NZTech Inform – 600 tech border exceptions available this week!

Later this week businesses should be able to start applying for the 600 border exceptions through the NZTech or IT Professionals industry groups. We will let you know the moment the process is approved and goes live. Meanwhile, here is how the process will work:                                                                                          

• We will promote the application link on the NZTech and IT Professional websites, including a detailed guide on how to apply. 
• The border exceptions are only available for specific roles including software programmers, security specialists, ICT managers and multimedia specialists.  There are multiple sub-roles or job titles which fall within these broader role categories and more information will be available on the application page.
• Companies, the role being offered and the individual must meet certain requirements – these will also be detailed.
• Organisations wishing to apply for a border exception must check the eligibility of the role – is it an approved role and does it meet minimum salary requirements?  Then apply for an Industry Nomination which will be validated by the team at IT Professionals.
• If the application is accepted, the employer will be provided with a letter and placed on a border exception approved list with Immigration New Zealand.
• The employer then completes a Request for Travel via Immigration New Zealand who will issue an Invitation to Apply to the worker requiring a visa. The worker then submits an application for a visa to come and work in New Zealand via the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa. Including the Border Exception letter will fast track their application.
• Successful applicants may also be eligible for a Resident Visa.

Thanks for your patience while NZTech, IT Professionals, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Immigration New Zealand worked together to put in place an efficient process.

In case you missed it, last week the Digital Technologies (Draft) Industry Transformation Plan was published by the Government. They are seeking any final input by 31 March before Cabinet signs it off as official policy and assigns budget to it. I recommend you review it and if there are areas you feel need to be added or improved, please let the Government know through this quick submission process.

Finally, it’s not too late to register for next week’s Tech Story Go Live event. Please join us on Tuesday 22 February at 1pm for the New Zealand Tech and Innovation Story launch. Learn why the Tech Story is important and how businesses can use it. We’re showcasing the Tech Story brand, identity and unveiling the Tech Story’s brand new website. Gain first access to the free sales and marketing toolkit, plus resources to help you share your story with the world. Plus, learn about our national activation plans and how you can be involved. These are the first steps in sharing our story. Our vision is that the Tech Story will have a long lasting, positive impact for our tech businesses and New Zealand. Register here. 

Have a great week.

Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO