Confirmation of NZ immigration policy changes

The changes suggested earlier this month have been officially confirmed today. Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category   The points criteria now focus on higher-skilled migration and reward work experience. Bonus points for Future growth points have been taken off the chart, which now rewards post-graduate qualifications at level 9 and higher, and more points for work experience. There are also salary thresholds to be eligible under this category.   Changes to the Essential Skills temporary work visa   The …

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NZAMI annual conference

The New Zealand Shores team will be attending the New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment annual conference this Friday 18/08 all day. This conference will discuss current immigration trends and the latest policy changes. We will respond to emails and phone messages from Monday 21/08.   Meanwhile, feel free to sign up to our free 5-day New Zealand guide, leave us a message, or check what New Zealand visa you may be eligible for by taking our free assessment! …

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Changes to New Zealand visa categories

We now have a clearer idea of the changes to be implemented on 28 August 2017 Take our assessment now! Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Under the Skilled Migrant Category (residence), the points criteria have been re-aligned to reward the best labour market outcomes. There are now more points for: Applicants aged 30-39 Skilled work experience Some recognised post graduate qualifications These changes will allow higher-skilled and higher-paid sectors to continue to recruit skilled migrants within the overall residence …

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NZ Government backs down on immigration policy changes

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse has just announced a lowering of the previously-announced salary thresholds announced in April. Lower skilled visa holders on less than $41,538 a year will get visas for a maximum of three years and will have a stand down period before they can apply for another low-skilled visa. This only applies to temporary visas. Low-skilled migrants’ partners and children will have to qualify for visas in their own right to live in New Zealand. Migrants who earn …

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Kiwi recipes

Sharon treated us to morning tea by baking Feijoa Coconut Cake and Avocado Chocolate Bread. She was kind enough to share her recipes! These delicacies make use of seasonal New Zealand produce such as avocado and feijoa. Feijoa Coconut Cake (Gluten, Grain, Dairy & Refined-Sugar Free) 1 cup feijoa flesh (just the innards), chopped into small chunks 2 cups ground almond 3/4 cup desiccated coconut, plus 1 tbsp extra to decorate if desired 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 4 tbsp …

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South Island Contribution visa announced

The Government has announced a new policy to provide a one-off pathway to residence for around 1,600 migrant workers and their families who have been living in the South island for more than five years. Eligible migrants will be granted an initial Work to Residence temporary visa, which would make them eligible for residence after two years provided they stay in the same industry and region. They will then be granted a resident visa, with conditions requiring them to stay …

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Review of temporary migrant work settings

The Government has announced it is consulting on proposed changes to temporary migration settings to manage the number and settlement expectations of new migrants coming to New Zealand on Essential Skills work visas. The proposals are also designed to stop the reoccurrence of pools of long-term temporary migrants with no pathway to residence. The proposals for public consultation, which Cabinet have agreed to in principle, include: the introduction of remuneration bands to determine the skill level of an Essential Skills …

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Skilled Migrant Category changes

The Government has announced a package of changes designed to better manage immigration and improve the labour market contribution of temporary and permanent migration. Two remuneration thresholds are being introduced for applicants applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). One will be set at the New Zealand median income of $48,859 a year for jobs that are currently considered skilled. The other threshold will be set at 1.5 times the New Zealand median income of $73,299 a year …

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Morning tea with a twist

New Zealanders are real foodies and are blessed with food from all around the world brought over with migrants’ customs and traditions. Today our team got treated to morning tea with a twist with Anurag’s special recipes and he was kind enough to share one of them. Mint chutney recipe Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of fresh yogurt 1 cup of fresh NZ-grown Mint Leaves 1 red onion 1 green chilli 1 teaspoon – Dry mango powder Salt – as per taste 1 …

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INZ Residency Programme & South African visitor visas

Immigration New Zealand Residency Programme We have received notification from Immigration New Zealand that, effective immediately, there are some changes to the New Zealand Residency Programme. This impacts: Parent Category (which is temporarily closed) Skilled Migrant Residency (threshold raised to 160 points and updated English language requirements introduced) For more information please visit the Immigration NZ website which has detailed descriptions on the changes and Q&A sections which will help answer questions you may have. Also please feel free to …

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