
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
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Our blog provides up to date Immigration news, information, and insights for migrants and employers to navigate the New Zealand immigration system. NZ Immigration Law provides practical expert advice on immigrating to NZ. We simplify the visa process and take the guesswork out of the procedure.
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
As a highly experienced clinical prosthetist, Johan changes the lives of those living with disabilities. In 2021, Johan and his family made the decision to make a change to their own lives by immigrating to New Zealand from South Africa.
“The state of disarray in South Africa meant uncertainty about what future we faced there – especially my son’s ability to study at a world-leading tertiary institute,” says Johan. “New Zealand offered us hope and stability.”
However, at the time the family planned to move, the COVID pandemic had started to complicate matters. “I could only travel to New Zea ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
Opinion piece: Aaron Martin New Zealand Immigration law
As New Zealand navigates the complexities of a post-COVID world, the Labour Government’s approach to immigration has increasingly come under scrutiny. From mismanaging MIQ systems to immigration reforms that have wreaked havoc, the government’s track record raises critical questions.
With families separated, work visas under review, and a system more cumbersome than efficient, it’s high time to delve deeper. As we approach another election, understanding this track record becomes ever more crucial.
Do You Remember the Labour Gover ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
New Zealand’s immigration system is under strain, and nowhere is this more evident than in the handling of partnership visas for residency. Recent updates reveal that the expectation is now set at a staggering 15 months for 90% of these visas to be processed.
The Catch-22 of Work Visas
Here’s where the system gets paradoxical. According to current rules, the maximum duration for a work visa under the partnership category is 24 months. Now, consider a situation where a couple has lived together for only a short period, perhaps due to a culturally arranged marriage. They start off with a visit ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
While the government’s new measures for exploited migrant workers earn applause, a crucial change to the 90-day trial period goes unnoticed. This overlooked adjustment could have far-reaching implications for employers and migrants alike.
Opinion Piece: By Aaron Martin, Principal Lawyer at New Zealand Immigration Law
In response to ongoing investigations of exploited migrant workers, Immigration Minister Andrew Little recently rolled out new measures designed to protect exploited migrant workers. While many of these changes are commendable, there’s a glaring oversight that’s slipped under th ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
Guest Post: James Usmar Senior Investment Advisor Hobson Wealth
As the New Zealand economy seeks to establish itself on the global stage once again, Immigration New Zealand is looking to attract new migrant investors who are interested in building businesses, increasing innovation, and making their mark in New Zealand.
In this article, James shares his insights on the Active Investor Plus Visa pathway.
Understanding investment options
In 2022, Immigration New Zealand cancelled the Investor 1 and 2 Visa categories – which provided a low-risk, passive pathway to residency – in favo ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
New Zealand’s investment visa programme, the Active Investor Plus Visa, comes with a complex set of requirements, specifically designed to attract a certain breed of overseas investors.
It is an intricate landscape to navigate, not just for the new-to-market investors, but also for those familiar with New Zealand’s investment climate.
The Government’s aim is to generate more active contributions to the Kiwi economy, but the question arises—does this new system also bring new barriers that could potentially deter active investors?
Background: A Sea Change in Investor Visas
The ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
“I needed someone to hold my hand through the whole process. NZIL was both professional and helpful.” – Peter
Peter, an employer with a unique hiring challenge, had advertised a role in New Zealand for months without attracting any local interest. Realising that he needed to employ an offshore worker, Peter found himself navigating unfamiliar territory. The stakes were high; he didn’t want to risk getting it wrong and falling under the scrutiny of Immigration New Zealand. That’s when he turned to NZIL for help with becoming an accredited employer, conducting a job check, and assisting his ne ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
The government has announced a new median wage of NZD $31.61 per hour to be implemented in the immigration system by February 2024. While it may seem like a straightforward update, the implications for both employers and migrants are far-reaching. Here’s why this policy could be fuelling the cost of living crisis and what you can do about it.
By Aaron Martin, Principal Immigration Lawyer at New Zealand Immigration Law
Government’s Wage Inflation: A Vicious Cycle
The New Zealand government recently revealed an increase in the median wage to NZD $31.61 an hour, effective from February 2024. This ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
New Zealand’s accredited employer work visa (AEWV) will undergo significant changes, which in combination with the new 6 Point Residence Visa system, will have impacts that are far-reaching for both employers and migrants. Principal lawyer at NZIL, Aaron Martin, provides a detailed analysis of these changes and discusses what they mean for the landscape of New Zealand’s labour market.
The Government’s announced amendments to the AEWV and the new 6 Point Resident Visa system have introduced a complex layer of policy that affects both migrant workers and accredited employers.
The New Five-Year ..read more
New Zealand Immigration Law Blog
1y ago
The government have just announced from that from the 1st of July 2023, UK citizens will have three years to travel and work in New Zealand on the United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa.
The crucial benefit for New Zealand employers is the opportunity to employ UK citizens for a substantial period of three years. The real perk comes when we look at it in combination with the upcoming amendments to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Starting from November, AEWV’s will be valid for five years instead of the current three. Adding these periods together, employers potentially have an eig ..read more