Immigration

The Government is deferring the selection of EOIs by another 6 months We have finally received some communication from INZ regarding the EOI selections for the Skilled Migrant and Parent Categories. To assist with backlogs created during Covid, INZ have announced today that the EOI selections will be deferred for another 6 months with further updates in 2021. We understand that many will be disappointed with this news. We remain positive that the selection process will resume next year, and …

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If you are in New Zealand on a visitor’s visa, you may be able to study for up to 6 months Immigration New Zealand has waived the need to apply for a “variation of conditions” to their visitor visa or for a student visa. What is a domestic student (Ministry of Education) Who is eligible? If you held a valid visitor visa on Friday 11 September 2020, and are still in New Zealand, you can now study for up to …

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New changes to visa processing and border exemptions for partners, investors, entrepreneurs and skilled workers! September has brought several promising updates that show the New Zealand government is slowly working on easing restrictions for different groups of individuals. Border closure (INZ) Partners of NZ Citizens and Residents INZ has advised that Partners and dependants of New Zealand citizens and residents who normally live in New Zealand or hold a visa on the basis of their relationship will no longer need …

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Immigration New Zealand is easing border restrictions to allow more categories of foreign nationals to travel to New Zealand. This change is meant to help temporary migrants who have a connection with New Zealand to fly back here. These changes are expected to be implemented early October 2020. Beehive release (Government website) RNZ reports Border closure (INZ) Temporary visa holders normally resident in New Zealand If you hold a valid temporary work visa (Essential Skills or Talent: Work to Residence) …

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Immigration New Zealand is introducing two major changes to support foreign nationals stranded in New Zealand This change is meant to help temporary migrants and visitors to remain in New Zealand lawfully while they arrange to leave the country and return to their home country. More information (INZ website) Visitor visa extension If you are in New Zealand on a visitor visa due to expire between 4 September and the end of October 2020, the Government is automatically extending your …

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A limited number of applications processed Certain Visa Application Centres (VACs) offshore will reopen to assist with New Zealand visa applications. This is to assist with certain processes where original documents must be verified. More information (INZ website) When does this start? From Monday 7 September 2020, select New Zealand Visa Application Centres (VACs) will reopen to accept applications from applicants who meet the border exceptions criteria. These individuals will be able to send in their documents through post/courier as …

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The New Zealand Government implemented short-term changes in July to enable employer-assisted work visa holders to remain in New Zealand lawfully past the expiry of their visa. This resulted in an automated 6-months extension from the expiry of their current visa. Their family was previously excluded from this automatic extension. What changes? The change now allows for the family of a worker to have their temporary visas automatically extended, in line with the principal applicant’s (worker). The family includes partners …

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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 …

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