Immigration

Further easing of border restrictions

We have had some positive news from the New Zealand government in response to the need for certain sectors of the economy to source skilled and critical workers from overseas. News (NZ Herald) More information (Beehive) The creation of a “Trans-Tasman” bubble means a quarantine-free travel area between Australia and New Zealand. As an estimated 40% of isolation spaces were occupied by travellers from Australia, the bubble has freed up availability for other travellers to come to New Zealand. This …

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Update on Changes to Accreditation and Work visa categories

Immigration New Zealand hosted a webinar for the Immigration industry. This event provided valuable information on the upcoming accreditation and work visa changes. Let’s look at the implementation timelines and what this means for your existing staff Background: what is changing Since 2019, the Government has been working on a new temporary work visa called the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This also prompts a new employer-led system whereby all employers willing to support a migrant’s work visa accreditation will …

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Travel Restrictions from very high risk countries

From 28th April 2021, only New Zealand citizens and their immediate family member can  travel to New Zealand from Brazil, India, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. More information (INZ website) These 4 countries have been designated as being ‘very high risk’ and arrival from these countries is being severely restricted as a result. If you are not a New Zealand citizen or immediate family travelling with them, you can enter New Zealand only if you have spent 14 days outside …

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Immigration New Zealand to refund Residence application fees over informal Prioritisation Criteria

INZ have decided to refund applicants with a Skilled Migrant or Residence from Work application in process should they no longer wish to obtain NZ residence. This resulted from an investigation into complaints that INZ were lacking in transparency over the implementation of prioritisation of certain applications over others. If you wish to withdraw your residence application you are now able to request a refund of the INZ application fee…   More information (INZ website) News article (NZ Herald) Who …

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Border Restrictions eased to allow hundreds of families to be reunited

Update 19 April 2021 From 30th April 2021, hundreds of families will be able to reunite as border exemptions are widened to include offshore family members.  This news will come as a relief for certain families who have been separated for over 1 year More information (INZ website) News article (NZ Herald) A welcome announcement Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced new border exemptions to allow hundreds of families to be reunited under new “Critical Purpose” criteria. Since New Zealand borders …

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Trans-Tasman Bubble starting 19th April 2021

As of 19 April 2021, New Zealanders can travel quarantine-free to Australia and vice versa. Both New Zealand and Australia have successfully contained covid-19 transmissions over the past 12 months and are now in a great position where we can open our borders to one another for quarantine-free travel. As of 19 April 2021, New Zealanders can travel quarantine-free to Australia and vice versa. This comes as welcome relief to many families and friends who have been separated; along with …

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Moving to New Zealand for Health Professionals

Are you a health worker seeking a change? Do not miss our upcoming webinar for health professionals opportunities in New Zealand. Monday 29 March 9am (NZDST) In your timezone: Sunday 28 March 9pm (UK) Sunday 28 March 10pm (RSA) Prudence Thomson from Accent Health will discuss employment opportunities in New Zealand, registration requirements, and how they can assist you to secure a role. Licensed Immigration Adviser Charlotte Natusch Stockman from New Zealand Shores will go through the latest updates from …

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Social workers now require Registration

Immigration New Zealand released an update announcing that as of the 1st of March, social workers would require registration with the Social Workers Registration Board in order to both work in New Zealand and obtain either a work visa or residence visa. The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) are labelling this an exciting moment as it sets a standard of professionalism within the industry and allows them to join the ranks of other regulated professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers …

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End of week round up from New Zealand Shores, 26 February 2021

Let’s keep you all up to date on what has been happening and what the current status is at the New Zealand border. Visitor Visa holders allowed to remain in New Zealand Immigration New Zealand to close offshore branches New occupation codes for the dairy sector Residence appeal successful Further extensions to onshore visitor visa holders Immigration New Zealand is granted another 2 months automated extensions to certain categories of Visitor currently in New Zealand. Check if you qualify   …

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Visa processing brought back to New Zealand

Update 23 February 2021 Historically, Immigration New Zealand has relied on offices offshore to assist with the processing of certain categories of visas. Branches included location in China, India, the Philippines, or Pacific Islands. The borders closure has resulted in a drop of over 80% in the number of visa applications and INZ has decided to bring some of the work back on shore. Processing brought back onshore As a result of the drop in visa applications and workloads, INZ …

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New Zealand Shores