WK2.20 Instructions on duration of Essential Skills work visas (01/07/2015)

Work visas may be granted for the period for which the employment is offered, up to a maximum of:

1. five years, if an applicant has not previously been granted a five-year visa under this provision and the work visa is based on an offer of employment that:
   1. is for an ANZSCO Skill level 1 occupation; and
   2. offers a minimum base salary equal to at least the highest threshold stated in Residence from Work (Accredited Employer) instructions (currently $55,000 per annum, see RW2), or
2. one year, if the work visa is based on an offer of employment for an ANZSCO Skill level 4 or 5 occupation, unless (c) or (d) apply; or
3. three years, if the work visa is based on an offer of employment in the Canterbury region (unless the offer is made by a labour hire employer that supplies workers to the construction sector) and the application is made on or before 31 December 2016; or
4. three years, if the offer of employment is from an accredited labour hire company; or
5. 12 months or six months , if the applicant has a current invitation to apply or a current application under the Skilled Migrant Category and meets the criteria at WK2.5.1; or
6. three years in all other circumstances not covered by (a) to (e) above.

Notes:
- Employment is in the Canterbury region if the entire or principal place of work (as defined in section 2 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992) is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council.

- The construction sector includes employers engaged in the construction of buildings and other structures, additions, alterations, reconstruction, installation, maintenance and repairs. The demolition or wrecking of buildings and other structures, clearing of building sites, blasting, test drilling, landfill, levelling, earthmoving, excavating, land drainage and other land preparation are also included.

Effective 01/07/2015