Immigration NZ News
We produce regular newsletters featuring topics relevant to anyone with an interest in immigration.
Skilled Migrants – once in a lifetime opportunity!
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. But all is not as simple as it seems.
NZ Immigration Updates: Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category
Interested in applying for NZ residence or waiting for your application to be processed? Find the latest skilled migrant category changes here.
What You Need to Know About NZ Border Restrictions
Think you are eligible to travel to NZ during the pandemic? With NZ border restrictions in place, entry into the country remains limited. Learn more here.
Visas – don’t delay extending
Life is busy. Many people leave renewing the car warrant of fitness, paying bills or fixing a leaky tap until the last minute. A work visa that is due to...
Skilled Migrant Category – Ready, Set………Go?
Signals keep growing stronger that an announcement can be expected in the near future to reopen the Skilled Migrant category. Here is what we know so far.
Lockdown – your immigration checklist
New Zealand is back at Level 4 lockdown. Most people are at home. While you have time on your hands now is the perfect opportunity to get you and your family.
Visa rule changes create confusion
The government has made a last-minute change to the planned roll out of a new employer accreditation process by deferring its introduction until mid-2022.
Visa news in brief
Selection of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the Parent category are expected to reopen soon as confirmed by the Minister of Immigration.
Is the Skilled Migrant category about to reopen?
The Minister of Immigration wrote to our CEO at the end of June confirming he has made decisions about resuming the selection of Expressions of Interests (EOI).
Median wage increase on 19 July 2021
We reported last month the government was set to increase the median wage from $25.50 per hour to $27 per hour. The increase is now confirmed to take effect.
Keeping you updated - visa headlines
The Beijing branch of Immigration NZ closes on 31/08/2021. All visa applications now processed in New Zealand. Working Holiday Visas & Supplementary Seasonal...
Immigration reset – are you affected?
Last month the government delivered a speech in Parliament announcing plans to reset the way immigration is managed. Clearly, a signal for change.
When will the border reopen?
Not anytime soon is the short answer. The Prime Minster recently said that her government is considering allowing people who are fully vaccinated to enter.
Skilled Migrants – a decision by government is long overdue
The number of Expressions of Interest (EOI) sitting in the Skilled Migrant pool has grown to more than 9,000 (estimated at 20,000+ people).
New visa application process
From 1 November 2021 employers must be accredited before they can employ migrant workers. This will impact anyone in New Zealand holding a work visa.
Visas and COVID-19
The government signalled they expect New Zealand’s border to remain closed for all of 2021. Plans are underway for a “travel bubble” (quarantine free travel).
Skilled Migrant category – just what is happening?
Selections of Expressions of Interest (EOI) out of the pool remain suspended. The government said the suspension will be reviewed in 2021 and their April...
Last minute reprieve for onshore visitors
Around 12,500 people remain in New Zealand holding visitor visas after the border closed last year. Many are elderly parents visiting children.
What will 2021 deliver?
The government has some big decisions to make next year. It remains to be seen what their priorities or timelines are but here is our list of problems.
When will the border reopen?
The Prime Minister has said New Zealand will need to reach a certain level of herd immunity before border restrictions are significantly changed.
Skilled Migrant category update
Immigration NZ is now processing residence applications in the non-priority queue that were lodged in May 2019. In the priority queue applications are going...
Do you hold an employer supported visa?
If you do this article will be of interest. First time visa applications for either the Talent or Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL) closed on 31 Oct.
Skilled Migrants and Parents face more delay
Skilled workers will be frustrated by yet another delay by the government preventing them applying for residence. The Minister of Immigration has deferred...
Rules change again!
In late July 2020, the government changed the rules to the Labour Market test (checking if kiwis are available to fill jobs before a visa is issued).
Top tips
While New Zealand’s border remains closed here are reminders. Always keep passports valid. Some countries take 3 months or more to issue a new passport.
Study for anyone onshore with a Visitor Visas gets a bit easier
Visitors already in New Zealand can now study for up to 6 months in a calendar year without applying for a student visa. School age children holding a visitor..
Overseas with a NZ Resident Visa due to expire or has already expired?
Good news. The Minister of Immigration approved extensions to the travel conditions of Resident Visas for those stuck overseas. There are two groups covered...
Attention all Filipinos in New Zealand
New Zealand Immigration Partners is hosting a webinar next month to discuss all the immigration changes affecting Filipinos working and living in New Zealand.
Want to get back to work in NZ?
The Minister of Immigration announced a pathway for a small number of people caught overseas when the border closed in March to get back to work in New Zealand.
The border remains closed……but
The government has announced additional flexibility for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to secure entry into NZ.
Stuck in NZ?
People in New Zealand holding a valid Visitor Visa due to expire between 04/09/2020 and 31/10/2020 will receive automatic visa extensions for a further 5 month.
Skilled migrant residence queue starting to move
We reported in July what the criteria was for “priority” and “non priority” skilled residence applications – see article Stuck In a Visa Queue.
Partners and children of migrant workers get more time
Employer Assisted work visa holders (the occupation and employer are listed on the visa) who were in New Zealand on 10/07/2020 and hold a visa expiring on...
Overseas? Visa processing switched back on
Immigration NZ have restarted processing a limited number of visa categories for applicants (and their families) who are overseas.
Visa rules change
Several changes this month affect those on visas. Holders of Employer Assisted Work Visas (with the occupation and employer listed on the visa).
Stuck in a visa queue?
The Residence programme ended on 31/12/2019. This programme set by the government determines how many people can be approved for residence from time to time.
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