2016-Jun 10: New Zealand Drivers Licences – Genuine Attempts

Visa Pak 263 - Information about applicants holding the correct drivers license if required for employment purpose, when submitting work visa application.

Visa Paks

10 June 2016

New Zealand Drivers Licences – Genuine Attempts


Advice has been received from the Ministry of Social Development that a number of clients referred for roles listed with Work and Income (W&I) are not considered suitable as they do not hold a full drivers licence. Where employers are stating that a full class 1 New Zealand drivers licence is a requirement for a role, immigration officers must ensure that any migrant workers applying for a work visa for the position have the correct licence to fulfil this condition.

Drivers who have held a full drivers licence for two years or more from a number of countries are able to convert their licence to a New Zealand full drivers licence without having to take a theory or practical test – the approved countries are listed on the AA website. If a country is not listed, then licence holders must pass the theory and practical tests to convert their overseas licence to a New Zealand licence.

Skills Match Reports from W&I will note if an employer did not consider an applicant because they did not hold a current full drivers licence.

As well as ensuring any applicant for a work visa meets all the requirements listed by an employer, Immigration Officers need to assess that any requirements specified in a job description or vacancy listing are necessary in order to perform the work on offer.

Action

Please discuss with your team(s). Ensure that staff are aware of the above when assessing if a migrant has the necessary requirements as specified by the employer and that employers are making genuine attempts to employ New Zealanders when they are suitable and available for the role.