2011-Apr 15: Assessing work on completion of study, with an offer of employment

Visa Pak 13- Information about how to assess work application on completion of study, with an offer of employment.

Visa Paks

15 Apr 2011

Recent branch interaction with Operations Support revealed an inconsistent practice when considering offers of employment, for applicants applying under WD1, in relation to market rates. The following advice is to assist all branches to follow a consistent practice when applying the provisions of WD1.

WD1 instructions are silent on pay rates so generic work instructions apply. We need to take into account that applicants are new graduates with little or no relevant work experience, so rates of pay lower than those under other work visa categories are acceptable and may still meet the 'market rate' requirement. However, the instructions do allow an officer to ask further questions if they have concerns with an offer of employment.

Any concerns should be put to applicants by way of a Potentially Prejudicial Information letter (PPI).

Immigration Officers should be mindful that there may be instances either of very low pay rates indicating that the position is not genuine or instances where the pay rate has been substantially inflated. In some cases, it may be appropriate for an officer to, for example, check with an employer to ensure that other New Zealand workers with the same position are on the same rate of pay.