Thursday 14 February 2008
Selections under the new General Active Investor Category

A third selection of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) was made under this new investor policy today. A total of 8 x EOIs have now been selected at (or above) the selection point of 95 points and will now undergo further assessment.

Applicants can achieve this selection level by - being aged from 45-54 years, having 4-5 years of qualifying business experience and contributing the minimum investment funds of NZ$2.5 million.

Changes to the Skilled Migrant residence category

The changes that were originally announced in November, and then deferred, were finally implemented today. The changes are concerned with the determination of what constitutes "skilled employment" and therefore whether SMC points can be awarded for a particular job. The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is now the primary reference tool for employment assessments. The changes are significant and any SMC application inlcuding a job offer now requires very specific and careful consideration. 

Friday 1 February 2008

Immigration Advisers Authority Establishment Team Industry Reference Group

PathwaysNZ Managing Director Richard Howard is a member of this industry reference group which met for the first time today. The group will work alongside the IAA and its contractors to develop the various tools and guidelines necessary for the implementation of immigration licensing which will commence from 4 May 2008.

Friday 21 December 2007

Immigration Advisers Authority Submissions

The public consultation on the new advisor licensing competency standards and code of conduct close 21 December – see IAA website. 

Wednesday 19 December 2007

EOI Business Investor Draw

No EOI Investor Draw has been undertaken as yet.  INZ are waiting for the EOI pool to build further before making the first selection draw which is now expected in the first 4-6 weeks of 2008.

Monday 26 November 2007

Deferral of Skilled Migrant Category policy changes

Skilled Migrant Category policy changes were due to have become effective today, 26 November 2007. However, due to technical difficulties the introduction of the policy changes has been deferred until 4 February 2008.

Friday November 23 2007

Changes to the occupational shortage lists

The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) have been amended. The changes will take effect on 26 November 2007.

Friday November 9 2007

Details of the new Active Investor Migrant Policy

The full details of the new Active Investor Migrant Policy, which came into effect on 26 November, are now available – see Policy Overview 

Tuesday October 30 2007

Family Sponsored Stream

Changes to the Family Sponsored Stream came into effect from 5 November 2007. These include a new 3 year multiple entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents – see Policy Overview.