were exempt when applying for a skill level 3 renewal.
Those whose visas expire after that date will need to meet the new requirement. Workers who have already provided English language evidence in a previous application will not need to do so again.
The requirement did not apply to Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa applications or to job change applications.
Investor visa widened to allow up to $1m in charitable donations
Also taking effect on June 1, investor migrants using the Active Investor Plus Growth category would be able to use a philanthropic component as part of their investment in New Zealand.
Applicants in the Growth category will be able to include philanthropic gifts of up to 20% of their total investment, with the remainder continuing to be invested in higher-growth assets.
"The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to attract experienced investors who can make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand's economy and communities," Stanford said.
The minimum investment remained $5 million, meaning philanthropy could account for up to $1 million of that total.
Stanford said she had met with a number of investors, potential investors, and charities over the past year who had called for investors to be able to contribute directly to social, environmental, conservation or cultural causes as part of their visa.
To be eligible to receive philanthropic gifts under the scheme, registered charities must have been operating for at least five years, be a Tier 1–3 charity, and ensure the gift is used to benefit New Zealand without personally benefiting the applicant. Specified Department of Conservation initiatives would also be eligible.
"Charities make invaluable contributions to our communities and for many a philanthropic gift can make a significant difference in being able to continue their important work," Stanford said.
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