Sector agreements are special arrangements between Immigration NZ and specific industries facing persistent skill shortages. These agreements provide tailored immigration settings for roles that don't fit standard frameworks, making it easier for qualifying industries to access migrant workers.
What Are Sector Agreements?
Purpose
Industry-Specific: Tailored to particular industries' needs.
Skill Shortages: Address genuine, ongoing shortages.
Modified Requirements: Different settings than standard visas.
Worker Access: Enable industries to access workers.
How They Work
Industry Negotiates: Industry groups negotiate with government.
Specific Terms: Each agreement has specific provisions.
Defined Roles: Only certain roles covered.
Special Conditions: Modified wages, pathways, or requirements.
Benefits
Lower Thresholds: May have different wage requirements.
Faster Access: Streamlined processes for some roles.
Clear Pathways: Defined routes for workers and employers.
Industry Recognition: Formal acknowledgment of needs.
Current Agreements
Aged Care Sector
Industry: Residential aged care providers.
Roles Covered: Healthcare assistants, caregivers.
Why Needed: Critical shortages in aged care.
Special Provisions: Modified wage thresholds for entry-level care roles.
Construction Sector
Industry: Residential and commercial construction.
Roles Covered: Various trade and construction roles.
Why Needed: Ongoing construction demand.
Special Provisions: Provisions for trades with persistent shortages.
Meat Processing
Industry: Meat processing and abattoir.
Roles Covered: Meat processing workers.
Why Needed: Seasonal and ongoing needs.
Special Provisions: Specific provisions for processing roles.
Seasonal Work
Industry: Horticulture and viticulture.
Roles Covered: Seasonal workers for picking, processing.
Why Needed: Seasonal labour demands.
Special Schemes: RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme.
Other Agreements
Check Current Status: Agreements change over time.
Emerging Agreements: New agreements may be negotiated.
Government Announcements: Watch for policy updates.
How Sector Agreements Affect You
For Workers
Eligibility Check: Does your role fall under an agreement?
Modified Requirements: May have different visa requirements.
Pathway Options: May provide specific residence pathways.
Conditions: Specific conditions may apply.
For Employers
Industry Coverage: Is your industry covered?
Eligible Roles: Are your roles covered by agreement?
Special Access: May access workers otherwise unavailable.
Compliance: Must meet agreement-specific requirements.
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
To use sector agreements:
Industry Membership: Must be in covered industry.
Accreditation: Still need employer accreditation.
Specific Roles: Must be hiring for covered roles.
Compliance: Meet agreement requirements.
Worker Eligibility
For workers under agreements:
Role Match: Working in covered occupation.
With Eligible Employer: Employed by employer in scheme.
Meet Requirements: Still meet visa requirements.
Specific Conditions: Agreement-specific conditions.
Aged Care Agreement Detail
Background
Critical Shortage: Severe shortage of aged care workers.
Ageing Population: Growing demand for care.
Wage Challenges: Care work historically lower paid.
Agreement Response: Modified pathway for care workers.
Covered Roles
Healthcare Assistants: Residential care workers.
Caregivers: Various care and support roles.
Level Requirements: Specific qualification requirements may apply.
Key Provisions
Modified Wages: Different wage threshold than standard AEWV.
Pathway: May include pathway provisions.
Training: Commitment to worker training.
Industry Standards: Must meet care sector standards.
Requirements
Employer in Sector: Must be aged care provider.
Worker Training: May require specific training.
Compliance: Sector-specific compliance.
Construction Agreement Detail
Background
Building Demand: Ongoing construction demand.
Trade Shortages: Shortages in various trades.
Regional Needs: Construction needs across NZ.
Covered Roles
Trades: Various construction trades.
Technical Roles: Some technical positions.
Check Specifically: Not all construction roles covered.
Key Provisions
Access to Workers: Easier access to migrant tradespeople.
Pathways: May include residence pathway provisions.
Industry Standards: Must meet construction standards.
Using Sector Agreements
For Employers
Check Eligibility: Confirm your industry and roles qualify.
Accreditation: Get employer accreditation first.
Specific Requirements: Meet agreement-specific requirements.
Job Check: Process may have specific provisions.
Hire Workers: Support qualifying worker applications.
For Workers
Identify Agreement: Determine if your role is covered.
Find Eligible Employer: Connect with employer using agreement.
Apply: Follow visa application process.
Specific Conditions: Be aware of agreement-specific conditions.
Process
Employer First: Employer accreditation and industry eligibility.
Role Check: Confirm role covered by agreement.
Job Check: Specific job check process for agreement roles.
Worker Application: Worker applies for AEWV.
Compliance: Ongoing agreement compliance.
Advantages of Sector Agreements
Lower Barriers
Wage Thresholds: Some roles have modified thresholds.
Recognition: Industry needs formally recognized.
Clear Path: Defined processes for access.
Industry Support
Government Recognition: Acknowledgment of sector importance.
Worker Access: Ability to access needed workers.
Planning: Clearer immigration planning.
Worker Benefits
Employment Access: Access to roles otherwise unavailable.
Defined Pathways: Some agreements include pathway provisions.
Industry Entry: Entry into key NZ industries.
Limitations
Specific Scope
Limited Roles: Only certain roles covered.
Specific Industries: Only negotiated industries.
Changing Terms: Agreements can change.
Still Requirements
Accreditation: Employers still need accreditation.
Visa Requirements: Workers still meet immigration requirements.
Compliance: Ongoing compliance required.
Not Permanent
Agreements End: Agreements have terms and can be withdrawn.
Policy Changes: Government policy can change.
Review Periods: Agreements periodically reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my industry has a sector agreement?
Check Immigration NZ's website for current sector agreements. Industries include aged care, construction, meat processing, and seasonal horticulture.
Can any employer in a covered industry use sector agreements?
Employers must still be accredited and meet agreement-specific requirements. Being in a covered industry doesn't automatically enable use of agreement provisions.
Do sector agreement workers have a path to residence?
Depends on the specific agreement. Some include pathway provisions; others don't. Check the specific agreement terms.
Are sector agreement wages lower than normal work visas?
Some agreements have modified wage thresholds for specific roles. This allows access to workers for roles that wouldn't otherwise meet standard thresholds.
Can sector agreements change or be withdrawn?
Yes, agreements are reviewed and can be modified or terminated. Stay informed about changes affecting your industry.
Want to understand if sector agreements apply to your situation? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can advise on industry-specific immigration options.