Employers play a critical role in letting workers in New Zealand
New Zealand has now opened the application for 600 border exceptions for tech workers as part of the government's attempt to catch up with the fast-growing industry.
The border exception is available for in demand roles, including software developers, security specialists, ICT managers, and multimedia specialists, according to NZ Tech, with more sub-roles or job titles under the mentioned categories.
NZ Tech chief executive Graeme Muller said in a statement that the roles are critical to "accelerate access to much-needed skills by the fast-growing New Zealand tech sector and businesses."
Workers who are deemed eligible will be given a "Critical Purpose Visitor Visa" and will be able to bring their spouses and children with them, according to government guidelines.
Read more: New Zealand to finally open borders
How to apply?
In order to qualify for the border exceptions, workers must need to receive an "Invitation to Apply" from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). However, a process involving their employer will have to be accomplished before this is granted.
NZ Tech said that organisations who wish to apply for a border exception must first check the eligibility of the role before applying for an Industry Nomination. According to group, the organisation must check if they are applying for an approved role and if the position meets the annual salary threshold.
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According to the INZ, the annual salary threshold is "at least $120,000 a year for software and application programmers, ICT managers and ICT security specialists, and at least $95,000 a year for multimedia specialists."
The application for the nomination will be handed over to IT Professionals NZ, which will validate and check if the application meets the requirements. Once the company receives an industry nomination, it will then be placed on an approved nomination list that will be provided to INZ.
The nominated employer will be asked to complete a Request for Travel with INZ, and if successful, the worker will be invited to apply for the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa.
According to NZ Tech, successful applicants through this method will also be eligible to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa before its deadline on July 31, 2022.
Meanwhile, IT Professionals chief executive Paul Matthews said that employers that are seeking industry nomination are expected to participate in a programme supporting the development of domestic skills.
"It is important that the industry demonstrates it is serious about ensuring a growing pipeline of local talent into the sector alongside immigration," said Matthews in a statement.