Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s immigration policy is attracting tech professionals, offering an alternative to traditional tech hubs like the US and UK.
- Tech professionals are drawn to New Zealand due to the straightforward immigration process and ease of obtaining dependent visas.
- The country has a demand for tech talent, offers a healthy work-life balance, and has a work culture that values sociability.
New Zealand’s Immigration Policy: A Beacon for Tech Talent
New Zealand is carving out a niche for itself as a welcoming haven for tech professionals. With less than 40,000 individuals currently employed in IT as of 2022 and a growing demand for skilled workers, it’s no wonder that the land of Kiwis is attracting the attention of techies worldwide, particularly from India. Known for its stunning landscapes and quality of life, New Zealand is now being considered a viable alternative to traditional tech hubs like the US and UK, largely due to its favorable immigration policy.
Why Techies Choose New Zealand
For many Indian tech professionals, New Zealand’s straightforward immigration process is a major draw. Manish Chhetri, who works in Auckland, shares his experience of why he chose New Zealand over the US. He recounts:
“I had an Australian resident visa which I used to work in New Zealand. You do not require a prior job offer to enter the country with an Australian resident visa. That gives you an automatic resident visa in New Zealand.”
Chhetri points out the ease of obtaining dependent visas in New Zealand, a factor that significantly simplified his move with his family.
Open Visa as a Gateway to Tech Job Opportunities in NZ
Another path that is gaining traction among tech professionals is the ‘open visa’. Sivashankar Bhaskaran made his move to the country in 2015 using this visa, which doesn’t necessitate a job offer upon application but is specific to certain categories of applicants. An open visa can grant a stay of 9 to 12 months, suitable for job hunting in the local market. Bhaskaran stated:
“It takes about two weeks to get this (open) visa. After getting a job, with the employer’s help, I could get a work visa.”
Once employed, techies can work for up to two years on a work visa but must then choose either to leave New Zealand or apply for a permanent resident visa, as there is no provision for extension of work permits.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The AEWV, an equivalent to the US L1 visa, is another option for tech professionals. However, even with this visa, the maximum work period in New Zealand remains two years, and changing employers necessitates obtaining a new visa. Jitendra Kumar, a techie who migrated during the pandemic, elucidates the process:
“New Zealand does not provide for an extension of the work permit.”
A Market that Demands Local Talent First
New Zealand prides itself on a policy where external hiring is permitted only if the required talent is unavailable domestically. Employers must pass a labour market test before looking abroad, which ensures preference is given to the local workforce. However, the country has a need for high-tech skills across various roles, from manual testers to full-stack developers, with opportunities in both local businesses and multinational companies.
A Work Culture to Admire
The established work culture in New Zealand is another reason techies choose to stay. The norm is a workday that ends at 5 pm without expectations of overtime, fostering a healthy work-life balance. Manish shares his observations:
“Nobody is expected to be in the office or work beyond 5pm.”
Employers value sociability, adherence to rules, and low crime rates, so interview processes often include assessments of a candidate’s behavior in addition to their technical expertise.
In Conclusion
New Zealand’s easy and accommodating immigration policy alongside a plethora of tech job opportunities make it an enticing destination for tech professionals looking for a change of scenery without the hassle of restrictive visa processes. As the industry continues to expand, New Zealand tech immigration opportunities are likely to grow, making it a prime destination for tech talent from around the globe.
If you’re considering New Zealand for your next career move, be sure to explore the official New Zealand immigration website for up-to-date information on visas and work permits.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions
- Tech professionals: Individuals who work in the field of technology, specifically referring to those with expertise in areas such as software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
Immigration policy: The set of rules, laws, and regulations established by a country to control the entry, stay, and rights of foreign nationals. It outlines the requirements, procedures, and criteria for obtaining visas, work permits, and residency status.
Immigration process: The step-by-step procedure that individuals or families must go through to legally enter and stay in a foreign country. It includes tasks such as applying for visas, submitting documentation, attending interviews, and fulfilling specific requirements set by the immigration authorities.
Skilled workers: Individuals who possess a specialized set of skills, qualifications, or knowledge that are in demand in a particular industry or sector. Skilled workers are often sought after by countries to fill gaps in their labor markets and contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.
Dependent visas: Visas issued to the family members (spouses, children, parents, etc.) of an individual who has obtained a work or resident visa. Dependent visas allow family members to join the primary visa holder in the host country and may grant them the right to work or study as well.
Open visa: A type of visa that allows individuals to enter a country without a specific job offer. It is usually intended for job seekers, allowing them to stay for a limited period to search for employment opportunities. Once a job is secured, an open visa holder can transition to a work visa with the help of the employer.
Work visa: A permit issued by a country that authorizes individuals to work legally within its borders for a specific employer and for a certain period. Work visas often have conditions and restrictions, such as the requirement to work in a particular occupation or industry, and may be renewable or lead to permanent residency.
Permanent resident visa: A type of visa that grants individuals the right to reside indefinitely in a country. Permanent residents enjoy many of the rights and benefits of citizens, including the ability to work, study, and access social services. However, they are not citizens and may still have some restrictions or obligations.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): A specific type of work visa offered by New Zealand, similar to the US L1 visa. This visa allows individuals to work for an employer that has been accredited by the New Zealand government. The AEWV is generally valid for two years and may be renewed or extended if the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Labour market test: A requirement imposed by some countries to ensure that employers prioritize hiring local workers before considering foreign workers. Employers must demonstrate that they have made efforts to recruit and hire domestic talent before they can hire individuals from overseas.
Work permit: A document or authorization issued by a country’s immigration authorities that allows individuals to work legally within its borders for a specified period. Work permits are often tied to a specific job offer and employer and may have conditions or restrictions.
Work-life balance: The concept of achieving a healthy and harmonious combination of work and personal life. It refers to the ability to effectively manage and allocate time and energy between work-related responsibilities and personal activities, such as family, hobbies, and self-care.
Sociability: The quality or characteristic of being friendly, sociable, and able to interact well with others. In the context of the work culture in New Zealand, sociability may refer to the value placed on interpersonal skills, teamwork, and collaboration.
Adherence to rules: The practice of following and complying with the established policies, procedures, and regulations within a work environment or society. It often includes obeying laws, respecting authority, and adhering to ethical and professional standards.
Interview process: The series of interactions and evaluations conducted by employers to assess the suitability of candidates for a job. The interview process may include various stages, such as phone screenings, in-person interviews, technical assessments, and behavioral or situational interviews.
Behavior: The way individuals conduct themselves and interact with others, including their actions, manners, and attitude. In the context of job interviews, employers may assess a candidate’s behavior to determine their level of professionalism, suitability for the role, and cultural fit within the organization.
Restrictive visa processes: The complex, lengthy, or stringent procedures and requirements imposed by a country’s immigration authorities for individuals to obtain visas and work permits. Restrictive visa processes may involve extensive documentation, high application fees, long processing times, strict eligibility criteria, and limited opportunities for extension or renewal.
So, if you’re a tech pro on the lookout for exciting opportunities abroad, New Zealand should definitely be on your radar. With its straightforward immigration process, open visas, and a growing demand for skilled workers, it’s no wonder techies from around the world are flocking to the land of Kiwis. And hey, if you want to dive deeper into the world of New Zealand immigration, head on over to visaverge.com for all the juicy details. Happy exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
New Zealand’s tech-friendly immigration policy is attracting professionals worldwide. The straightforward process, open visas, and demand for skilled workers make it an appealing destination. The country’s work-life balance, beautiful landscapes, and friendly work culture are additional draws. Check the official immigration website for the latest information.
