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More border exceptions for critical roles
The Government has established class exceptions for border entry for a limited number of veterinarians, deep sea fishing crew, as well as agricultural and horticultural machinery operators.
Seasonal work visa available to more people
The Government is putting in place a range of immigration policy changes to help fill labour shortages in key industries while ensuring New Zealanders, who have lost jobs due to COVID-19, have the chance to find new employment.
Immigration wage thresholds to be increased?
For Essential Skills work visas (ESWV) and Skilled Migrant Category residence visas (SMC), an applicant’s income is an important ...
New border exception for normally resident work visa holders
The Government is creating a new border exception category to enable the return of some temporary work visa holders who are overseas and have strong, ongoing links to New Zealand.
Border changes to help reunite New Zealanders with their loved ones
The Government is making changes to current border exception rules to allow some partners of New Zealand citizens and residents to be able to reunite in New Zealand.
Changes provide certainty for offshore resident visa holders
The Government is making changes to help new residents stuck offshore keep their residency status while COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place.
More to think about in the ever-changing immigration space!
The world has changed. COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the globe. New Zealand, though faring comparatively well, is slowly ...
Critical health workers – New Zealand wants you
Despite the border exception process designed to facilitate their entry, and feverish recruiting by DHBs, doctors and other essential health workers are simply not getting here in significant numbers. However, it looks like this is starting to change.
Immigration Update – Current border status and visa policies
New Zealand has shifted Alert Levels - Auckland is at Level 3, and the rest of the country is at Level 2. Government policy, including immigration policy, is liable to change at any moment. This is a summary of the border situation, and New Zealand’s visa policies, as they stand at this point in time.
Suspension of offshore temporary visa applications
From 10 August 2020 to 9 November 2020, persons who are outside New Zealand will no longer be able to apply for a temporary entry class visa.
Trackwork riders – urgent review of work visas required!
It is great to have horse racing back!! But….the Government has this week announced a range of work visa changes that will significantly, and adversely, impact on the New Zealand horse industry.
!!! IMPORTANT !!! Work Visa Changes effective 27 July 2020
A new Essential Skills Work Visa system will take effect from 27 July 2020. This is part of a dramatic, multi-stage overhaul of the employer-assisted temporary work visa system, which the Government announced last year.
Temporary Work Visas extended – and other short-term changes to visa settings
This week the Government has announced changes to temporary work visa settings. One of these changes is an automatic extension to all existing employer-assisted temporary work visas for people who are in New Zealand and whose visas are due to expire from 10 July to 31 December 2020.
Exceptions to border closure effective 18 June 2020
From 18 June 2020, partners and dependents of New Zealand citizens and residents, who have been separated from their New Zealand-resident relatives, may travel to New Zealand unaccompanied by their New Zealand citizen or resident partners.
COVID-19 Immigration FAQ
Pathways NZ has compiled a repository of Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and New Zealand immigration policy. As more questions and answers are added, this page will be updated.
Work Visa Labour Market Tests even more stringent in response to COVID-19
New Zealand immigration policy is, and will continue to be affected by COVID-19. Essential Skills work visa applicants should be aware – there will be even greater scrutiny around labour market tests from now on.
Extension granted to residence applicants with an ITA
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have announced extensions for some residence applicants who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Skilled Migrant and Parent Category EOI draws postponed due to COVID-19
INZ have announced the deferral of Expression of Interest (EOI) selections for Skilled Migrant Category and Parent Category residence visas.
Expired and invalid visas: What to do if you are unlawfully in New Zealand
If you are unlawfully in New Zealand you should urgently seek advice on submitting a Section 61 request to regain your lawful status.
Immigration and Protection Tribunal still operating – appeal deadlines continue to apply
Despite the current COVID-19 Level 4 Alert, the timeframes for lodgement of appeals to the Immigration and Protect Tribunal (IPT) have not changed.
Border controls: closures, exceptions and mandatory quarantine
NZ have announced immigration instructions, effective on and after 30 March 2020, to allow people not included, or exempt under the current travel ban, to be granted a visa or a Variation of Conditions to travel to New Zealand.
What are essential businesses?
The Government has provided information about the services considered essential. Businesses carrying out these functions can remain open.
Prime Minister issues epidemic notice – some temporary visas automatically extended
An epidemic notice has been issued under the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006, in effect from Thursday 2 April 2020. This means temporary visa holders whose visas were due to expire between 2 April 2020 and 9 July 2020, will receive an automatic visa extension.
What does coronavirus mean for work visas and the future of the New Zealand workforce?
Policy decisions made during this global health crisis will have far reaching flow on effects, social and economic, the full extent of which remains uncertain. This uncertainty affects everyone in New Zealand (and the world), but it intensifies an uncertainty already inherent to being a work visa holder in New Zealand.
The wait continues for Residence Visa applicants
Residence Visa applicants face continued wait times, as INZ struggles to get through lodged applications.
New Parent Category visa opens on 24 February
INZ have released the new immigration instructions for the Parent Category visa, coming into effect on 24 February 2020.
Remuneration thresholds for Skilled Migrant and Essential Skills visas will increase in February
On 24 February 2020, the remuneration or pay rate thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) and the Essential Skills Work Visa will increase.
Residential Care Officer Pathway to New Zealand
Becoming a Residential Care Officer is one possible pathway to live and work in New Zealand.
Pathways Hamilton Office Has Moved
From Monday, 10 June 2019, you will find us at our new office at Level 2, 586 Victoria Street, Hamilton CBD.