RW2 Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions

Holders of visas granted under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions may be granted a residence class visa where:

1. they have held a work visa granted under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions for a period of at least 24 months; and
2. during the currency of that visa they have been employed in New Zealand throughout a period of 24 months:
   1. by any accredited employer as defined at WR1.20; or
   2. by an employer who is no longer an accredited employer as defined at WR1.20 but the visa was granted to allow work for that employer on the basis of the employment meeting the requirements of WR1.10.1; or
   3. by an employer who is no longer an accredited employer as defined at WR1.20 but the visa was granted to allow work for that employer on the basis of the employment meeting the requirements of WR1.30.1(a)(iii); or
   4. by an employer(s) who is not an accredited employer as defined at WR1.20, provided that during the period of that employment the conditions of the applicant's visa were varied to allow them to work for that employer(s) in line with E3.26.1.10; or
   5. by any accredited employer as defined at WR1.20, whose accreditation is rescinded or not renewed during the currency of that visa, provided the employment continued to meet the following requirements:
      • the base salary offered must be no less than the base salary that was required at the time the initial work visa application was made; and
      • the offer of employment must meet the requirements of WR1.10, except WR1.10(a), and (g) where (c)(i) below applies; and
      • employers (including any person associated with the employer who is able to influence the recruitment, employment or supervision of workers of that employer) must meet the requirements under W2.10.10, W2.10.15, W2.10.20 and W2.10.25; and
3. they have employment in New Zealand with a minimum base salary of:
   1. NZ$55,000 per annum if the associated work to residence visa application (WR1) was made before 7 October 2019; or
   2. NZ$79,560 per annum if the associated work to residence visa application (WR1) was made on or after 7 October 2019 unless WR1.30.1 applies; and
4. they hold full or provisional registration, if full or provisional registration is required to practice in the occupation in which they are employed; and
5. they meet health and character requirements (see A4 and A5).

Note:
~ Applicants under these instructions must be in New Zealand at the time they lodge their application for a residence class visa.
~ For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum base salary excludes employment-related allowances (for example overtime, tool or uniform allowances, medical insurance, accommodation).
~ Where an employee is to work more than 40 hours per week, the minimum base salary must be calculated on the basis of 40 hours work per week.
~ The associated work to residence visa application is the application that resulted in a work visa that the applicant has held for a period of at least 24 months (RW2(a)) and on which the application for residence is based.

Effective 11/04/2024