Immigration New Zealand is temporarily suspending the ability for overseas applicants to apply for certain temporary visas. You may still qualify under a specific category or exemptions criteria More information (INZ website) Who is NOT impacted? Are you currently in New Zealand? No change If you are in New Zealand, you can still submit any visa application as long as you meet the requirements of the category applied under. Residence applications, no change If you are overseas, you can still …

Read MorePolicy update: Suspension of certain visa applications

Immigration New Zealand is making changes to the way they decide on the duration (currency) of certain work visas. Changes to Essential Skills work visas Essential Skills work visas are based on securing a skilled job offer from a New Zealand employer. Amongst other things, this particular category of work visas is meant to incentivise the development of a highly skilled workforce, high quality jobs and workplaces, and high value industries while not displacing New Zealanders from employment opportunities or …

Read MorePolicy update: changes to Essential Skills Work visas

The New Zealand Government is implementing short-term changes to enable temporary visa holders to remain in New Zealand lawfully. Why these measures? These temporary measures are meant to mitigate the impact that COVID-19 has had on migrants and New Zealand business. More information (INZ website) Extension for work visa holders Effective 10 July 2020 Employer-assisted work visa holders whose visas expire from 10 July to 31 December 2020 (inclusive) will be automatically extended by 6 months from their expiry date. …

Read MorePolicy update: automated extensions for temporary visa holders

The COVID-19 crisis has put many migrants in New Zealand in a difficult position, and the New Zealand Government is responding with a set of initiatives to help alleviate this hardship. Are you a foreign national in need? There may be one or several organisations and initiatives that can provide assistance during these difficult times. Healthcare information All migrants with a work visa for 2 years or more –and their family– are eligible for public-funded healthcare. You are therefore entitled …

Read MoreSupport Initiatives for Migrants in need

Government announces first easing of border restrictions! BREAKING NEWS! As New Zealand is readjusting to the long-awaited normality of a level 1 lockdown, in place since 10 June 2020, the New Zealand government and Minister Phil Twyford (Minister of Business, Innovation and Employment) has today announced that it is undertaking the easing of some border restrictions. It is no longer required for the partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents to travel with their New Zealand citizen …

Read MoreBorder restrictions eased