Category: Blog

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.

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.

In addition, you should also 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 ‘Scarce’ criterion.

Scare List – Eligibility

The scarce criterion is for those who have job roles on one of the scarce lists. To be eligible, an applicant must have been employed full time, on an average of at least 30 hours per week, in a role on a list of scarce occupations on 29 September 2021 and on the date on which they submit their application. In addition, the employment must be genuine and paid by salary, wages or as per the terms of the contract.

There are four scarce lists:

• Jobs on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL)
• Jobs requiring occupational registration in the health or education sector
• Personal carers and other critical health workers
• Specified primary sector jobs

Evidence of Documents

Providing incorrect documents is worse than providing no documents; hence, you must be fully aware of the correct documentary evidence required to submit this one off the 2021 resident Visa application. The essential documents as per the immigration instructions are:

• an employment agreement or a letter from the employer confirming the employment & hours of work and,
• evidence of occupational registration in New Zealand (if required)

In addition to the above, an immigration officer may request any additional evidence as necessary to determine if you meet (and/or met) the Scarce criteria. For example, evidence may also be required to demonstrate your current occupation and the occupation you held as at 29 September 2021.

For businesses affected by Covid-19 related instructions, there is some flexibility if work hours are temporarily reduced. INZ will consider the history of contract work and the current contract for applicants working on a contract basis.

It may also be noted that occupations indirectly related to health services or corporate functions like human resources, office administration, property maintenance, etc., will not be considered under the scarce criterion.

Do you meet the scarce criterion of the new 2021 Resident Visa? Then, don’t miss the chance to gain easy residency! 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.

Through an announcement dated 22 October 2021, New Zealand Government has approved 1,000 international tertiary students for border exception.

NZ expects these students to start arriving from March-2022.

Identifying the students for entering New Zealand would commence with education providers nominating students beginning October 2021.

Once students signal their interest in studying in New Zealand, education providers or their authorised representatives like Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd will contact them to discuss their eligibility for nomination.

The border class exception will permit 400 pilot trainees, 300 students at degree level and above and a further 300 students at the sub-degree level to arrive in New Zealand. The Ministry of Education is working in collaboration with the New Zealand Government on this initiative to start bringing back international students.

Please note that even if you are nominated, students must meet the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Student Visa category requirements. Students will need to meet requirements like: received the full course of an approved vaccine, providing evidence of funds-NZ$ 20,000 annually for living expenses or NZ$1,667 for each month of study if the course is less than 36 weeks, providing evidence that you can pay for Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), demonstrate English language competency as per NZQA requirements etc.

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: Link 1, Link 2

How does Immigration New Zealand perceive previous visa refusals?

While applying for any visa to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), it is imperative to disclose all material information, facts, circumstances while applying for a visa. If your circumstances have changed during the processing of the visa, the applicant is obligated to inform their Immigration Officer or INZ of the same. This will include any visas declined of the applicant, whether in the past or current by any country. It is vital to note that it would not matter if the applicant was a child/dependent or an adult when their visa was refused by any country.

What must an applicant know when filling visa application?

Often, applicants think that it is not important to disclose previous declines of any visa by any country. This non-declaration leads INZ to believe that there has been a concealment of relevant information by the applicant or their representative. It is deemed that the applicant or their representative have submitted false and misleading information or withheld relevant / material information that was potentially prejudicial to the grant visa. This may possibly lead the Immigration Officer to send a potentially prejudicial letter (PPI) raising character concerns.

Why must previous visa refusals always be declared?

It may be worthwhile to know that New Zealand along with United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Australia form the Migration 5 unit. Furthermore, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, under which INZ is part, has implemented a system Secured Real Time Platform, where it interfaces with systems of the Migration 5 countries to enable sharing of identity data. Thus, this alludes that INZ will eventually identify the previous decline if the applicant or their representative did not declare it.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance for the applicant to understand that they have an obligation to declare any visa refusals in their visa application.

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.

After months of speculation, anticipation & waiting, the New Zealand Government finally has some good news for migrants. On 30 September 2021, Immigration Minister of New Zealand Kris Faafoi announced a rare, one-off residence visa pathway for some temporary work visa holders already in New Zealand.

Those eligible for this new category of visa include some long-term critical purpose visa holders arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022. And yes – partners and dependent children can be included as part of the residence application.

Which are the criteria that have to be met?

The requirements that have to be met are:

• Applicants must have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021.
• Be on an eligible visa or should have applied for an eligible visa on or before 29 September 2021 that is later granted. This criteria is mostly for work visa holders and does not apply to visitors, students, working holiday, or Recognized Seasonal Employment (RSE) visa holders.

Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• Should have lived in New Zealand for 3 years or more and must have arrived in New Zealand on or before 29 September 2018. Also, must have spent a minimum of 821 days in New Zealand between 29 September 2018 and 29 September 2021. However, the stay does not have to be consecutive, and there is no minimum number of days in a calendar year. To know the duration of your stay in New Zealand, you can request your travel movements from Immigration New Zealand.
• You must be paid the median wage of NZ$ 27 per hour or more on 29 September 2021.
• Work in a role that is on one of the scarce lists given below
  • Long Term Skill Shortage List
  • Jobs requiring occupational registration in the health or education sector
  • Personal care and other critical health workers
  • Specified primary sector jobs

Which are the eligible visas?

Applicants must be on or have applied for and later granted one of the following visas as on 29 September 2021:

• Post Study Work Visa
• Talent Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Talent Arts, Culture Sports Work Visa
• Essential Skills Work Visa
• Religious Worker Work Visa
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
• Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Visa
• Work Visa granted under Section 61 – applicant must have held another eligible visa within 6 months before being granted a Section 61 visa.
• Some Critical Purpose Visitor Visas for
  • Health care workers in long term roles (6 months or more)
  • Other critical workers in long term roles (6 months or more)

Please refer to the INZ website for more information and updates.

Who is not eligible?

Short-term visa holders who are not eligible for this new 2021 Resident visa include visitors, students, working holidaymakers, seasonal workers like those on the Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme.

Those in the short-term or seasonal roles who are holders of a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa like fishing crew, agricultural & horticulture mobile plant operators, and shearers are not eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa.

What are the basic requirements?

Applicants must meet the health & character requirements. Overseas medical certificates will not be required unless requested by an Immigration Officer. However, limited medical certificates & chest x-rays may be required in some cases. Those applicants who do not meet the criteria will have to look for other visa pathways.

What is the application process?

Applications will open in 2 phases:

• Phase 1: You can apply from 1 December 2021 onwards if:
  • If you have already applied for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) & Residence from Work category before 29 September 2021 or
  • you have submitted a SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) & have included dependent children in it aged 17 years or older on 29 September 2021
• Phase 2: 1 March 2022 onwards the remaining eligible applicants can apply including those who have submitted an EOI for a SMC visa.

The final deadline to submit applications is 31 July 2022.

What would be the processing Time?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) expects to process the applications within 12 months.

The 2021 Resident Visa is like the light at the end of the tunnel for over 1,65,000 migrants already in New Zealand and who can now plan their future & reunite with families. The new visa will create a residence pathway for over 5,000 health & aged care workers, 9,000 primary industry workers and over 800 teachers.

As the Minister of Immigration has stated, this is a way forward for migrant families disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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:
Link 1

Link 2

When the pandemic first hit in early 2020, New Zealand closed its borders to the world to safeguard the people in the country. However, as the world started to adapt to Covid-19, the New Zealand Government announced some border exceptions to allow only people with critical purposes to enter the country.

Keeping the Covid-19 pandemic in mind, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has listed several exceptions that allow you to apply for a critical purpose visa. Therefore, you can begin the visa application process under the appropriate category right away if you meet the requirements.

Border Exception For Overseas Qualified Teachers

In July 2021, New Zealand’s Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced that 300 overseas qualified Teachers would be allowed into New Zealand. The Ministry of Education will invite applications for teachers from September 2021 onwards.

This initiative gives principals and services additional support, with the 2022 recruitment right around the corner, and complement existing teacher supply initiatives. It was even stated that teachers who worked in New Zealand but were outside the country when the borders closed and could not return to their jobs would be eligible for the border exception. New Zealand is even making arrangements for visas of the dependants and partners of the teachers already in NZ, in line with the principal applicant’s visa duration.

More Leverage To Critical Health Workers

Critical health workers are currently in great demand in New Zealand. They must meet certain criteria outlined by INZ to be eligible to apply for a border exception. You can include partners & dependent children as well.

Dairy Farmworkers About Visa

The New Zealand Government has granted border exceptions for dairy farm workers – for up to 150 dairy farm managers in management roles, 50 dairy farm assistants, 50 GP veterinarians. The exception has also been extended to their partners and dependent children. In addition, 125 agriculture/ horticulture mobile plant machine operators and 40 shearers are also part of the border exception. However, they must meet certain specific criteria to apply for a visa.

With the New Zealand government making so many exceptions and ease of applying for visas to New Zealand, nothing stops you from applying for a visa. The long wait can now be over, and the visa process can continue without any problems. So GET YOUR PROFILE ASSESSED TODAY FOR ELIGIBILITY!

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your eligibility or want any assistance with your immigration needs. Our team of experienced and Licensed Immigration Advisers is here to assist and navigate you on all your immigration-related queries and confusions. Contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

While the New Zealand borders remain closed to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic & to safeguard the people, there is still hope to enter New Zealand if you have a Critical Purpose Visa.

One must hold a Critical Purpose Entry Visa for travelling to NZ. This visa allows you to enter New Zealand, even though the border restrictions are in place, but only if specific requirements are met.

If you are a critical healthcare worker or need to travel to NZ for humanitarian reasons or if you meet the other very specific requirements of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), then you may be eligible for Critical Purpose Visa.

You cannot apply for a Critical Purpose Visa directly. You have to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) explaining the reasons for your travel. You must use the INZ Online Request Form to do this.

NZ is taking extreme precautions to control and prevent the surge of Covid-19 in the country. In light of that, the authorities have become more cautious about whom to allow in the country and whom not to allow.

If the Immigration Officer is satisfied that you have a critical purpose to travel to New Zealand, then INZ sends you an Invitation To Apply (ITA) letter for a Critical Purpose Visa after which you can lodge your visa application. You are given one-month to apply for a Critical Purpose Visa and four-months to enter NZ once the visa is approved.

Currently, there is a huge demand for critical healthcare workers in New Zealand due to the ongoing pandemic. A critical health worker is a person who works in an occupation needed to deliver essential health services in New Zealand for certain employers. This includes registered health practitioners, workers who install, operate or maintain medical equipment, paramedics and ambulance workers, Physician associates and technical & support staff.

Health care workers who want to work in New Zealand and have got a job offer from a NZ based employer must hold a Critical Purpose Visa for travelling to NZ as a health care or disability worker. This visa would allow them to stay in the country for 6 to 12 months. This process can only be carried out if the applicant has an INZ approved employer. Once the person is inside the country, they can apply for a long-term work visa as per the eligibility.

Partners and dependent children of temporary visa holders, NZ citizens & residents can also apply for this visa provided they meet the strict INZ specifications.

The process may seem long but keeping in mind the importance of the visa, the process is worth the wait.

Click on the link here to know more about the reasons you can travel to New Zealand.

If you are not sure if you meet the requirements for a critical purpose visa/relationship-based visa or would like to know how you may be able to qualify, please contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd by sending email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us today on +64 09 3790219

A Potential Prejudicial Information (PPI) is a letter of concern sent to the applicant by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

If Immigration Officer is not satisfied with your application or is concerned with the supporting documents, they usually raise their concerns in the form of a PPI letter.

If the submission of information in response to PPI fails to mitigate the concerns raised by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), your application can be declined. So consider this as your final chance to prove why your application should be approved.

Hence, it is imperative that you work with an experienced and competent immigration expert to make the most of this opportunity to mitigate visa officers concerns while you can.

When does INZ send a PPI?

For temporary entry class applicants who are outside New Zealand, a PPI letter is sent when

• the information is not obtained either from the applicant or their representative AND
• is not publicly available or the applicant could be unaware of it AND
• it may adversely affect the outcome of the application AND
• the applicant has not previously had the opportunity to comment on it

For temporary entry class applicants who are already inside New Zealand, a PPI letter is sent when any information may have an adverse effect on the outcome of the application.

A PPI does not mean that INZ will decline the application. It simply means that INZ has identified certain concerns with your application, and they are giving you an opportunity to comment/ provide clarification.

Types of PPIs

INZ sends a PPI for various reasons, such as when the applicant has medical concerns, character concerns, or when certain immigration instruction-related assessment criteria are not met.

Medical PPI

One of the requirements for every temporary entry visa application is that the person must have an acceptable standard of health. Suppose the applicant fails to meet this requirement, based on the information received from the Health Assessment Team (HAT). In that case, INZ sends a medical PPI to the applicant seeking their comments and giving them an opportunity to provide additional information.

Character PPI

A character PPI is sent when INZ identifies some character-related issues.

For example:

• If the applicant has ever made or provided false or misleading information, withheld material information, or provided forged documents when applying for a New Zealand visa or supporting another person’s NZ visa application.
• If the applicant has ever got convicted of an offence against immigration, citizenship, or passport laws in any country.
• While holding a temporary New Zealand visa or while unlawfully in New Zealand, the applicant has been convicted of an offence for which the court has the power to imprison you for three months or longer. convicted of an offence
• If the applicant has been charged with a serious offense, is under investigation for a serious offense, or is wanted for questioning on a serious offense.

Other PPI’s (when assessment criteria concerns identified)

A PPI may also be sent when anything unfavourable or not meeting immigration instructions is identified by an immigration officer in the application or supporting documents submitted. The triggers for the PPI could be anything ranging from education, experience, finances, employer, employee, recruitment process, admission process, previously submitted information, previous immigration history etc.

How to respond to a PPI

Getting a PPI can be intimidating. A PPI letter will always have a deadline date for responding. Ensure that the date is not missed. If you are unable to provide comments within the said timeframe, you can request an extension.

The response to the PPI must be clear, to the point & well written. Additional documentary evidence that corroborates your explanation can be included as part of the response with watertight advocacy. Often the expertise of a lawyer or a licensed immigration adviser is required to respond to a PPI.

A PPI should never be taken lightly, as the outcome of your application depends on it.

For any assistance, don’t 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.

STEM and the Future

STEM is one of the most talked-about topics when it comes to education. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and refers to any subjects that fall under these four disciplines. STEM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum. Instead of teaching four disciplines separately, it integrates interdependent learning units based on real-world applications.

If this is something that excites you and quenches your thirst for a rewarding position, a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) is then awaiting you!

STEM graduates have more career opportunities and are likely to enjoy top salaries, superior jobs, higher immigration chances, and many other benefits compared to the other graduates.

What are STEM subjects?

STEM courses include a wide range of academic disciplines like

• Aerospace engineering
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemical engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Electrical engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical engineering
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics

STEM subjects form the basis of many careers like research scientist, doctor, engineer, accountant, software developer, pilot, architect, etc.

STEM Careers

Each STEM field offers different specializations. For example, those interested in science can pursue programs in chemistry & biology, while those aspiring to be engineers can explore electrical or mechanical engineering. Each specialization has its own advantages and areas of expertise that can help you to choose a career path.

STEM professionals have numerous career options and many of them are on the Skill shortage List.

Professionals who work in STEM fields include engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists etc.

Working in STEM implies being surrounded by advancements and technological change. These professions include understanding the world we live in and utilizing critical thinking to plan for what’s to come.

Some common STEM careers include:

• Zoologist and wildlife biologist.
• Microbiologist.
• Network and computer systems administrator.
• Computer network architects.
• Health and safety engineers.
• Medical doctors
• Dentists
• Healthcare professionals
• Architects

The following are highly paid STEM jobs:

Job	Annual Salary in NZD
Data Analyst	$ 73,052
Clinical Informaticist	$ 79,925
Systems Administrator	$ 82,949
Mechanical Engineer	$ 87,258
Epidemiologist	$ 87,871
Chemical Engineer	$ 90,442
Geologist	$ 91,615
Nuclear Engineer	$ 93,331
Materials Engineer	$ 94,243
IT Manager	$ 94,335
Computer Scientist	$ 1,04,692
Software Engineer	$ 1,08,278
Network Security Engineer	$ 1,15,349
Network Architect	$ 1,36,251
Radiologist	$ 1,97,260

Regardless of your inclination, there’s an energizing and valuable STEM profession for you. If making money & having a great time sounds great to you, it’s the perfect time to think about a STEM profession.

A good income gives you financial independence and helps you maintain a good lifestyle. As appropriate knowledge and skillset are in high demand by the established industries, STEM graduates are more likely to get employed in brands that offer higher salary packages. In many cases, such jobs result in a return on investment (ROI) in less than a year.

In short, the more experienced you are, the more money you can make, and there is a lot of scope for professional improvement and movement. A STEM career not only helps pay the bills but also provided an exciting opportunity to solve real-world problems in a fun & rewarding way.

To receive expert guidance on good universities/institutes offering STEM courses, connect with Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219. They will assist you with the entire application process starting from university selection to flying abroad.

*Source Reference: https://www.careers.govt.nz/

Essential Skills Work Visa is one of the temporary work visas which allows people to work in New Zealand. This visa category is available to anyone offered full-time employment (30+ hours) in New Zealand and can meet a few other essential eligibility criteria.

Who can apply for Essential Skills work visa?

You can apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa if you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and have relevant qualifications and work experience as per the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSO) to work in that occupation. However, in most cases, your employer must conduct a Labour Market Test (LMT) to ascertain whether any New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the position.

If you are currently outside New Zealand, you can apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa only if you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and your occupation meets the critical purpose criteria.

LMT is mandatory if you change your job, employer, and/or region. However, your employer does not have to conduct a labour market test if the occupation is in one of the Essential Skill Demand List ( ESDL) and your qualification & experience match.

However, suppose you have a job offer in an occupation on one of the ESDL and your qualifications and experience match. In that case, your employer does not have to conduct a labour market test and provide evidence of attempting to recruit New Zealanders.

What is the duration of the Essential Skills work visa?

The duration of visa usually depends on how long you have been offered employment and the wage rate. If your wages are at or above the New Zealand median wage, which is $27 at present, and if all other requirements are met, you may be granted a visa with a duration of up to 3 years.

However, if your proposed salary is less than the median wage, you must check whether the position is listed in the oversupply list or the undersupply list. Suppose the position is not listed in one of these lists. In that case, your employer must provide the Skills Match Report in addition to conducting the labour market test to ascertain whether there are any New Zealand citizens or residents available for the position. If all requirements are met, you may be granted a visa with a duration of up to 2 years.

What is Skills Match Report (SMR)?

A Skills Match Report is a document produced by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) and submitted with a Work Visa Application under the Essential Skills Category (and other related visa categories). A SMR has information about the role, whether any NZ resident/citizen was referred to the employer and the reasons provided by the employer for rejecting any candidates, if any.

What are the recent changes made to the Essential Skills Work Visa application?

INZ has streamlined the Essential Skills Work visa process where a person continues in the same position for the same employer in the same region; then, the labour market test is no longer a mandatory requirement. The duration of the visa will be the same as mentioned above. The employer does not have to provide the Skills Match Report where the salary is below the median wage. Applicants and employers will be able to make declarations instead of providing evidence that the requirements are met. To be eligible for this (the removal of labour market test and evidence requirements), the applicant must hold one of the following visas:

• Any type of work visa (including a Working Holiday Visa)
• A student visa that has unlimited work rights (i.e., to study masters or PhD degree)
• A Critical Purpose visitor visa granted as a critical health worker or granted for more than six months as an ‘other critical worker’.

Your partner and dependent children may be able to apply separately for visas based on their relationship with you. For example, partners may be eligible for a partnership-based work visa or a partnership-based visitor visa, depending on your proposed salary. Likewise, dependent children may be eligible for a student visa or visitor visa depending on the child’s age and whether you meet the income threshold.

Note: this visa will be replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa form mid-2022.

Additional information

Essential Skills visa does not allow self-employment, but you can study for up to 3 months in any 12 months or do any study required as part of your employment.

If you have an Essential Skills work visa based on a skilled job, you may gain enough points to qualify for Residence Visa under the Skilled Migrant Category.

If you would like to know more about the Essential Skills Work Visa process, assessment criteria, and the pitfalls that you should be aware of, please call us today on +64 9 379 0219 or email contact@nzimmigration.info

“Agriculture was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation of all other industries.”

An Overview of Agriculture

The farming sector produces a vast number of horticultural, dairy, and meat products consumed locally and overseas. New Zealand is one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products as well as sheep meat. Increasing exports usually result in growing employment. As a result, the agriculture industry provides job opportunities for thousands of New Zealanders.

Scope of Agriculture in New Zealand

New Zealand is the world’s 12th largest agricultural exporter by value. Agriculture and forestry are among New Zealand’s powerhouse industries. With immense scope in this sector, one needs to learn to produce high-value food products. Technological Innovation has improved the productivity of work to serve the new markets and needs. It has jobs for both technical and knowledgeable personnel.

New Zealand’s primary sectors are facing significant workforce challenges. So, skilled workers are particularly in demand.

Study Pathway

Agriculture in the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, including processing and commercialisation activities. It accounts for 11 per cent of the GDP and 15 per cent of the employment rate.

Two NZ universities are ranked in the top 100 for agriculture and forestry in the QS World University Rankings, proving how much they value the primary sector. Students have unbeatable opportunities to gain hands-on experience on farms and research centres and through case studies, field trips and tours.

You can spend time outdoors, in close contact with nature, and further your studies with educational options right through to in-depth research at the Masters level. In addition, working while studying can be an excellent way to gain New Zealand work experience and help you while studying abroad.

Student visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their programme of study. Masters by research or PhD students may work full-time throughout their studies. You can study up to three consecutive programmes over five years on a single Pathway Student Visa.

Career Prospects

Gone are the days when careers in agriculture only meant toiling under the sun while waiting for your crops to grow. Nowadays, the field has advanced in so many ways that numerous opportunities have sprouted over time, giving young people plenty of options to pick from.

Pastoral farming aka livestock farming, is huge in New Zealand. It is aimed at producing livestock rather than growing crops. It includes dairy cattle farming, sheep farming, pig farming, beef farming, poultry farming etc.

The two important components of New Zealand agriculture are beef and dairy cattle. Dairy farms are found throughout the country.

After pastoral farming, the next most important type of farming is horticulture the growing of fruits and vegetables. New Zealand’s climate is suitable for growing fruits like kiwifruit, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries etc. Grape growing, especially for the production of wine is an important part of the horticulture industry.

There are many jobs one can choose from:

• Beef Cattle Farmer/ Farm Manager
• Dairy Cattle Farmer / Assistant Farm Manager
• Pig Farmer / Manager or Assistant Farm Manager
• Winemaker/Viticulturalist
• Apiarist
• Arborist

The roles mentioned above are also included in the Skills Shortage lists.

‘Agritech‘ is a potential up-and-coming sector.

Agricultural technology aka agritech has played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s economic history and is responsible for increasing productivity, quality and sustainability of production and supply in New Zealand. Improvement in technology helps with effective land use.

The New Zealand Government is giving priority to the Agritech sector due to the commercial, environmental and export potential.

Agritech has the following benefits-

• Improving sustainability & productivity of the primary sector like agriculture, horticulture
• Growing high-value exports
• Contributing to global challenges like the increasing food demand

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

• New Kiwis – a recruitment service linking NZ employers with skilled migrants, offshore and onshore
• Seek– NZ’s largest general job website
• Trade Me – NZ’s most popular website with a large job section

As you can see, the agricultural sector in New Zealand has various options to choose from. Come to New Zealand to learn more about the agricultural sector and develop a career in this stream.

What are you waiting for?

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 universities/institutes offering courses in the Agricultural sector.