WK2.1 Lodging an Essential Skills work visa application (to 04/07/2022)

1. Applications for Essential Skills work visas must be lodged in the prescribed manner (see E4.50) and include an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) completed by the employer.
2. Applicants who hold a work visa with remuneration as a condition of that visa (see WK4.5(d)), must include evidence of their remuneration payment, such as Inland Revenue income summaries and bank statements.
3. Applicants must provide:
   1. a copy of the proposed employment agreement; and
   2. a copy of the signed offer of employment (see W2.10.10).
4. Applications made on the basis of an offer of employment paid below the median wage must include a valid Skills Match Report prepared by Work and Income, unless:
   1. the employer holds valid approval in principle for the role identified; or
   2. the role is on an Essential Skills in Demand list and the applicant meets the qualification and/or experience requirements; or
   3. Work and Income has advised Immigration New Zealand of a regional absolute labour shortage (WK3.10.2(a)(ii)); or
   4. the role is included in a list of occupations where there is a known undersupply of New Zealand job seekers published by Work and Income and Immigration New Zealand, and the role meets any additional requirements of that list (e.g. region of employment) ; or
   5. the role is included in a list of occupations where there is a known oversupply of New Zealand job seekers published by Work and Income and Immigration New Zealand, and the role meets any additional requirements of that list (e.g. region of employment).
5. Applications to which WK1.5.10 Essential Skills applications for applicants to remain in their current employment applies do not have to include the documents specified at (b) to (d) above to be lodged.

Note: A Skills Match Report may be used to support more than one work visa application, as long as it remains valid. A copy of the Skills Match Report should be included with each visa application.

Effective 19/07/2021