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Amendment to Immigration Regulations!
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).
INZ announces new processing priorities as offices reopen
With Alert Level 2 now in effect, INZ has announced new immigration instructions around visa prioritisation. Residence class visa applications will resume processing, and will be prioritised alongside some temporary class applications.
Government to get super powers to address COVID-19 immigration issues
The Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill 2020 is intended to give the Government greater flexibility and capacity to respond to the immigration challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Visa processing during Alert Level 3
INZ has recently announced a gradual expansion of the visa categories they will be processing. Their offices remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but staff worked remotely during Alert Level 4 and will continue to do so during Alert Level 3.
Essential workers can vary their visa conditions to help fight COVID-19
Work visa holders with employer-specific work visas already employed in essential services will be able to vary their hours and be redeployed to do other roles within their current workplace.
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.
Pathways’ physical offices will remain closed during Alert Level 3
Pathways’ physical offices will remain closed during Alert Level 3, but our immigration advisers will still be available to assist with your visa matters and enquiries.
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 you will find us at our new office at Level 2, 586 Victoria Street, Hamilton CBD.