Immigration NZ News
We produce regular newsletters featuring topics relevant to anyone with an interest in immigration.
Employer accreditation becomes mandatory
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited.
Want hassle free visas for your workers?
The window to become an accredited employer and get migrant workers earning more than $79,560 per annum onto a pathway for residence is fast closing.
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).
Tips for Employers
The border remains closed to all visitors, most international students, and many workers. Ensure job ads are clear that applicants need to be in New Zealand.
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...
Recruiting in 2021?
If you are looking to bring specialist skills from overseas start the conversation now on border exemptions and visas. The process is complex...
Median wage increase on hold
The median wage is a key tool used by Immigration NZ to assess essential skills work visa applications and the Skilled Migrant residence category.
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.
Free webinar for your Filipino workers
New Zealand Immigration Partners is hosting another webinar to discuss immigration changes affecting Filipinos working and living in New Zealand.
Visa changes roll out in 2021
For some time, we have been alerting business to changes happening next year. Highlights are: The median wage was reported to increase in November to $27.
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...
Immigration in 2021
Businesses looking to recruit skilled workers from overseas face continued challenges from a closed border. The Covid-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins has...
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...
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.
The border is closed but you need workers
Thinking about recruiting skilled workers from overseas? Be prepared for a complex, frustrating and time consuming process.
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...
More changes to visa rules in October
In July 2020 the government changed the rules around how work visa applications are assessed based on the rate of pay. Those paid above the medium wage can...
Important travel warning
If you or your any staff are travelling on business (as unlikely as this may seem), or you are bringing people to New Zealand here are some key points...
Do you have Filipinos in your workforce?
Let your team know New Zealand Immigration Partners is hosting a webinar next month to discuss immigration changes affecting Filipinos working and living in NZ.
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.
Workers stuck overseas
There were around 10,000 work visa holders overseas when New Zealand closed the border in March. Most have not been able to get back to New Zealand.
Applications moving but the rules are changing
Immigration NZ have around 3500 Essential Skills Work Visa (labour market tested) applications in the queue at the time of going to print.
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.
Tips for Employers
Not an accredited employer? In July 2021 accreditation becomes mandatory. Apply now. Keep good employee records (including time and wages).
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 migrants still on hold
The government has placed a hold on most skilled workers’ pathway to apply for residence. Many skilled workers apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant...
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.
Recruiting from overseas?
Many businesses are very frustrated when they are knocked back for a border exemption when overseas talent is desperately needed, or future growth depends...
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...
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