Immigration

Kia ora! The new National Government elected last week has campaigned on making positive changes to the economy by “attracting top talent” from offshore, “reviving international education, and supporting startups”. We can therefore expect this Government and new Prime Minister Chris Luxon to roll up their sleeves and implement changes that will facilitate recruitment of offshore talents. “Attracting the best and brightest to New Zealand, whatever their field, has real potential for innovation and growth across the economy” MP Erica …

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Median wage increase Immigration periodically reviews the salary thresholds that are used for certain visa categories, based on Statistics New Zealand’s data, updated yearly. After initially deciding to increase the median wage used in the calculation of salary threshold for visa applications, the Government has decided to pause this increase for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This means the median wage will remain at $29.66 per hour until further notice. What are current salary thresholds for AEWV? All current …

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0Background on Work to Residence visa categories Migrants working under certain occupations featuring on the Green List Work to Residence visa category can seek residence upon securing a job offer (Tier 1) or after working for 2 years in New Zealand (Tier 2). This list gets reviewed periodically as skills in critical shortage are being identified. More on Green list pathways 10 new roles added Seventeen roles are being added to the Green List from March 2024. These roles are …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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