Month: November 2021

The announcement of the new 2021 Resident Visa on 30th September 2021 by the New Zealand Government has been welcomed by many migrants in the country as it offers an easy pathway to residence.

To be eligible for the new 2021 Resident Visa, applicants must have been in New Zealand on 29th September 2021 and be on an eligible visa or have applied for one before 29th September that is subsequently granted.

Besides the two mandatory criteria, applicants must also meet any one of the following criteria –‘settled’, ‘skilled’ or ‘scarce’. In this article, we will talk about the ‘skilled’ criterion.

What is the ‘skilled’ criterion?

Applicants must ordinarily be paid at least NZD$27 per hour for an average of at least 30 hours per week on 29th September 2021 and on the date they apply for their new 2021 Resident Visa, to be eligible under the ‘skilled’ criteria.

Also, if an applicant has made an application for any visa, variation of conditions or requested reconsideration for an eligible visa that was subsequently granted and the applicant had an offer of employment with a remuneration of NZD$27 or more as on 29th September 2021

Those who are under contract services can qualify under this criterion provided they have a consistent history of contract work and a current service contract.

There is some respite for those temporarily impacted by COVID-19-related business disruption. They must be able to demonstrate that they were previously paid atleast NZD$27 per hour before the pandemic.

It is to be noted that employment-related allowances and performance bonuses are not included in the salary calculation.

Evidence Required

• An employment agreement or a letter from their employer confirming the pay and hours; and
• A bank statement or Inland Revenue summary of income or payslips

An important thing to remember is that evidence may be required to demonstrate an applicant’s current remuneration as well as their remuneration as on 29th September 2021.

For those who are paid less than NZD $27 per hour, they may be eligible for the new 2021 Resident Visa only if their occupation is considered scarce.

SO if you are confident that you meet the ‘skilled’ criterion of the new 2021 Resident Visa? Don’t miss the chance to gain easy residency in New Zealand!

Get in touch with the expert team of Licensed Immigration Advisers at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd., which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required processes, email us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

And finally, some good news for people who have been waiting tirelessly to visit New Zealand! New Zealand (NZ) borders are set to open from January 2022 to New Zealanders and for the other countries from April 2022.

This announcement gives certainty and a glimmer of hope to so many families, businesses, visitors, airlines, and airport companies that New Zealand is returning to a phase of normalcy.

The New Zealand Government has made an announcement that:

• Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from Australia without staying in MIQ from 11.59 pm Sunday, 16 January 2022
• Fully vaccinated Kiwis and other eligible travellers can travel to NZ from all other countries from 11.59 pm Sunday, 13 February 2022
• All fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to NZ from 30 April 2022 onwards, with the re-opening staged over time
• The Very High-Risk classification for Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan, and Brazil will be removed early next month.

The border will open in three stages, and all travellers who are not needed to enter MIQ will still be required to do:

• a negative pre-departure test
• proof of being fully vaccinated
• a passenger declaration about travel history
• a day 0/1 test on arrival
• a requirement to self-isolate for seven days, and
• a final negative test before entering the community

Information on when visitors can enter New Zealand without going through MIQ:

Step 1:

From 11.59 p.m. on January 16, 2022, fully vaccinated New Zealand nationals, individuals with a residence-class visa, and other visitors qualifying under our present rules from Australia will be able to travel (provided they have been in Australia or New Zealand for the past 14 days).

Step 2:

From 11.59 pm Sunday 13 February, fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens, residence-class visa holders, and other travellers eligible under our present border settings, save from Very High-Risk nations, will be able to enter the country.

Step 3:

From 30 April onwards, open to fully vaccinated foreign nationals (perhaps staged by visa category).

Those who do not meet the criteria for the above 3-Steps will still be allowed to enter New Zealand under present border conditions will be placed in MIQ immediately upon arrival, where they will spend seven days in controlled isolation followed by three days at home.

With so many new announcements coming out, it is important to be abreast with these and it can get a bit overwhelming, which is why our team of skilful and proficient Licensed Immigration Advisers are here to provide assistance to you.

Get in touch with us at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd., which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required processes and information contact us at:

Email:contact@nzimmigration.info

Call: +64 09 3790219.

The New Zealand Government had announced on 30th September 2021 the New 2021 Resident Visa, a one-time, simpler pathway to residency for migrants in New Zealand. The immigration instructions about the 2021 Resident Visa include the Health and Character requirements under this visa category.

These immigration instructions issued vide Amendment Circular No. 2021-48 will be effective from 1st December 2021.

Health Requirements

An applicant for the new 2021 Resident Visa will need to provide a Limited Medical Certificate (INZ 1007). Please note that the health requirement may be limited but will capture conditions that are not eligible for medical waivers (tuberculosis, haemophilia, and conditions requiring dialysis or full-time care).

Important points to note are as under:

• A medical certificate is not required to be submitted to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) if you have submitted it in the last 36 months and were clear.
• A medical certificate may be requested by INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application if:
  • your previous medicals were not clear; or
  • your previous medicals were clear but with conditions; or
  • you have spent six consecutive months outside of New Zealand; or
  • INZ thinks they must establish that you have met the medical requirements

• A chest x-ray certificate (CXR) might be requested by INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application if you had earlier not submitted the CXR because of your age or pregnancy.
• INZ may grant a medical waiver to a partner or dependent of a New Resident or Citizen if all the immigration instructions for the said visa category are met.

Character Requirements

INZ will undertake New Zealand Police checks for all 2021 Resident Visa applicants aged 17 years or older, regardless of how long they have been in New Zealand. INZ will also undertake National Security Checks (NSC) for all applicants who would normally require one as part of standard immigration processes and requirements.

INZ may also request more information or verification needed as part of the process. Important point (s) to note is if you are 17 years and above when applying for the new 2021 Resident Visa:

• you are not required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your country of residence; and
• you are not required to submit PCC from any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years

It is vital to remember, regardless of all of the above, INZ or the immigration officer assessing your application may still request for the medical certificate and/or PCC if they think it is necessary for them to establish that you meet the health and/or character requirements of the 2021 Resident Visa immigration instructions.

Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. if you have any queries or require assistance regarding the above information. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

The announcement by the New Zealand Government of the new one-off 2021 Resident Visa on 30 September 2021 offers a seemingly easy pathway to residence. However, to be eligible, applicants must have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021 and be on an eligible visa or have applied for one before 29 September that is subsequently granted.

Besides the above two mandatory criteria, applicants must also meet any one of the following criteria– Settled, Skilled or Scarce. In this article, we will talk about the ‘Settled’ criterion.

Settled Criteria – Eligibility

The settled criterion is applicable to those who have lived in New Zealand for the past 3 years or more. However, it cannot be just any 3 years. You must also:

• have arrived in New Zealand on or before 29 September 2018 and
• have spent at least 75% of the 3 years (821 days) in New Zealand during the period of 29 September 2018 to 29 September 2021 (inclusive)

The period of living in New Zealand does not have to be consecutive and there is no minimum amount within a calendar year requirement.

Documentary Evidence Required

To determine whether an applicant meets the settled criterion, Immigration New Zealand will use the border movement records available with them. The best part is no further evidence will be required unless requested by an Immigration Officer. It is often said that incorrect documentation is worse than no documentation. Hence, make sure that you calculate your eligibility accurately.

Do you meet the settled criterion of the new 2021 Resident Visa? If the answer is YES, then don’t miss the chance to gain resident status in New Zealand! Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

Source: Click here

Every country and educational institute has a different language requirement for migrants. Nevertheless, language proficiency for migrants is critical since it facilitates assimilation in a foreign country and improves work prospects. Language abilities also aid social integration and academic accomplishments.

The English language is one of the three official languages of New Zealand. The other two are the Māori language and New Zealand sign language.

Do you want to study, work or live in NZ?

If you want to work, study or migrate to New Zealand, you must have a certain level of proficiency in the English language.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) expects different English language proficiency levels for various visa categories; accordingly, the scores differ for each visa category. Whether you are the principal applicant, a partner, or a dependent child determines the proficiency level required. At the time of submission of the visa application, the English language test results must not be older than two years. It is always best to check the specific visa type you intend to apply for to see the English requirements for that specific visa by clicking on this link here.

Student visa requirement

INZ does not set an English language requirement for Student Visa applications. Some Education Providers (especially at the tertiary level) require a certain level of English before offering you a place, but this will vary from one provider to the next. You will have to find this out individually.

Therefore, you should directly discuss course requirements with your education provider or their authorised representatives like Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.

Please note that as an international student, even if you have an English-speaking background, you may still have to provide an English language test result to show that you meet the minimum standard.

English language proficiency test score is not a requirement if you study English in New Zealand.

Acceptable English language proficiency tests

Some of the acceptable English language proficiency tests are:

• International English Language Testing System
• Test of English as a Foreign Language
• Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Occupational English Test (OET) (for health
• care professionals)
• Cambridge Assessment English – B2 First (FCE)
• Cambridge Assessment English – B2 First for
• Schools (FCE for Schools)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE: Academic)

To find out which English language tests INZ accepts and the results you need for the visa you are applying for, please click here.

As evident, it is very important to find out the English language requirement for a particular visa category before applying for one.

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call +64 09 3790219. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

References:

• Link 1
• Link 2

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has amended the immigration instructions to implement the New 2021 Resident Visa Category by issuing an Amendment Circular dated 29 October 2021.

The instructions cover the eligibility criteria, assessment process, documentary evidence required, fees, and health and character requirements.

The link to the detailed instructions is here.

In this article, we have endeavoured to give you information that we feel is absolutely crucial for you to know for planning the successful lodgement of your New Resident Visa application. Details and the correct interpretation of the immigration instructions can be obtained by contacting us at conatct@nzimmigration.info

The submission of applications will open in two phases:

• Phase 1 will open on 1st December 2022, and
• Phase 2 will open on 1st March 2022.

Other important timelines are 29th September 2021, when the migrants (other than critical workers planning to arrive and apply before 31st July 2022) on eligible visas had to be in New Zealand and 31st July 2022, when this Resident visa category will close.

Important Eligibility Information

 

• The primary applicants must have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021, and
• have been on an eligible visa, or have an application submitted for an eligible visa on 29 September 2021 that was later granted.
• Applicants must meet the stipulated requirements of settled, skilled or scarce at the time of application and on 29th September 2021.
• An applicant that meets the criteria for settled, skilled or scarce must also meet the criteria for holders of an eligible Visa.
• If you leave New Zealand after submitting your application, your residence visa will not be processed until you re-enter New Zealand. These applications would be put on hold.
• Applicants must provide sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate that they meet the claimed Settled, Skilled or Scarce criteria.
• Dependent children aged 25 years and over may be eligible for a 2021 Resident visa based on eligibility criteria even if they are not in New Zealand.
• Partners outside New Zealand can also be included in the application provided partnership visa requirements have been met in line with current residence requirements.
• Respective applicants and their family members must meet the requirements for health and character as specified by INZ.
• If the applicant arrives in New Zealand on a critical health worker or other critical worker visa for a long-term role after 29 September 2021 and moves to an eligible work visa before applying for the 2021 Resident Visa before 31 July 2022, they will not have to meet the settled, skilled or scarce criteria.
• An applicant who was in Australia on 29 September 2021 and departed New Zealand for Australia between 6 April 2021 and 23 July 2021 (inclusive) is eligible to apply for this visa.

Documentary Evidence Required

 

Documentary evidence lies at the heart of any visa application, and its importance cannot be overestimated.

• Evidence for meeting settled criteria: An immigration officer will use immigration travel records information to determine whether an applicant meets the settled criteria.
• Evidence for meeting skilled criteria: Applicants’ current remuneration as well as their remuneration on 29 September 2021 will be considered. Evidence provided for remuneration must include an employment agreement or letter from the employer stating the pay and hours. The supporting documents could be full bank statements showing salary payment or a summary of income details from Inland Revenue or payslips. Please note, an immigration officer may request any additional evidence.
• Evidence of meeting scarce criteria: For an applicant who holds a current work visa that specifies they may only work for a specific employer; immigration officers will consider information provided on the 2021 Resident Visa Application form and information provided with the previous work visa application
• An applicant whose occupation has not previously been assessed or evidence was not previously provided will be required to provide an employment agreement or letter from the employer stating the occupation and hours and evidence of provisional or full registration in an occupation in New Zealand where this is required.

Please note that an immigration officer may request any additional evidence as necessary to determine if the applicant meets (and/or met) the scarce criteria. For example, evidence may be required to demonstrate an applicant’s current occupation and the occupation they held as on 29 September 2021.

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call +64 09 3790219. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.