Duration of Essential Skills work visas
Essential Skills work visas will usually be issued with a maximum duration of three years where an applicant’s job offer is for an occupation classified as an ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2 or 3. However, there is a special instruction allowing a visa of up to five years if:
your New Zealand job offer is for a position which is classified as skill level one on the ANZSCO
your base salary is at least $55,000
You may only obtain a five year visa once. If you wish to continue working, and still meet the requirements of Essential Skills work category, you may apply as normal for a visa with a three year maximum duration.
Visas for successful applicants whose application is based on an employment offer for an occupation classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5 will be granted for a maximum duration of one year.