Month: April 2023

Entering our thirties, many of us have accumulated some significant work experience. But what happens when we feel like we’re in a bit of a career rut? For some, the solution lies in taking a big step: pausing our careers and returning to studies. While this decision can be intimidating, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

By undertaking further studies, we can gain new skills and perspectives that may open up new career pathways. So, if you’re considering hitting the pause button on your career, remember that it’s never too late to invest in yourself and pursue your passions.

I start by explaining the pathways to obtaining residence in New Zealand as a skilled migrant. Essentially, there are three pathways.

• Skilled Migrant Category
• Green List Straight to Residence
• Green List Work to residence

While the Skilled Migrant Category is a point-based system where one is awarded points for factors such as age, recognised qualifications, work experience, a job offer in New Zealand etc., the other two categories only require a job offer in New Zealand, in an occupation that is listed on the Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Green List and relevant qualifications. Notwithstanding the differences, the two important things for all three categories are a Job offer in New Zealand and recognised qualifications. If you are residing outside of New Zealand, getting a job offer in New Zealand can prove insurmountable.

The challenge can, however, be overcome by opting to study towards a qualification most suited to your unique circumstances. New Zealand universities and colleges offer a wide range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses that not only offer post-study work options to the students but also work options for their partners for the tenure of the course. The student also has the right to work part-time, i.e. 20 hours per week, while studying.

Suppose the chosen course is a requirement for an occupation which is either on the Green List or the Long Term Skill Shortage List. In that case, there is the added advantage of being highly employable and the possibility of a smooth transition from student to the resident via the Straight to Residence category. In addition, dependent children will be considered as domestic students for primary and secondary school education and can study for free. No offer of place from a school in New Zealand is required.

During the time you spend studying in New Zealand, you also make important connections, whether in your classroom or your place of work or your neighbourhood and keep growing your network. In addition, your family continues to be with you, working or studying. Therefore, you are no longer sitting and waiting but moving steadily towards the ultimate goal of becoming a PR in New Zealand.

The difficult, and the most important part, is not the decision to study but deciding on the qualification to pursue. This is where most people may falter when they do not receive accurate guidance tailored to their own unique circumstances and immigration goal. Most student agents tend to suggest qualifications and/or colleges that either pay high commissions or have a high approval rate. Both these reasons would be entirely incorrect to base the choice of course on as the outcomes may not be a desired one.

In conclusion, rather than waiting in the hope of getting a job offer sitting outside of New Zealand and watching your dream of migrating to a beautiful country fade away, seriously consider studying in New Zealand as a means to fulfil that dream.

Once this hurdle is crossed, approach experienced industry people who understand the New Zealand employment market and immigration instructions and can provide guidance tailored to your unique migration goal.

Studying overseas is not an easy decision. It involves a significant financial investment, not to mention time and energy. The return on investment is always the single most important consideration in the decision making process. For most people who are considering the pursuit of overseas study, the ultimate goal is to settle there. Here we discuss a simple 5-steps pathway from student to resident.

Step 1: Obtain admission in an appropriate course

This is the one step that can make or break your options so DO NOT take this step frivolously. This is the most crucial step in the entire process and therefore maximum time needs to be spent in this step. Consult an experienced adviser, explain your study and migration goals clearly, understand the options available and then make your decision. It is strongly recommended that you consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser who can provide a more comprehensive and holistic guidance. Some of the basic requirements for obtaining an offer letter are as follows

• Qualification transcripts
• Acceptable English scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Work experience certificates, if applicable

It is important to note here that not all courses and/or colleges have intakes throughout the year. Some may have only one intake in a year, so make sure you plan your journey accordingly.

Step 2: Obtain a student visa for New Zealand

This is another step that requires experience and knowledge of immigration instructions and therefore you must select someone to represent you who can advocate your case most favourably to Immigration New Zealand. Again a Licensed Immigration Adviser is your best bet as they have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of immigration policies and the law. Some of the basic requirements for making an application for a student visa are:

• Offer of place from a NZ college
• Sufficient financial resources
• Evidence of meeting the requirements for getting admission to the course of study
• Evidence of accommodation
• Valid passport
• Have a acceptable standard of health and character

While the requirements may appear simple, there are further requirements of acceptable evidence. Therefore, consult a professional to lodge your student visa application.

Step 3: Post study work visa

Once the student completes an eligible course they can apply for a post study work visa. This work visa can be granted for up to three years depending on the course of study and allows the holder to work in any occupation for any employer across New Zealand. Partners of holders of a post study work visa are also eligible for a work visa for the same period of time. A student can lodge an application for a post study work visa as soon as they have obtained their completion certificate and definitely within three months of course completion or three months from the date of expiry of their student visa. The basic requirements for submitting this application are:

• Evidence of course completion
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources

Step 4: Apply for residence

Once you receive a suitable offer of employment which pays at least the median wage, you may be eligible to apply for residence under one of the skilled categories. The category that is most suited to you would be determined by the field of study completed and the industry in which you have been offered employment. Your partner and dependent children can be included in this application. The visa granted is a two year multiple entry resident visa that allows the holder to reside in New Zealand indefinitely and allows them to study or work without any restriction. Depending on the residence category selected, the basic documentation can include

• Evidence of qualifications
• Evidence of work experience
• Offer of employment in New Zealand
• English Language proficiency
• Meet health and character requirements

Step 5: Permanent Resident Visa

At the end of the two years of holding a resident visa, one can apply for a permanent resident visa. To be granted this visa, one must demonstrate one of the following:

• Significant period of time spent in New Zealand
• Tax residence status in New Zealand
• Investment in New Zealand
• Establishment of business in New Zealand
• Base established in New Zealand

If any one of the above criteria is fulfilled you and your family can be granted permanent residence in New Zealand. The permanent resident status is valid indefinitely and no further requirements need to be met to maintain this status. The documentation required will be determined by the criteria that you choose to fulfil.

There is a growing demand for healthcare workers in the country, which has led to the development of several one-year health diploma courses designed specifically for international students.

These courses offer a valuable opportunity for students to learn and gain practical experience in the healthcare sector, which is especially important during a time when healthcare workers are needed more than ever.

Some of the popular ones are:

Diploma in Health Science, Diploma in Applied Health Sciences, Diploma in Nursing, Diploma in Healthcare Management, Diploma in Occupational Therapy, Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, Diploma in Health and well-being, Diploma in Community and Social Services

These diploma courses cover a range of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, health research, healthcare systems, and patient care. They provide students with the practical skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the healthcare sector.

Let’s give you some more details about these courses.

• Diploma in Health Science: This course covers health sciences, biomedical sciences, and public health. Students gain an understanding of health promotion, disease prevention, health research, and health policy. This diploma is ideal for those interested in public health research, health promotion or medical lab technicians.
• Diploma in Applied Health Sciences: This course focuses on applying health sciences to clinical practice. Students learn about patient care and gain practical skills that are required in the healthcare profession. This diploma benefits those who want to work as healthcare assistants, clinic managers or medical assistants.
• Diploma in Nursing: This course prepares students for a career in nursing. Students learn about nursing theory, patient care, and communication skills. After completing this diploma, students can embark on a pathway to becoming registered nurses (RNs) in New Zealand.
• Diploma in Healthcare Management: In this course, students are taught how to manage healthcare organizations. They learn about healthcare policy, budgeting, quality management, and human resources management. This diploma is suitable for those who want to work in the administration side of the healthcare sector.
• Diploma in Occupational Therapy: This course prepares students for a career in occupational therapy. They learn to work with patients with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Students also learn about assessment, therapy planning, and rehabilitation techniques. This diploma can lead to working as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant.
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science: In this course, students learn about laboratory testing, disease diagnosis, and research methods. They learn how to use laboratory equipment and analyze test results. This diploma leads to work as a medical laboratory technologist, medical laboratory assistant, or other roles within healthcare labs.
• Diploma in Health and Wellbeing: This course explores the concept of health and wellbeing and how to promote healthy behaviour. Students learn about exercise, nutrition, mental health, and health education. This diploma can lead to work as a health education specialist, health promoter, health psychologist or other similar roles.
• Diploma in Community and Social Services: This course focuses on community health promotion, social service administration, and welfare services management. Students learn how to work with diverse communities and how to manage social service organizations. Upon completing this diploma, individuals can work in community health centres, non-profit organizations, state welfare services or social enterprise organizations.

Some healthcare occupations are on New Zealand’s Green List, and more will be added soon. After finishing the Diploma programme, students can choose to study further for a Bachelor’s programme or higher in their respective fields. Thus, students can work towards a quick pathway to residence in New Zealand and secure their future.

New Zealand has world-renowned educational institutes. Whatever you want to study, you will find a place that suits you in New Zealand.

I hope this information was helpful to you. If you want our help with course options, institute selection and visa application, please fill out this form.

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

Many migrants, who moved to New Zealand over the years, have gone on to become citizens or residents of the country and now call New Zealand their home. New Zealand is a family-friendly country offering various immigration options for families looking to settle permanently. This blog provides an overview of temporary entry visa options for family members coming to New Zealand.

Temporary Visa Options

Partnership-Based Visas (Work/ Visitor):

Partnership Based Visas allow New Zealand residents, citizens, migrant workers and international students to bring their partners to New Zealand. Partners can apply for either a partnership-based visitor or work visa, depending on the circumstances of the New Zealand visa holder partner. The most important requirement, of course, is that the partnership must be genuine and stable.

Not all partners of work visa holders can apply for a Partnership Based Visa. Student Visa holders can bring their partners to New Zealand depending on the course and level of study that they are pursuing in New Zealand.

For more information about Partnership Based Visas, please click here.

Dependent Child Visas:

Children below 20 years of age can join their parents in New Zealand on a dependent child visitor visa or dependent child student visa, depending on certain requirements. The child must be under the age of 20, single and with no children and financially dependent on their parent.

Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa:

This category of visa is for those who are either planning on travelling to New Zealand to marry a New Zealand resident/citizen or wish to travel to New Zealand post their marriage to a New Zealand resident/citizen, and the marriage has been arranged as per the prevailing culture of the couple.

This is a slightly complex category, and certain intricate immigration instructions have to be met to qualify for this visa.

To know more about the Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa, check out these links:

Link 1: Informative article

Link 2: Interesting video

Parent-Grandparent Visitor Visa:

New Zealand residents & citizens can sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to New Zealand on this visa. This is a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for three years. The holder can travel to New Zealand on multiple occasions during the course of the visa and can stay for up to six months.

General Visitor Visa:

This visa allows you to visit friends and family (like siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles etc.) in New Zealand and explore the country briefly. One of the primary requirements for this visa is to satisfactorily demonstrate a genuine intent for a temporary stay and commitments in the home country.

Resident Visa Options

Partnership-Based Resident Visa:

If your partner is a New Zealand resident or citizen and you have lived together for a certain period, you can apply for a Partnership Based Resident Visa. Partners of New Zealand citizens may also be eligible to apply straightaway for a Permanent Resident Visa depending on the duration of their relationship and the circumstances of the New Zealand citizen partner.

Dependent Child Resident Visa:

Dependent children of age 24 years & below can apply for this visa if their parents are New Zealand residents or citizens. Children who are old enough are also allowed to study & work in New Zealand.

Parent Resident Visa:

This visa allows New Zealand residents & citizens to sponsor their parents to live in New Zealand permanently, provided certain immigration requirements are met. Also, the child in New Zealand must agree to sponsor the parents and earn sufficient money.

Applying for a Parent Resident Visa is a two-step process

In the first step, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); in the second step, INZ will select some EOIs from the ballot. If your EOI is selected, INZ will send you an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for this visa category.

For more information about the Parent Resident Visa, click here.

Parent Retirement Resident Visa:

This visa allows New Zealand residents & citizens to bring their parents to live in New Zealand permanently. However, the parents must meet the income & investment requirements to be eligible to apply for this visa category.

Benefits of Family Immigration to New Zealand:

Immigrating to New Zealand as a family offers a range of benefits, including:

1. Family Reunification: Family members can be reunited and live together in New Zealand.
2. Education: In certain cases, children can access quality and globally recognized education in New Zealand.
3. Healthcare: Family members may be able to access New Zealand’s public healthcare system.
4. Job Opportunities: Depending on the visa type, family members can take advantage of the job opportunities in New Zealand and gain international work experience.

New Zealand offers a range of visa options for family immigration, allowing families to reunite and settle permanently in a family-friendly country. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, families can enjoy the many benefits of immigrating to 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.

Are you looking to work in New Zealand? The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV¨ allows eligible employers to sponsor highly-skilled workers from overseas to live and work in New Zealand on a temporary basis.

This type of visa is ideal for positions that require specific skills, qualifications and experience that are not readily available in the local New Zealand job market. This visa is designed to make it easier for employers in the country to fill job vacancies.

What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a visa that allows employers to employ migrant workers in New Zealand. Companies and organizations that are accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can use this visa to hire skilled migrants with the right skills, qualifications and experience for open positions.

Three-check process

There is a three-check process for the AEWV –

• Employer accreditation

To be eligible for this visa, an employer must first apply and be approved as an accredited employer by INZ. The process of becoming an accredited employer involves demonstrating that the organization has undergone a thorough recruitment process involving due diligence checks and meets certain standards regarding employee wages, training, workplace conditions and other workplace practices.

To know about the types of accreditations, click here. To know more about employer accreditation, click here

• Job Check

The accredited employer must have an approved Job Check form INZ. It is to make ensure that the employment is acceptable, i.e. minimum work hours are met, the job pays the market rate, and there is compliance with employment laws.

For Information about how to do a successful Job Check, refer to these informative links:

Link 1   Link 2

• Work Visa

Once steps 1 and 2 are completed, the migrant worker can then apply for an AEWV, provided they meet the required eligibility and/or advertised criteria.

Eligibility criteria for the AEWV

An applicant must demonstrate that they meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for this visa –

• Must meet the health & character requirements of INZ
• You must show that you have the qualifications, skills & work experience required for the job
• Have occupational registration, if required
• Not be required to serve a stand-down period
• The job offer must be from an accredited employer with a compliant history with INZ & it must be full-time, i.e. at least 30 hours a week.

An employment agreement must include details like –

• The employer’s name, address & telephone number
• Your name and address
• The job title
• Your workplace address
• The type of work you will be doing and your duties &responsibilities at work
• Required qualifications or work experience
• If any New Zealand registration is required to do the work
• Hours of work and how long the work will be for
• The duration of the job offer
• Pay & work conditions that comply with New Zealand employment law.

Duration of the AEWV

The AEWV can be issued for up to 3 years depending on certain factors like the wage rate etc.

Visa Conditions

This is not an open visa. The AEWV will allow the migrant to work only for a particular employer, in a particular role & in a particular location. Remuneration details will also be mentioned on the visa.

Bring partners and children to New Zealand

Those granted entry on this visa can bring their partners & dependent children with them when travelling to New Zealand.

Until 31 May 2023

AEWV holders can support –

• a work visa for the partner if they earn at or above the median wage. The partners will have open work rights and can work for any employer
• a visitor visa for the partner if earning below the median wage
• a visitor or student visa for dependent children if earning NZD 43,322.76 a year

From 31 May 2023

The following rules will apply to partners of AEWV holders –

• Partners can only work for an accredited employer and must be paid the median wage
• If the partner’s role is covered by a sector agreement, they can be paid below the median wage but must be paid the wage threshold.

For more information about the rights of partners of AEWV holders from 31 May 2023 onwards, check out these informative links:

Link 1 – Informative article

Link 2 – Interesting video

Benefits of the AEWV for the employer:

• Access to a larger pool of skilled workers:

By becoming an accredited employer, businesses can recruit skilled workers from overseas who might not be available locally.

• Faster processing times:

Accredited employers enjoy faster processing times for work visa applications, which can help businesses to fill skills gaps more quickly.

• Reduced paperwork:

Accredited employers are not required to provide as much documentation as non-accredited employers when applying for work visas, which can save time and resources.

• Flexibility:

Accredited employers can sponsor multiple migrant workers for work visas under one application, making it easier for businesses to manage their workforce.

Benefits of the AEWV for the employee:

• Long-term prospects:

AEWV holders may be eligible for a pathway to residency, which can provide long-term stability for migrant workers.

• Ability to bring family:

AEWV holders can bring their partners and dependent children to New Zealand on a visitor visa or a work or student visa if they are eligible.

• More favourable work conditions:

AEWV holders may be entitled to better work conditions, such as higher wages and access to employment dispute resolution services.

At Immigration Advisers NZ Ltd., our experienced advisors are dedicated to helping migrants understand how best to use this visa as part of their international growth strategy. Our team can assist with all stages of your application – from eligibility assessment through to submission – ensuring your journey towards working in New Zealand is smooth and 3trouble-free!

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.