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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Important change for South Africans

Important Change to Visa Waiver Status for South African Passport Holders We have received notification from Immigration New Zealand advising that as of the 21st of November South Africa will no longer be a visa waiver country which means all South African citizens will need to make a formal application for a visitor visa and have this approved before travelling to New Zealand. If you are a South African citizen and were intending to visit NZ after the 21st of …

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Visa Approvals For South Koreans Set To Increase

By David Fisher, New Zealand Shores, Law and Policy Adviser From 20 December 2015, changes to New Zealand Immigration Policy will mean that South Korean nationals may find it much easier to live and work in New Zealand. The changes to policy have been introduced as a result of the signing of a free trade agreement between the two nations earlier this year and will include changes to the Working Holiday Scheme, the addition of Korea as a qualifying country …

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New Zealand Shores