Immigration Archives - Page 2 of 21

New Zealand’s Net Migration back near pre-Covid levels

15/08/2023

New Zealand remains an extremely popular destination! New Zealand is still proving to be a popular migration destination with migration numbers reaching almost pre-covid levels in the 12 months since the border reopened. New Zealand has experienced a net migration of 86,600 people in the year June 2022 – June 2023 which is almost near the 2019-2020 record of 91,700 people. Citizens of India, the Philippines, China, South Africa and Fiji were the top five migration groups in this period. …

AEWV renewal and duration criteria updated

14/08/2023

Maximum AEWV duration extended Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) approved from 27 November 2023 will be granted for up to 5 years (only 3 currently). This will only apply for applicants who are offered at least median wage. These five years can be on one AEWV or multiple AEWVs of shorter durations. If you are reaching the end of your AEWV and you are not on a pathway to residence, you will have to leave New Zealand and spend 12 …

Work to residence eligibility extended

15/08/202314/08/2023

Background on Work to Residence visa categories Migrants working under the Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreements and the Green List Work to Residence visa categories have a pathway to residence if they work in New Zealand for 2 years and meet certain eligibility requirements (depending on their occupation). These residence categories will open for applications on 29 September 2023. More on Sector agreement pathways More on Green list pathways Why this is an important change Before the update Under previous …

NZ/UK Working Holiday Visas now valid for 3 years

15/08/202325/07/2023

UK Working holiday changes The NZ/UK Working Holiday scheme is now available for those aged up to 35 and are granted for a maximum duration of 36 months. Holders of UK Working Holiday visas are allowed to work for the full duration of their visas. Looking to come and sample NZ on a Working Holiday Visa? We can help. Get in touch with us today! What are the key changes for UK travelers? The Working Holiday Visa is now available …

Accredited Employer Work visas now valid for up to 5 years

11/07/202322/06/2023

Maximum continuous stay period extended From November 2023, migrants seeking an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) on the basis of a permanent role, may be granted a visa valid for up to 5 years. After 5 years on an AEWV, they will need to leave New Zealand for at least 12 months, unless they are on a pathway to residence or have a residence application pending. This decision arises from the release of the new settings under the Skilled Migrant …

Skilled Migrant Category changes confirmed

14/08/202321/06/2023

Skilled Migrant Category Applications under the new settings open October 2023 On the 21st June 2023, Immigration New Zealand has announced new policy for the Skilled Migrant category. The changes implemented create a streamlined points system where you must be able to claim 6 points to be eligible. Points will be allocated based on qualifications, occupational registrations, renumeration and time spent working in NZ. New Zealand Shores will be releasing a webinar next week in regards to the changes in …

Changes for Travelers entering NZ from July 2023

20/06/202326/05/2023

Changes for travellers entering NZ from July Customs New Zealand has announced that a new, online, declaration form will be introduced for all travellers entering New Zealand from 10 July 2023. The change will first be implemented for those arriving in to Christchurch and Wellington airports and then from mid to late July, it will become available for people entering Queenstown airport. Arrivals in to New Zealand’s largest international airport in Auckland won’t have access to the digital declarations until …

Partnership work visa changes

14/06/202325/05/2023

Conditions added to partnership-based work visas For visa applications lodged from 31 May 2023, partners of work visa holders, who apply for a work visa on the basis of their relationship, will have certain restrictions: they can only work for an employer who is accredited they must be employed on at least $29.66 / hour (or the median wage in effect at the time they receive the job offer) they cannot work in roles covered by capped Sector Agreements. if …

New occupations added to the Green List Residence pathway

14/06/202328/04/2023

Immigration confirms new roles for the Green list To address labour shortages and support New Zealand businesses, the Government is adding further occupations to the Green List. Green List occupations provide a straight-to-residence or 2-year work-to-residence pathway for workers hired under certain roles, who meet the requirements of the roel. What are the new occupations and when do these start to qualify? Straight to residence pathway From 29 May 2023, External Auditors (221213) and Internal Auditors (221214) will be added …

Residence pathway for Truck and bus drivers

14/06/202326/04/2023

Last year, the Government announced ongoing work on a transport sector agreement that would give a 2-year work to residence pathway for workers in critical transport occupations. The settings and eligibility requirements have just been made available. Median wage exemption for work visas Employers wanting to hire a bus driver on an Accredited Employer Work visa will have a median wage exemption set at $28 per hour (instead of $29.66). This is available effective immediately. From 26 April, eligible employers …