Thinking of Moving to Ōtautahi Christchurch?
QV’s House Price Index March 2023 data revealed that Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri properties continue to be, on average, cheaper to buy or rent than many other New Zealand towns and cities. For example, while the average house prices for Christchurch and Selwyn were $742,000 and $819,000 respectively, house-hunters in Wellington and Auckland could expect […]
Resident Visa under the Skilled Migrant Category
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a point-based system. It is a two-stage process. If people wish to apply for residence under SMC, they must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Once your EOI is selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Despite the point system being simplified, it […]
How Trump’s Presidency Could Shape Immigration, Business, and Employment in New Zealand
Immigration Numbers – A Potential Shift in Global Mobility Trump’s policies and rhetoric around immigration during his first presidency were marked by restrictive measures, particularly targeting asylum seekers and migrants from specific regions. A intensification of these policies could redirect migration flows globally, with New Zealand positioned as increasingly attractive destination for skilled workers and […]
Pathways to Residency with a New Zealand Job Offer
There are several pathways to gaining residence in New Zealand through your job/job offer in New Zealand. They are: Green List: Straight to Residence If you have a job or job offer from an accredited employer, and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you may be eligible for Straight to Residence […]
Work in New Zealand – Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the main temporary work visa in New Zealand. However, you are unable to apply for it without receiving a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. Under the Accredited Employer regime, New Zealand employers must follow a set of verification steps before they can employ an overseas […]
Study in New Zealand – Fee-Paying Student Visa
The most common type of student visa in New Zealand is the Fee-Paying Student Visa. If you want to study full-time in New Zealand, you need to obtain an offer of place or confirmation of enrolment from an education provider approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the New Zealand Ministry of Education. […]
Visiting in New Zealand – General Visitor Visa
If you want to come to New Zealand on holiday or visit your family and friends in New Zealand, you can apply for a General Visitor Visa. Not all visitors are required to apply for a General Visitor Visa. If you are from a visa waiver country, you only need to apply for an Electronic Travel […]
General Pathways to New Zealand Residency
There are multiple pathways that you can go through to obtain your resident visa to settle in New Zealand permanently. You can gain your residence through a job offer in New Zealand, your relationship with your family/spouse/partner or your business and investment in New Zealand. Resident Visa When you are granted a Resident Visa, it […]
Migrating to New Zealand
When contemplating a move to New Zealand, the initial question to consider is whether you intend to relocate temporarily or permanently. Once you’ve clarified your settlement goals, the subsequent inquiry is determining the appropriate visa for your situation. There are many different types of visas that you may be eligible to apply for, and selecting […]
Significant Drop in Accredited Employer Work Visa Applications
While the changes implemented in April 2024 aim to potentially reduce net migration trends, their benefit to the New Zealand economy and society remains uncertain. The core issue persists: many employers struggle to find local staff, both skilled and unskilled. This challenge is particularly pronounced in sectors such as construction, care, primary industries, and hospitality, […]
Immigration ABC – Chapter 8
If your partner/spouse (partner) is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you might be eligible to apply for a temporary or resident visa to live with your partner in New Zealand. Resident visa under the Partnership Category If you want to apply for a resident visa under the Partnership Category in New Zealand, it’s not […]
Immigration ABC – Chapter 9
The process for obtaining a resident visa under the Parent Category involves two stages. Those who wish to apply for this visa must first submit an expression of interest (EOI). If your EOI is selected from the pool, you will be invited to apply (ITA) for the visa. If you have a sponsoring adult child […]
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa
New February 2024 Median Wage Rate A new median wage rate of $31.61 per hour is likely to be introduced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to come into effect in February 2024 (as long as there aren’t any changes to policy). This will be based on the June 2023 median wage rate of $31.61 per […]
Immigration New Zealand Fee Increase Starting 1st October 2024
Key Fee Increases The upcoming fee changes will affect a broad range of visa categories, with some experiencing more substantial increases than others. Below is a breakdown of the key changes: 1. Accredited Employer Work Visas Accredited Employer Work Visas are critical for businesses in New Zealand that rely on skilled foreign workers. The doubling […]
Pathway to teaching in New Zealand
With this update, both Primary and Secondary Teachers are on Tier 1 of the Green List. Meanwhile, early childhood education (ECE) teachers remain in Tier 2, meaning that after two years of employment as ECE teachers in New Zealand, they will be eligible to apply under the Green List Work to Residence category. Straight to […]
Immigration ABC – Chapter 10
As outlined in Chapter 9, the probability of selection from the Ballot Pool and subsequent approval for a resident visa under the Parent Category is very low. If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder and wish to sponsor your parent(s) to obtain a resident visa to reunite in New Zealand, the Parent […]
Median Wage Threshold Increase
1. New median wage On 27 February 2023, a new median wage of $29.66 per hour will be incorporated into policy. This will require workers that are submitting an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application on or after 27 February 2023 (for roles that do not have a median wage exemption), to be paid at […]
Key Insights in Relation to the Active Investor Plus Visa Category
We summarise a few key insights in relation to the AIPV category below: Priority processing over current Investor 1 and 2 Category applications Introduction of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to assist with providing direction on which investments are acceptable A different staggered approach to meeting investment requirements Introduction of ‘holding investments’ A requirement […]