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    Month: July 2021

    Working In Aged Care

    Posted on by admin

    “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours.’’

    Are you a person who can take care of people with love and affection? Does taking care of the needs of aged people give you satisfaction? If yes, this blog is for you.

    By 2036, around 23% of the total population in New Zealand will be aged 65 or over. The aged care sector in New Zealand employs over 33,000 people, and with the increasing demand, this only is expected to grow more.

    The aged care sector includes roles like –

    • Support Workers
    • Caregivers
    • Health Care Professionals
    • Nurse Aids
    • Activities Co-ordinator

    Aged care in New Zealand enables older people to live with confidence and participate in society for as long as possible.

    Many elderly people live independently in their own home, retirement village, rest home, hospital or respite facility and need assistance. Support by aged care workers is provided with the elderly’s wellbeing, mobility, personal care and daily activities.

    Qualifications required to work in the aged care sector

    Entry-level roles in aged care don’t usually require any relevant qualifications or experience. However, you can study healthcare courses that include on-the-job training, which prepares you for the roles such as support worker, home aide, home care support worker, healthcare assistance, health assistant, and caregiver. More advanced roles in aged care will benefit from a Level 4 qualification and higher. Such qualifications are for roles such as Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, Supervisor, Trainer/Assessor.

    Education providers provide training for aged care work, from entry-level up to post-graduate level. These providers are registered with NZQA, and the Qualifications are assessed for pay equity equivalence by the Ministry of Health which gives you an opportunity to earn $27.00 an hour. To know more about the healthcare qualification and pay parity click here.

    Fees

    The tuition fees for international students for the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing courses at Levels 2, 3 and 4 range from $2000 NZD to $10000 NZD. The fees for Levels 7, 8 or 9 is higher.

    Overseas qualifications

    If you already have an overseas qualification related to aged care, check if it is recognized by the sector. Roles listed on New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage List must be comparable to the standard of the New Zealand qualification on the list.

    Skills required for aged care

    To work in aged care, the person must be practical, organised, responsible, supportive, understanding and able to relate well. The job can be physically demanding so the key is to be fit and fine.

    Registration requirements

    New Zealand law requires nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to be registered with a professional body or council in New Zealand.

    If already registered overseas, you must provide evidence of holding a New Zealand registration and a current practising certificate before applying for a work or residence visa.

    To know more about the registration process, check the respective professional council in New Zealand link mentioned below.

    Professional Council in New Zealand

    Income

    The minimum pay for aged care workers is subject to the 2017 pay equity settlement. The current median wage set by the Government is NZ$ 27.00 per hour.

    Income varies according to the role undertaken: It is important to show respect and stay professional when working with older people. Aged care workers can make a real difference in people’s lives. Though the work is challenging, the rewards are huge.

    If you are interested in helping others and are looking to be a part of the fastest growing industry, please get in touch with Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219. Our experienced team of licensed immigration advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Want to become the next Bill Gates? Check out the courses offered by NZ Universities and Institutes

    Posted on by admin

    “Learn new skills everyday – IT Field”

    “The computer was born to solve problems that did not exist before.”
    — Bill Gates

    An Overview of IT & Computing Skills

    We live in a digital era and computers play an immense role in our lives. This is evident from our increased dependence on computers made especially evident during the Covid 19 pandemic. Modern businesses rely heavily on computerised technology to efficiently complete vast amounts of tasks. Having knowledge about computers gives one an edge over others who lack these skills. This is a field that is dynamic and thus the demand of IT professionals is also high.

    IT & Computing courses can help you achieve mastery of basic and advanced computer skills and improves your value in today’s job market. These courses help you to develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and practical knowledge.

    Scope of IT & Computing Course in New Zealand

    New Zealand’s IT sector is diverse and advanced. Top universities and colleges of NZ provide an apt and appropriate platform to the students to start their career in IT. In addition to acquiring an internationally recognised qualification, students are able to have an experience of world class teaching and learning. Students gain an edge in competition by gaining, practical and professional skills and developing IT knowledge. They are thus able to work efficiently in a range of exciting roles. There has been an increase in employers seeking candidates who have completed a course in Information & Technology.

    Students get an option to work while studying, which can be an excellent way to gain NZ work experience. A student is allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while pursuing a course of study and full-time during the summer holidays. Masters by research or PhD students may work full-time throughout their studies.

    Study Pathway

    IT and computing courses usually range from entry level courses to Software Engineering degree course. There are also opportunities for Graduate Diploma and Postgraduate courses. Length of study varies depending upon the course selected. The providers could be Universities, Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics (ITP) or Private Training Establishments (PTE).

    Skill Development

    Some skills that get developed after successful completion of such courses are appended below:

    • Interpersonal skills to work efficiently
    • Ability to think critically, evaluate and apply existing knowledge to solve problems and meeting the requirements.
    • Enhanced analytical skills
    • Ability to operate intelligently and effectively
    • Effective planning
    • Acquire an ability to work independently and also with groups

    Career Prospects

    IT professionals are in big demand across the world. It’s a booming business.After successful completion of an international qualification, a wide variety of jobs are available. Some of the skilled job profiles have been appended below.

    IT Manager, Project Manager,IT support specialist, database administrator, test analyst, systems administrator, web developer, interactive media developer or software developer/programmer to name a few.

    Check out these job-search websites. They might help to get you thinking about industries you may not have thought of.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisor New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for a career in IT & Computing. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    NZ Residency Lost Due To Corrupt Australian Border Worker

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    Kerstine May Ceballos Egot, an Auckland rest home worker and a New Zealand resident, has been ordered to leave New Zealand after unknowingly getting caught up in an Australian border worker’s scam.

    Numerous people have been affected by the scam of Australian immigration official Alex Escala Allan. In 2015, Allan was sentenced to 8 months in prison for taking bribes worth $563,290 in exchange for issuing Australian visas to 59 Vietnamese and Filipino families. In 2016, the sentence was increased to 15 months.

    Filipino citizen Egot, then 19 years old, was unaware about the fraud when she got her Australian residence visa through Allan in 2014, as per the Immigration & Protection Tribunal’s decision. Her cousin applied on her behalf but Egot was unaware that she had paid Allan a bribe.

    In 2015, Egot moved to New Zealand and was granted automatic residence due to her Australian visa. In June 2016, Egot and her cousin’s visas were cancelled after a year long investigation in Australia pertaining to Allan’s corruption.

    However, Egot was not informed about the cancellation. Immigration New Zealand came to know about her situation through a tip received but were unable to locate her until 2018 when she applied for permanent residency. In late 2020, she was issued a deportation liability notice after which she appealed to the tribunal.

    Immigration New Zealand accepted there was no evidence that Egot was aware of her cousin’s bribe or Allan’s corruption. Allowing her to stay would undermine the immigration process’ integrity considering the seriousness of the fraud.

    The tribunal’s deputy chairman Martin Treadwell agreed with Immigration New Zealand that Egot did not have “exceptional humanitarian circumstances” which would make it unjust for her to be deported.

    Egot’s appeal has been declined but has been granted a one-year work visa to get her affairs in order before leaving the country.

    Reference – Click here

    Wasted Money Could Have Helped Progress Skilled Migrants in NZ

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    The new accreditation of employers which was going to be introduced on 1 November 2021 has been deferred. The New Zealand government has been accused of wasting thousands of dollars by sending immigration staff throughout the country to explain a system that it is not ready to implement.

    New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment (NZAMI) chair has stated that the deferral shows lack of planning. There were already doubts about the implementation because of Immigration NZ’s lack of staff, upgrading of its IT systems and the Government’s previous history in delaying changes.

    Immigration industry believes that the money wasted on travel could have been used towards processing of Skilled Migrant Residence applications who have been waiting for over two years to learn about their future in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Residence was hindered because of no funding for resourcing requirements.

    It is also believed that the other changes announced by the Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi will not solve the skill shortage problem faced by employers.

    The past rule which required employers to prove that no New Zealand citizens or residents could fill the role has been withdrawn. Only if the migrant is changing his role or region location with the employer, then the position has to be advertised. These changes are like a diversionary tactic just to show people something is happening.

    Without expansion to the current criteria, employers will continue struggling to find enough workers.

    Reference – Click here

    Essential Skills Work Visa Changes

    Posted on by admin

    Today the Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced changes pertaining to Essential Skills Work visa applications effective 19 July 2021 onwards.

    From Monday 19 July, the maximum duration of Essential Skills visas, for jobs paid below the median wage, will increase from 12 months to 24 months. The duration of Essential Skills visas for jobs paid at or above the median wage will remain three years.

    Essential Skills Work Visa Application Process Streamlined

     

    • Application form: From 19 July 2021 until 28 August 2021, a paper-based form available on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website has to be used. From 30 August 2021 onwards, applicants will be able to apply online instead.
    • Labour Market Test (LMT): Employers retaining migrant workers in the same roles will not have to prove there are no New Zealanders available. A labour market test will have to be conducted for vacant roles or when the worker changes the region of work.
    • Employment agreement: An employment agreement is not to be included with a new essential skills application when applicants are remaining in the same role.
    • Medicals & Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Medicals and PCC will not be required if these were previously submitted with a visa application.

    The above changes to requirements will apply up to the middle of next year and will make it easier for employers to retain their current migrant workforce.

    Fees

    Fees for the two-year Essential Skills visa will remain the same at $440, plus the Immigration Levy of $55.

    Updated Skills Match Report

    The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is changing its process for testing the New Zealand labour market to more effectively prioritise New Zealand job seekers. The updated Skills Match Report will be available 19 July 2021 onwards.

    Impact of the new Essential Skills Work Visa related changes on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

    The new AEWV which was due to come into effect on 1 November 2021 will be delayed until the middle of next year.

    If you have any queries or would need more clarification regarding this, please contact please contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219

    Health is Wealth… Know more about Healthcare courses in NZ

    Posted on by admin

    “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.”

    An Overview of Healthcare Management Skills

    The Novel Coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 disease unleashed a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. Healthcare has borne the impact of COVID-19 more than most other industries. The sudden demand for healthcare workers has opened up doors to New Zealand for many. However, getting a visa may be more straightforward in such professions if one can obtain professional registration in New Zealand.

    Scope of Healthcare Management in New Zealand

    Hospitals and medical practices across the country are looking for doctors, nurses, midwives, surgeons, pharmacists, psychiatrists, anaesthetic technicians, obstetricians & gynaecologists, dieticians and many other healthcare-related professionals.

    These industries want to hire qualified professionals/people who will be efficient enough to manage healthcare services at ease. So it is essential to get enrolled in the right institutions in the country.

    New Zealand provides world-class educational facilities through internationally qualified and recognized institutions. These institutions will prepare the applicant to be in the best professional roles within the healthcare sector.

    New Zealand provides an excellent educational environment that helps maintain a good work-life balance and build friendly relationships with people. The country offers academic, professional and vocational studies. The cost of studying in New Zealand is cheaper than in the USA, Australia and Canada.

    Study Pathway

    Study in the healthcare sector will help you develop the skills to meet the changing needs of global healthcare. New Zealand is one of the largest and most diverse health education providers.

    Here you can apply for a tailored degree to match your interest. You can develop the skills for a wide range of careers in healthcare with available courses like Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Medical Studies, PG Diploma in Nursing, Master of Nursing Science, Education and Research, Health administration and management, Health advocacy, MBA in healthcare and Support work.
    These are some of the most sort after courses of recent times.

    The growing population and increased life expectancy have increased the need for dedicated and inspirational healthcare graduates. You can specialize in a specific health discipline or become a health professional in a non-clinical role.

    Skill Development

    Since the pandemic has increased the scope of opportunities in the healthcare sector, countries have started giving more emphasis to avoiding any failure in the future.

    The courses mentioned above help develop the following skills:

     

    • Teamwork and be a motivational supporter
    • Working with people of different ages, life stages, abilities and cultures
    • Assisting people with personal development and treatment; counselling them when undergoing some therapy and treatment
    • Good communication skills, empathy skills, and an ability to make good decisions.
    • Adapting to a changing environment, community support and care
    • Developing a community support system

    Career Prospects

    Making a career is a big and important decision. However, grabbing the right opportunities at the right time will enhance your growth.

    Most countries focus more on drawing up the parameters for imparting skill training in the health sector that is expected to generate more jobs worldwide following the changes imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Jobs involving the healthcare sector include:

     

    Jobs Approx. annual income
    Care Assistant NZ$ 65,200
    Caregiver NZ$ 51,900
    Company Nurse NZ$ 64,000
    Critical Care Nurse NZ$ 83,700
    Dietetic Technician NZ$ 64,000
    Discharge Coordinator NZ$ 43,400
    Family Nurse Practitioner NZ$ 87,700
    Lab Assistant NZ$ 73,400
    Medical Office Administrator NZ$ 84,700
    Medical Office Assistant NZ$ 64,600
    Nurse NZ$ 76,800
    Wellness Coordinator NZ$ 97,400

     

    Check out these job- search websites:

    If you are passionate about helping people and challenging yourself, then a wide range of rewarding careers in healthcare can be found here in New Zealand.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisor New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for a career in IT & Computing. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Want to become a famous Engineer like Henry Ford? NZ provides the best Engineering & Technology Courses

    Posted on by admin

    “Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.”

    Engineering Technology is the application of engineering techniques and concepts. Whilst mainstream engineers mainly use mathematical and scientific principles to come up with engineering ideas, it is the role of technologists to turn these ideas into reality.

    As an engineering technology student, you’ll be tasked with producing, testing, analyzing, and evaluating engineering projects. You’ll use your skills to solve problems and improve productivity across a wide range of activities and machinery.

    Studying engineering technology in New Zealand is a fantastic way to develop professionally and personally. You’ll network with world-class researchers, learn in state-of-the-art facilities, and have the opportunity to complete internships with multinational companies. Alongside all of this, you’ll explore the world and make lifelong friends.

    Why to study Engineering & Technology in NZ

    Inspiring Lifestyle

    Choosing New Zealand for the overseas engineering studies will benefit from a lifestyle that gives more time to do the things that you love. The exceptional work-life balance will let you see friends, follow your interests and explore nature – without the crowds. NZ consistently tops global quality of life surveys and is ranked the second most peaceful nation on Earth.

    High Quality Education

    New Zealand’s practical, hands-on teaching style encourages you to think independently, critically and creatively while you’re studying abroad. Learning in small classes with a high teacher-student ratio, you’ll gain real-world experience for your future engineering career. You’ll be supported by friendly, approachable teachers who are leaders in their field and have close ties to the industry.

    Work while you study

    Studying engineering in New Zealand is great value for money and you can offset the costs of living overseas by working while you study. You may be able to work up to 20 hours during the term and full-time during the holidays – or with no restrictions if you’re a PhD or Masters by research student. You’ll also improve your English and gain workplace experience while you’re studying abroad.

    Study Pathway

    Engineering pathways range from certificates and diplomas to a three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology or a four-year Bachelor of Engineering. You’ll also have many opportunities for postgraduate study. The providers could be Universities, Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics (ITP) and Private Training Establishments (PTE).

    Key Engineering areas

     

    • Civil
    • Chemical
    • Computer systems
    • Electrical
    • Mechanical

    Employability skills

    New Zealand’s teaching style and practical, hands-on way of learning gives Engineering graduates strong employability skills — attributes valued by employers across a wide range of jobs and careers.

    These highly transferable skills include flexibility, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, organizational skills and a self-motivated ‘can-do’ attitude. Graduates also gain workplace-relevant English language abilities and learn to be effective in multicultural and Western work environments.

    Career Prospects

    There is a huge demand for skilled Engineers across the world. After successful completion of an international qualification, a wide variety of jobs are available. Some are listed below:

    • Electronics engineer, Mechanical engineer, Environmental engineer, Aeronautical engineer, Telecommunications engineer, Chemical engineer, Fire engineer and so on.

    Check out these job- search websites. They might help to get you thinking about industries you may not have thought of.
    • Seek
    • Careers
    • Jobs

    For further information or assistance, contact Immigration Adviser New Zealand Ltd at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219 to know about the eligibility criteria and list of university/institute offering Engineering and Technology courses.

    Skilled Labour Shortage in New Zealand – Boon or Bane?

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    Finance Minister Grant Robertson states that skilled labour shortage in New Zealand is both a “good problem to have” and one that must be addressed.

    Immigration has been brought almost to a standstill due to New Zealand’s tough Covid-19 related border restrictions. Businesses across various sectors are in desperate need of overseas workers as they struggle to fill roles locally.

    It is a “good problem to have’’ as the strong public health approach taken was the best economic approach that allowed people to live relatively normal lives, although with some significant impacts.

    Robertson stated that the need for skilled labour showed the economy was growing and businesses were looking to hire staff not lay people off. It was the problem of growth that has to be addressed.

    Though the unemployment rate has fallen, there are still people who are unemployed or underutilized.

    He explained that underutilised workers were those who wanted to take on more hours but were unable and that the underutilisation rate is still high.

    Border restrictions had caused labour shortages but also allowed businesses to operate openly.

    Robertson further stated that the Government understood businesses frustrations and had taken measures such as creating a critical worker scheme, extending working holiday visas, enabling seasonal scheme workers to switch to different industries and prioritizing MIQ spots for workers.

    It also wanted businesses to attract workers through improved work conditions, better pay, flexibility and better training.

    The Government recently announced an immigration reset to up-skill New Zealand’s workforce, increase productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on overseas labour.

    Covid-19 had created a rare opportunity to reassess the economic impact of immigration.

    The business sector has become too reliant on low skilled labour and little effort is made to increase productivity through capital investment. However, he insisted that it is not Governments intention that inward migration should switch from one extreme to the other.

    Reference – Click here

    ‘Quarantine Flights’ from New South Wales

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    Changes have been made to immigration instructions to implement Quarantine Flights from New South Wales. The current pause in quarantine-free travel with New South Wales has been extended for the near future. From Tuesday 13 July 2021 the Government will institute ‘Quarantine Flights’ from New South Wales requiring eligible travellers on the flight to enter MIQ for 14 days.

    People eligible for managed return flights are:

    • New Zealand citizens.
    • New Zealand permanent residents or resident visa holders.

    • Citizens of Australia or persons who hold current permanent residence visas (including a resident return visa) issued by the Government of Australia who last departed New Zealand after 5 April 2021.

    • Holders of New Zealand temporary visas who last departed New Zealand after 5 April 2021.

    • Spouses, civil union partners, de facto partners, dependent children or parents of dependent children of any of the above categories.

    Criteria on who is allowed to return to New Zealand

    The criteria set out in the immigration instructions aligns with the criteria on who is allowed to return to New Zealand on these flights as set out in the COVID-19 Public Health Response  (Exemptions and Conditions for Quarantine Travel from Australia) Notice 2021.

    For further information on returning on these flights click on https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/quarantine-free-travel/australia/new-south-wales/.

    Border Exemption For Dairy Farm Staff

    Posted on by admin

    The Government has decided to grant border exceptions for 200 dairy farm workers and their families, comprising of 150 Herd Managers or Assistant Farm Managers and 50 Farm Assistants (for critical need areas only).

    • It is likely to take at least 3 months from when the first application is made to DairyNZ before the migrant worker is available to work on the farm.
    • There are both employer and employee eligibility criteria to be fulfilled.
    • A prioritisation criterion will be applied if the demand exceeds 200 workers.

    The application and approval will be handled by DairyNZ and MPI. The visa processes will be handled by Immigration NZ (INZ).

    Reference – Click here

    New Leaders Help Fix Skills Shortage

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    Education Minister Chris Hipkins has stated that six new groups tasked with bringing togeth*-er industry and vocational education providers now have the required tools and leadership to do their work

    The Workforce Development Council (WDC) will set skill standards, help industry plan what and how training is given and play a leadership role for industries.

    Future planning is critical to ensure training providers are offering the right courses, to get the right people graduating with the right skills to address NZ’s skill shortages.

    This includes meeting the needs of industries currently facing recruitment difficulties including IT, engineering, primary industries, building and construction etc.

    The WDC will moderate assessments against industry standards and, if required, set and moderate assessments at the end of a qualification.

    Every industry is covered by one of the six Workforce Development Councils:

     

    • Hanga-Aro-Rau Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics
    • Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure
    • Muka Tangata – People, Food and Fibre
    • Toi Mai
    • Community, Health, Education and Social Services, and
    • Services.

    The WDCs will be up and running from October 2021.

    For reference link – Click here

     

    Immigration New Zealand Confirms Partners Among Visa Cancellation

    Posted on by admin

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed cancellation of visas of people who applied for visitor visas to be reunited with their partners.

    The government decided to cancel and refund up to 50,000 applications for visitor, student and work visas. But among those cancelled temporary visas are many people waiting to join their New Zealand partners.

    This includes couples in arranged marriages who cannot meet the living together criteria which would have enabled them to apply for a partnership visa.

    The move follows a series of changes to how INZ dealt with couples who had not lived together before/after marriage, and where the partner applied to live with their spouse in New Zealand.

    A directive to stop waiving the ‘living together’ requirement led to a political storm in 2019 which finally led to a compromise.

    Immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont pointed out that the new culturally arranged visa process returned the status quo of applying for visitor visas so applicants could live with their partner long enough to prove their relationship was genuine.

    Some of those whose visas were mistakenly rejected during that period were having their cases reviewed when Covid-19 started spreading. INZ has stopped processing offshore visitor applications since the start of the pandemic unless applicants have been given a border exception.

    As a result, people on general visitor visas were unable to enter NZ once the Covid lockdown started, yet people who were actually living together in a partnership were able to enter the country.”

    McClymont also states that couples in arranged marriages were being asked to provide evidential proof like tenancy agreements and joint utility bills, which they did not have, despite INZ acknowledging their relationships were genuine, stable and long-lasting.

    An INZ spokesperson has confirmed that people applying for visitor visas in those circumstances would have their applications lapsed and fees refunded. This will not disadvantage the applications as their visa applications are currently unable to be approved due to the border closure, and they will be able to reapply with updated information once the border reopens.

    INZ also stated that it was reviewing its approach to refund requests from other visa groups, including some residence applicants.

    Reference – Click here

    Bureaucratic Battle To Get Visas Extended Despite Labour Shortage

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    Migrant workers already in New Zealand are struggling to get visas renewed on time to take up work for the calving season, which is beginning.

    The Clark-Watts couple arrived in New Zealand in February 2020 on a working holiday visa, just before Covid 19 border closures. They did not qualify for a visa extension but were instead approved a Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visa after an employer sponsored them. Recently, they had extensions to those visas approved under the direction of Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi

    The couple has been working all over the country to fill labour shortages.

    A trained primary school teacher, Clark had applied for a skilled migrant visa prior to the extension for SSE visa holders being announced last month. Immigration advised her not to withdraw her application until her extension had been confirmed, which was due to happen on June 25.

    The confirmation never came. Instead, she was placed on an interim visa which did not allow her to work. At the same time Watts was granted the extension for his seasonal work visa, and his essential skills visa application was withdrawn. The couple is confused why the husband was not placed on an interim visa.

    Clark was thankful for the last-minute approval, which meant the couple could work the calving season. They feel the process should be streamlined given the severe labour shortage. Australia and Canada had a made it much easier for migrant workers.

    Federated Farmers immigration spokesman stated visa processing was taking seven to eight weeks. Calving was already happening in some regions.

    Applications for visas for 200 overseas dairy workers under a border exception were now open, as per a statement from Dairy NZ.

    Dairy NZ will continue to ask the Government to allow class exceptions to have their own allotment of managed isolation and quarantine spaces and to urge it to fast track residency applications for migrant workers on dairy farms. Both of those processes are very important to retain foreign farm staff in New Zealand.

    Reference – Click here

    INZ Refunding Levies and Fees For Visa Applications That Cannot Be Approved

    Posted on by admin

    The Minister of Immigration has decided to lapse visa applications that cannot be approved due to the ongoing border restrictions. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will refund application fees and levies for people who applied for a temporary visa from outside New Zealand before or after 10 August 2020.

    Immigration New Zealand currently has about 50,000 temporary visa applications on hand that will be refunded mainly visitor, student and work visa applications.

    Applications excluded from lapsing and refunding are:

     

    • Applications made from a COVID-19 quarantine free travel zone where you have notified INZ in writing before 30 June 2021 that you are still in a COVID-19 quarantine free travel zone, and want your application to be processed.
    • Applications based on a relationship (partner or dependent children) to a New Zealand citizen, residence class visa holder or temporary visa holder.
    • Work visa applications under any of the following categories: Post-study work, Work to Residence, Entrepreneur Work Visa Category and Global Impact Visa Categories.
    • An application for a work visa to arrange the transfer to, and investment of funds in, New Zealand after your application for residence under the Investor 1 or Investor 2 Category has been approved in principle.
    • Applications based on a relationship (partner or dependent children) to a principal applicant with a temporary visa application that is listed above.

    Applicants already in New Zealand whose existing temporary visa was automatically extended by special direction will be contacted by INZ. They can choose to withdraw or proceed with their application.

    The affected visa applicants do not have to ask for a refund as INZ will email them or their representative over the next few months when their refund is being processed.

    For applications submitted and paid online, the credit card used will be refunded. If a third party has made the payment on the applicant’s behalf (such as a Licensed Immigration Adviser), it is the applicant & representative’s responsibility to arrange reimbursement of the refund as INZ will not mediate between them. In some cases, INZ may need the refund request form to be completed to make sure the refund is given to the correct bank account.

    Future applications will not be affected by this.

    If you have any queries or would need more clarification regarding this, please contact please contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219.

    For reference link – Click here

    INZ Evaluates Hundreds Of Visa Applications Mistakenly Cut Down

    Posted on by admin

    According to the immigration policy of 2018, a three-year post study open work visa is to be granted to students depending on their level of qualification.   Under this policy, there is no requirement for an employment/job offer letter.

    Under the same criteria, many students applied for a three-year work visa. Then a policy favouring more “skilled” students came into effect in November 2020. 

    Students were happy and waiting for the final call from the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) office. However, immigration officers misinterpreted the policy and granted only a one-year visa to such students.

    Two students filed a complaint regarding the same because they had visas on August 8, 2018 and met the criteria to receive the three-year open work visas but were instead given a one-year visa.

    Both students’ complaints were investigated together by the ombudsman chief as they were made on the same basis and it was concluded that NZ Visa officers had not followed the actual policy.

    Subsequently, INZ said it had amended its guidance to officers to accurately reflect the Cabinet’s intention and extended both complainants’ visas for a further two years.

    At the time of the ombudsman’s investigation, Immigration NZ identified about 500 more people in a similar situation as the two complainants who may have been given shorter visas than they were eligible for.

    Immigration NZ border and visa operations head Nicola Hogg while discussing the issues with one of the media houses stated that after looking at the matter more closely, it had reduced this number to 265 that may have been wrongly given shorter post-study work visas. 

    She further said that after the department was notified of the first complaint made to the Office of the Ombudsman in June 2020, “immigration instructions were amended to reflect that only those studying an eligible qualification would be granted a two-year or three-year post-study work visa and a public clarification was issued”.

    INZ is in the process of identifying and rectifying the visa validity issue.

    For reference link: Click here

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