Borderline Today, Employable Tomorrow: How to Move Forward

If you’re feeling “just below the line” of getting hired in New Zealand or Australia, you’re not alone — and you’re also closer than you think. Recent policy changes, shifting employer attitudes, and growing labour shortages mean more doors are opening for job seekers who don’t quite meet every standard on paper. What matters now is how you present yourself, which roles you target, and staying aware of new pathways.

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What’s Changing: Key Facts & Opportunities

Here are some recent shifts that create new chances for borderline candidates:

1. Reduced work experience requirement (NZ, AEWV): As of 10 March 2025, migrants applying under the Accredited Employer Work Visa in NZ need only two years of relevant experience instead of three.
2. Trades added to NZ’s Green List / Work to Residence pathway: From 18 August 2025, 10 new trade occupations (e.g. welders, panel beaters, metal fabricators, fitters) have been added. If you work in one of these roles and meet the wage requirement, after 24 months in NZ you can apply for residence.
3. Wage thresholds and market rates: NZ has updated its Green List wage thresholds (from August 2025) for qualification for residence via work. Even if your role isn’t “highly skilled” per old definitions, earning the required wage in a qualifying job matters.
4. Employer and visa policy reform:
   • NZ is updating its employer work visa (AEWV) rules, job checks, and recognizing roles previously classified as lower skilled. Some occupations were upgraded under ANZSCO to match more skilled levels.
   • The changes reflect a push to fill real labour gaps — skills matter, but so do experience and ability. Employers are more willing to consider candidates who can show relevant work, even if formal qualifications are minimal.

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What You Can Do Now: Moving from Borderline Toward Employable

These facts give you leverage. Here are practical steps to help you move forward — even if you feel you’re just on the edge:

1. Highlight achievements, not just duties.
   Employers care about what you did — measurable results, solved problems, added value. Even small wins count.
2. Target roles on the Green List / Skilled Occupation Lists >> Click here
   If your current or past roles match the new trade occupations or ANZSCO-upgraded roles, emphasize them.
3. Ensure you meet or exceed wage requirements.
   Sometimes being paid at market rate or above is more important than job title. If you can negotiate upwards, it helps for visa/residency eligibility and for being viewed as competitive.
4. Use contract or temporary roles strategically.
   Contract work (if you can get it) can build local experience, show reliability, and count towards pathways to residence in NZ (or enhance credibility in Australia).
5. Improve your presentation and job-hunting method.

• Tailored CV/cover letters for each role.
• Clean, clear summaries of skills and experience.
• Strong online profile (LinkedIn or local equivalent).
• Persistent, polite follow-ups (never feel pushy to anyone).

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Encouragement & Mindset

Being “borderline” doesn’t mean being out. Many people just need small shifts: better framing, better persistence, improved presentation.

Employers are under pressure to fill roles — especially in trades, health, construction. That gives you more chance.

Every call, every application, every follow-up is adding value. Over time, these compound.

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Disclaimer & What I Do

I want to be clear: I’m not giving immigration or visa advice — my work is 100% around job finding, applications, interviews, and employer engagement, strategy, and support. If you need immigration or visa information beyond what’s publicly on government sites, I can refer you to a licensed immigration agent who is reliable and qualified.

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Call to Action

If you’re ready, the first step is to focus on securing a genuine job offer that fits your employment goals. If you need help, just ask for my new Easy Entry proposal because it offers a flexible and powerful starting point for finding work. Submit a 2-sentence request here: https://employmentforimmigration.nz/contact/ I will respond within 1 day.

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References / Further Reading

Reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa in 2025 – Aims Global
https://www.aimsglobal.co.nz/immigration-news/reforms-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know

Work to Residence Pathway: 10 New Trade Occupations Added in 2025 – Ezy Immigration
https://www.ezyimmigration.co.nz/work-to-residence-pathway-occupations

Wage rates for work visas – Immigration New Zealand
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/wage-rates-for-work-visas

Employment for Immigration – Market Updates
https://employmentforimmigration.nz/category/market-updates