Month: February 2023

Are you planning to come to New Zealand? If the answer is Yes, then please note that there is a broad range of visa options available for your stay in New Zealand. Choosing the right visa type as per the purpose of the intended travel and submitting a correct visa application is critical for a successful outcome.

Read this step-by-step guide on how to apply for a New Zealand visa. Learn about the different types of visas available, the requirements, and the application process.

New Zealand is a popular destination for tourists, students, and skilled workers from around the world. Whether you are planning a short trip or a permanent move, you will need to obtain a visa to enter the country. Applying for a visa can seem overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be straightforward.

In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a New Zealand visa. We will cover the different types of visas available, the requirements, and the application process.

Types of New Zealand Visas

Before applying for a New Zealand visa, you need to determine which type of visa you need. New Zealand has five common visa types: the ETA, New Zealand Visitor Visa, New Zealand Student Visa, New Zealand Work Visa, and New Zealand Resident Visa.

There are several types of visas available, including:

• NZeTA: This document is not a visa but a visa-waiver, that grants visa-exempt nationals the authorization to enter and stay in New Zealand for a maximum of three months.
• Visitor Visa: This visa has many sub-categories and is for people who want to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or to see family and friends.
• Student Visa: This visa is for people who want to study full-time in New Zealand.
• Work Visa: This visa has many sub-categories and is for people who want to work in New Zealand and may have a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
• Residence Visa: This visa has many sub-types is for people who want to live in New Zealand permanently.

Besides the above, the are many other sub category types of visas too.

Visa Requirements

Once you have determined which type of visa you require, you will need to meet the requirements for that visa. The requirements will vary depending on the type of visa, but some common requirements include:

• A valid passport
• Proof of funds
• Meeting the health and character requirements

Some documents are visa-specific like –

• A job offer (depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for)
• Acceptance into a New Zealand educational institution ie. an Offer of Place (for student visas)
• A business plan (for investor visas)

The Application Process

The application process for a New Zealand visa can be done online or by paper application. Paper applications are slowly being phased out. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Gather all the required documents
• Create an account on the New Zealand Immigration website
• Complete the online application form
• Upload the required documents
• Pay the application fee
• Submit the application
• Wait for a decision

The processing time for a New Zealand visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. It is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to ensure you receive a decision in time and to avoid stress & anxiety.

Obtaining a New Zealand visa can be a daunting process, but with the right information and preparation, it can be straightforward. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that you have all the information you need to apply for a New Zealand visa. Whether you are visiting for a short time or planning a permanent move, a New Zealand visa can open up a world of opportunities.

You may believe that lodging an application on your own will help you save money, but the truth is that engaging the services of a competent and experienced Licensed Immigration Adviser will enable you to save your time, money and will grant you the outcome that you desire.

If you need assistance with your visa application, feel free to email Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at contact@nzimmigration.info  or call on +64 09 3790219.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by tight deadlines for immigration applications? You may be surprised that you can request an extension if you need more time to provide the necessary information.

Immigration Officers may consider granting an extension, depending on your circumstances. However, they are not obligated to do so and it is not guaranteed.

If you have applied online, you can upload a letter requesting more time and include any supporting evidence as appropriate which explains the delays or shows that you have requested the relevant documents.

Whatever option you choose, make sure that your application contains all supporting documentation and that it is clear why the additional time has been requested. Providing as much supporting evidence as possible can help ensure that an extension is granted in due course!

Remember that Immigration Officers take deadlines seriously, so you must act promptly and urgently in seeking an additional time when required!

If you ever find yourself in circumstances wherein you need advocacy by an experienced Licensed Immigration Adviser that will stand you the best chance of getting a positive outcome on your visa application, please do contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand at contact@nzimmigration.info

International students, education providers and their representatives have been feeling uneasy about the delay in deciding on student visa applications lodged with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This is especially concerning as Education New Zealand (ENZ) and its promoters need all the resources and assistance they can get to compete in the international education market.

Although INZ is soon likely to come out with a media statement that the large volume of applications was unprecedented, it does not change the fact that these abnormal delays are unfair to full-fee-paying students.

The Reasons Behind the Delay

As cliche as it may sound, the reason behind INZ’s slow processing of student visa applications is likely due to an increase in application volumes over recent months. However, why they did not anticipate it and deploy enough resources is a different story altogether.

There are several other factors too that can affect how long it takes for a student visa application to be processed. These include staffing levels and availability, the level of expertise required to assess each application, the redeployment of resources, and the complexity of individual cases. Additionally, there is evidence that INZ’s new online system has caused delays due to issues with data entry accuracy or technical difficulties with uploading supporting documents.

In addition to these factors, there may also be disagreements between ENZ and INZ over certain applications or applying and interpreting course eligibility criteria. This can lead to subsequent delays in decision-making, which will ultimately hurt ENZ’s reputation as an international education brand if it continues unchecked.

Impact On International Students

These delays have affected many full-fee-paying international students stuck in limbo while waiting for visa decisions that INZ should already have made. They can only begin studying or make travel arrangements once they receive the results of their application. Not only does this delay put them at a disadvantage academically, but it also impacts them financially. Furthermore, some students may be forced to withdraw from courses some universities may no longer accept late enrolments due to strict deadlines or overcrowding.

What Can Be Done?

Fortunately, there are some steps that INZ can still take to help alleviate the problem and ensure that international students receive timely decisions regarding their visa applications:

1. INZ should proactively contact education providers as soon as possible to check which courses have only one intake in a year and prioritise those applications.
2. ENZ should work closely with INZ and other government departments to ensure that international students receiving the decisions with only a few days to fly to NZ and attend classes are not unfairly disadvantaged. The anticipated delay after issuing Approval in Principal (AIP) is reduced.
3. Finally, ENZ and INZ should maintain open communication lines between each other and international students so that they can address any questions or concerns appropriately and promptly.

Conclusion:

The delays in student visa approvals are causing considerable concern among those involved in international education. While it is understandable that INZ may be experiencing delays due to increased application volumes, it should not have come as a surprise.

If handling large volumes has become an issue, then the government should order an enquiry to find out why INZ is going wrong about its anticipated visa lodgements numbers so regularly.

The government must alleviate these issues and ensure that international students receive timely decisions from INZ on their visa applications. Close coordination between ENZ, INZ and other relevant government departments will allow a more efficient system to be implemented so that all stakeholders involved benefit from faster processing times of student visa applications and all international students have access to quality education without unnecessary delays or obstacles along the way.

The New Zealand government recently announced that their median wage will increase from NZD $27.76 to NZD $29.66 an hour, which will come into effect on 27 February 2023. This new wage is set to have a significant impact on employers and migrants alike, so it’s important to understand exactly how the new wage will affect you. Let’s break down what this could mean for employers and migrants in New Zealand.

Impact on Employers

For employers in New Zealand, the new median wage may result in higher wages for workers who are currently earning less than the proposed amount. Employers must also take into account any changes to the Accredited Employer Visa (AEWV) and sectors covered by sector agreements when determining wages for employees. It is important to note that if the wage threshold increases between the job check being approved and the migrant applying for their visa, then they may need to meet a higher wage threshold than was originally approved in the job check pay range. This means employers should be aware of any changes in order to remain compliant with immigration laws when hiring migrant workers.

Impact on Migrants

For migrants looking to move to New Zealand, this increase in median wage can be beneficial as it gives them more potential opportunities with employers who are offering jobs at or above this level of income. This could result in more competitive wages for those seeking work as well as greater job security due to these higher wages. However, it is important for migrants to keep an eye out for any changes that might occur between the time their job check is approved and when they apply for their visa as they may need to meet a higher wage threshold than was initially approved.

Median Wage will Depend on the Date of Lodgement of the Visa Application

When hiring a migrant worker, employers must ensure they are paid in accordance with the median wage that is applicable at the time of application. As an example, if an employer is granted a job check on 1 November 2022, any applicant for an Accredited Employer work visa submitted before 27 February 2023 must be paid a minimum of $27.76 – this being the median wage in immigration system at time of application. However, if the same visa application is made on or after 27 February 2023, employers are legally required to increase their offer to $29.66 – the new median wage in immigration system at that point. In either case, careful consideration and planning must be taken to guarantee migrant workers receive fair wages for their work and do not fall victim to exploitation.

The New Zealand government has introduced changes to their residence visa categories and pathways. This includes introducing median wage-related criteria for the Green List, Highly Paid, Skilled Migrant and Parent Categories. The median wage used for these categories will be based on the June rate published by Stats NZ the previous year, determined in February of each year. This standardized approach will provide added clarity to those applying for residence visas as well as increased notice of any updates. Stats NZ will launch a median wage calculator tool ahead of time to further support any person applying for a New Zealand residence visa. These changes simplify the application process allowing more people to qualify for visa eligibility.

Median Wage Exception for the Tourism & Hospitality Sectors

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on the tourism and hospitality industries, leading to an exception to the median wage threshold under the AEWV that allows for a lower wage threshold of $25 an hour until April 2023. This exemption demonstrates recognition from the government that these sectors have suffered unprecedented levels of hardship and disruption in recent times, and will help support those employed in tourism and hospitality roles over the coming months. A smoother transition from this lower wage threshold is planned, with the government proposing a stage-by-stage increase over time to $28.18 in April 2023 until April 2024 when wages must meet or exceed 100% of the median wage. This continued support gives these industries hope for potential recovery in challenging times.

The introduction of a new median wage has implications both positive and negative depending on where you stand as an employer or migrant worker in New Zealand. For employers, it could mean increased costs due to having to pay higher salaries, while it could also mean improved compliance with immigration laws when hiring migrant workers. For migrants, however, this could result in better job opportunities and improved wages compared to before — but again, they must be aware of any changes that might occur before applying for their visas so they can make sure they meet all requirements necessary for approval. All-in-all, it’s important that both employers and migrants understand how these changes will affect them going forward so that everyone can benefit from these new regulations when they come into effect.