Many of you may be aware of the changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Immigration New Zealand announced last weekend.
Immigration NZ is extending an invite to FICA Members to attend a webinar about these changes. We have also included some extra information below about the English test requirement and what FICA is working on in response.
Webinar Invite - 17 April 2024
Immigration NZ is hosting a webinar on 17th April. Members are encouraged to join the webinar as the changes are significant and most of the changes came into effect immediately on 07th April.
The webinar will cover:
Background and objectives of the changes
What is changing
Please note spaces are limited. If you are unable to attend, INZ / MBIE will be sharing the recording via email.
English Test Requirement for ANZSCO Level 4 + 5
On Monday Immigration New Zealand (INZ) introduced an English test requirement for work visa applications at ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5.
This means the occupations below must pass a fairly rigorous English test (IELTS 4 speaking, writing, reading, listening) to qualify for the work visa:
843111 Forestry Worker (skill level 4)
843112 Logging Assistant (skill level 4)
843113 Tree Faller (skill level 4)
This may have a major and immediate impact on the entire forestry industry – which is reliant on labor from the Pacific Islands.
We presume the same impact will be felt across the nations forestry owners, contractors and carbon credit scheme operators.
FICA are working with NZFOA and other interested parties to arrange an urgent meeting with Minister of Forestry Todd McClay to present a case.
The goal will be to gain and exemption / roll this English language requirement policy back for the Forestry industry.
