2015-Jul 10: Changes to the labour market test for the Queenstown region

Visa Pak 219: Information regarding the applications for the Queenstown region and the need for a labour market test.

Visa Paks

10 July 2015

Changes to the labour market test for the Queenstown region

A temporary rule change for the Queenstown region temporarily waiving the labour market test requirement under the Essential skills work visa instructions for certain occupations has now ended. From 1 July 2015 a new labour market test process applies in the Queenstown region.

Employers supporting all Essential Skills work visa applications for occupations, which are not on the Long Term or Immediate Skills Shortage List, will be required to make genuine attempts to recruit New Zealanders, for example by advertising.  Immigration New Zealand will accept genuine attempts made within a three month period before the Essential Skills work visa application is made.

Employers supporting visa applications for lower skilled occupations should engage with Work and Income before a visa application is made. If the occupation is on the Queenstown Lakes District Occupation Exemption List [no longer available on the Work and Income website], this step is not necessary as Work and Income have already established they are unable to supply candidates for those roles.

To assist employers and Immigration New Zealand staff a step by step guide to the process is available:

Queenstown Employer Guide [PDF, 340Kb]

Action

Please discuss with your team(s) and ensure they adhere to the new process.