How Immigration Advisers Can Help Reduce the Stress of Immigration
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Moving countries and changing jobs can seem daunting enough, let alone working through your immigration application. Ensuring all the forms are filled out correctly, and the requirements are met takes time. If you miss something or unintentionally make a mistake, the risk could be that your application is rejected.
The help of a licensed immigration adviser can reduce stress significantly during the immigration process and help to provide you with the confidence that your application is correct.
A New Zealand licensed immigration adviser offers services, from the professional assessment of your personal situation to managing the application process. Even if your New Zealand visa is about to expire, or you're simply interested in your different visa options, licensed immigration advisers can help you with your immigration process.
Why You Should Hire a Licensed Immigration Adviser
People use immigration advisers for various reasons. Common reasons include:
- Helping get a visa quickly.
- Receiving professional support to make the process smoother.
- Getting advice from people experienced in unique and complex immigration situations.
It's important to talk to professionals as immigration laws change regularly. Getting advice from well-meaning friends and family may not give you enough accurate information. The information that was applicable for them or how rules have changed since their application can complicate your understanding of your individual New Zealand immigration process.
Contact Malcolm Pacific Immigration today for a free consultation. We have a team of skilled and experienced advisers in New Zealand who can assist you every step of the way.
How New Zealand Regulates Immigration Services
Immigration advice and services are regulated by New Zealand legislation. The Immigration Act 2009 (the Act) defines the regime, while the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 (the IALA) defines laws that govern the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), which regulates immigration advisers and licensing.
New Zealand's immigration governance aims to promote and protect the interests of consumers receiving immigration advice and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a migration destination by regulating the people who provide immigration advice.
The New Zealand regulatory immigration system is responsible for:
- Providing immigration services, including processing visa applications
- Managing the move of migrants into New Zealand
- Attracting and supporting migrants
- Managing other immigration and security risks
- Offering refugee and protection services.
The Immigration Act 2009 (the Act)
The Immigration Act 2009 is New Zealand's fundamental source of immigration law. It provides a framework for managing immigration to balance the country's national interests in line with international obligations and protect New Zealand citizens, residents and migrants.
The Immigration Act 2009 is responsible for:
- Setting who needs a visa to travel to or stay in New Zealand
- Providing the framework for immigration instructions (the rules)
- Setting rules and criteria for granting visas
- Meeting New Zealand's international responsibilities
- Determining what information is required from visitors, migrants, students, employers and educators to meet INZ criteria
- Providing grounds for deportation and creating immigration criminal offences.
The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 (the IALA)
The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 was designed to protect consumers and enhance New Zealand's reputation as a destination for migrants. It also enables people to receive ethical and accurate advice and information from licensed professionals.
The IALA requires people who give New Zealand immigration advice to be licensed unless they have an exemption.
Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA)
The Immigration Advisers Authority oversees licensed advisers. The IAA was set up to promote and protect the interests of people receiving New Zealand immigration advice, and they have people's best interests at heart.
The Immigration Advisers Authority is responsible for:
- Issuing licenses to those suitable to give immigration advice
- Overseeing competency for immigration adviser licensing
- Ensuring that licensed immigration advisers follow the code of conduct
- Investigating those unlicensed giving immigration advice without a license or exemption
- Receiving complaints from those receiving poor immigration advice
At Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we ensure that all of our immigration advisers are up to date with the latest immigration rules. We provide the right advice and support to make the process easier to understand and stress-free.
Benefits of Working With an Immigration Adviser
New Zealand's Immigration policy can be complex. It may seem overwhelming for any applicant, especially if it's your first visa application.
Gaining an in-depth understanding of the visa application process is not just time-consuming, but it can have many downsides. For example, trying to do the application yourself could lead to a declined application because you didn't include all the documentation required for your situation. When you are hoping to successfully secure a job to support your application, you want to ensure everything is clear for you and your employer.
Hire experienced professionals to get it right the first time.
Receive Professional Advice
Talking to a professional adviser can help answer any questions about the immigration system, visa options, and the application process.
An immigration adviser will give you guidance on your potential immigration options. They help you to understand the different visa categories and how to choose the one that applies to you.
Up To Date With Immigration News
Immigration advisers are responsible for keeping up-to-date with information on the latest changes to the system.
Your immigration adviser should have the finger on the pulse of your application, following up with Immigration NZ and other New Zealand government authorities to ensure your NZ work visa application or residency application is being processed. They should always be aware of what stage your visa application is at and keep you in the loop with important updates.
Ensure Your Application Is Strong
Licensed immigration advisers know the law like the back of their hand. They help you navigate the complex immigration system and ensure your application is as strong as possible.
A reputable and experienced immigration adviser knows what you need to do to get your application approved.
Take Away the Stress
Applying for a New Zealand immigration visa and understanding the INZ system can be extremely stressful, but turning to a licensed adviser will help.
Handing the process to a professional adviser is the best choice to provide you with a smooth process and avoid the stress associated with a life-changing decision.
Save Time and Money
Licensed immigration advisers save you time and money. They help you submit a well-prepared application, meaning you are less likely to have your application rejected and saves you time and money in the long run.
As experts in their fields, they have been trained and, in most cases, passed the Graduate Diploma in NZ Immigration Advice before being granted their license.
How to Hire the Right Immigration Adviser in New Zealand
When you start your search for an immigration adviser, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of options available. So how can you know who the right person for the job is?
What to Look For in an Adviser
Here are some tips for what you should look for in an immigration adviser.
Licensed
Ensure your immigration adviser has a valid license from the Immigration Advisers Authority.
Immigration advice is a highly regulated industry, which is why we ensure all of our advisers are up to date on the latest rule changes through regular in-house training and professional development. So whether you're looking at moving to New Zealand, want to visit the country, or need to gain a student visa, we can help. Malcolm Pacific Immigration provides the right advice, removing the risk of getting information from less reliable sources.
Reputable Advice
Check that your immigration adviser is reputable and has good reviews from clients. This means they stay up-to-date with the latest changes to the immigration system and provide accurate advice and information.
We stand behind our actions. When you work with Malcolm Pacific Immigration, you know you are getting our signature service and our company's commitment to supporting you all the way. With over 35 years of experience delivering trusted, outstanding service to businesses, we're happy to share some of our client feedback.
We have the largest team in the country, so we have the capacity to provide you with personal service and move applications quickly to lodgement. When a team member is on leave, there is always someone for you to talk to. It is hard to do this job well each and every day if there is just one adviser looking after many clients.
Communication
The right immigration adviser should listen to your problems and answer your questions. They should make you feel comfortable and be willing to help even after the application has been submitted. You need to know what is happening as the process moves forward - that is what helps you keep calm.
Our direct contact phone numbers, experienced team and dedication to outstanding service mean that we'll get your applications moving as quickly as possible.
Get a Free Consultation with a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Don't go through the immigration process alone. We are here to save you time, stress and money. Keep up to date by reading immigration NZ news, and contact our expert immigration advisers with any questions.
We are New Zealand's largest and most experienced team of licensed immigration advisers. Our experts will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of immigration. All you need to do is get in touch.
Contact our licensed immigration advisers today for immigration guidance.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our employer team is on standby, ready to help.
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Latest Updates
Our team keep ahead of all the latest immigration developments and post updates regularly. Stay up to date by signing up to our newsletter and get these updates directly to your inbox.
Migrant Worker Residence
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for migrant workers who are living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave who are eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else they will miss out on this one off opportunity.
Skilled Migrants Opportunity
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else you miss the boat.
New Employer Accreditation Process
The government has moved the introduction of the new employer accreditation process across to mid-2022. At the same time, the Minister of Immigration announced new work visa rules for migrant workers who are already in New Zealand and working full time.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has increased the median wage to $27 per hour from 19 July. Any Skilled Migrant residence application lodged after this date will need to include a skilled job offer that pays at least $27 per hour. For some lower-skilled occupations, the minimum pay rate increases to $40.50 per hour.
Work Visa Rules
From 19 July 2021
- The median wage used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications increases from $25.50 per hour to $27 per hour.
- Applicants paid below the median wage may be granted a work visa for up to 24 months. The usual 6-month visa validity restriction is suspended until mid-2022.
- In certain cases, the labour market test is waived and in some cases, it will still apply.
Work Visa Rules
From 30 June 2021
- Employer Accreditation and Approval in Principle applications are now closed.
- No new Employer Accreditation applications (including renewals) will be accepted until the new process goes live in mid-2022.
Employer Accreditation Becomes Mandatory
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited. Those that are accredited will have to roll into the new system when it goes live in late September.
Work Visa Rules
From mid-2020 (delayed)
- Government to negotiate and introduce Industry Sector agreements setting minimum conditions for industries that heavily rely on overseas workers. Sectors include; residential care, meat processing, dairy, forestry, road freight transport, tourism, and hospitality. Construction, horticulture, and viticulture may also be included.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Skilled occupation "Dairy Cattle Farmer" spilt into three occupations. New occupations are: "Dairy Farm Manager", "Assistant Dairy Farm Manager" and "Dairy Herd Manager". Each sit at different skill levels, therefore, the award of points will depend on pay rates, job tasks and other requirements.
Work Visa Rules
From 15 February 2021
- Dairy Cattle Farmer job offers are now assessed by three new occupation descriptions: Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager. Pay rates and job tasks will determine how long a work visa is valid. Take advice.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool for six months (to be reviewed in April 2021). Invitations to Apply for Residence remain suspended. The last selection from the Skilled Migrant pool took place on 18/03/2020.
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2020
- Introduction of "Oversupply" and "Undersupply" occupation lists used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications when a job offer pays less than the median wage.
- Employers offering jobs to migrant workers where an occupation is on the "Oversupply" list will not get Skill Match reports issued by Work & Income. Solid evidence of genuine attempts to find a local to fill the job will be critical for approval.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government added four new occupations that are now regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. These are:
Aged or disabled carer, Bicycle mechanic, Driller and Nursing Support worker.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 July 2020
- Essential Skills work visa applications are now assessed based on the current median wage (NZD $25.50 or more per hour.).
- Job offers paying below the median wage require employers to pass the labour market test* and secure a Skills Match Reports from WINZ (work visas granted for a maximum of 6 months).
Skilled Migrant Changes
Anyone invited by Immigration NZ to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category where their invitation is dated between 1 November 2019 and 15 April 2020 (inclusive) has now been granted an additional six months to lodge their residence application.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 May 2020
- Regional Skill Shortage List goes live. 15 regions around New Zealand list occupations reflecting local skill shortages in each region. The labour market test is not mandatory provided the job offer matches the occupation and region plus the visa applicant has qualifications and/or work experience set out on the list.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool. This means Invitations to Apply for Residence are also suspended. Malcolm Pacific Immigration does not anticipate selections to resume until after the general election held on 17 October 2020.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Immigration NZ is now prioritising Skilled Migrant Residence applications where the main (principal) applicant meets the criteria:
- Has employment paying double the median wage which is currently NZD $51 per hour OR NZD $106,800 per annum; OR Has New Zealand occupational registration and is required to hold valid registration to lawfully carry out their job.
Work Visa Rules
From 24 February 2020
- Wage or salary thresholds increase for Essential Skills Work Visas applications lodged on or after 24/02/2020 (labour market tested; read more here).
- Higher Skilled employment increases to $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per annum*)
- Mid Skilled Employment increases to $21.68 or more per hour ($45,094 per annum*)
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2019
- Base salary to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa (WTR) supported by an accredited employer increases from $55,000 per annum to $79,560 per annum (or $38.25 per hour).
- Pay rates for WTR visas are now reviewed annually.
- Work visa applicants paid less than $79,560 per annum by accredited employers need to apply under other work visa categories.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government recently added more occupations that are now to be regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. In order to qualify for points, the job must be paying at least the current median wage (or higher for certain occupations) at the time the residence application is lodged.
Work Visa Rules
From 1 November 2021
- Work to Residence Visa (Accredited Employer and Long Term Skill Shortage) applications close.
- Applications lodged on or before 31 October 2021 will be processed under current visa settings.
Mandatory Vaccination Required for Travel
From 1 November 2021 anyone who is not a NZ citizen must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt) before travelling to New Zealand. Fully vaccinated means your last dose of vaccine was given at least 14 days before travelling and it was an approved vaccine.
Employer Accreditation
Applications for employer accreditation closed at the end of June 2021. Applications lodged before the closure date are still being processed. New applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022. The process will be quite different to what employers have experienced in the past. Businesses will need to meet minimum standards.
2021 Resident Visa
Wednesday, 1 December is fast approaching and it is estimated that around 16,000 individuals and families can apply in the first wave for the 2021 Resident Visa opening next month. It is exciting for the thousands of people who have been waiting patiently to become residents that finally the finish line is in sight.
2021 Resident Visa
The first wave of applicants can apply from 1 December 2021. Around 16,000 applications are expected in this first wave. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. In total, the government expects approximately 110,000 applications that will include about 165,000 people.
2021 Resident Visa
The second group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 March 2022 are those who hold an eligible work visa and either meet "Settled", "Skilled" or "Scarce" as set out above. In total Immigration NZ estimate around 110,000 people will qualify to apply for this visa.
2021 Resident Visa
The first group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 December 2021 are those that on 29/09/2021:
- Had lodged a residence application under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Residence from Work category; OR Had lodged an SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SMC pool that included at least one dependent child aged 17 or above.
2021 Resident Visa
Is this the only requirement to qualify for residence? No. In addition to the eligible work visa criteria workers also need to be regarded as one of the following:
- Settled.
- Skilled.
- Scarce.
2021 Resident Visa
People who were lawfully in NZ (or in Australia when the travel bubble closed between April and July 2021) on 29/09/2021 need to meet the visa eligibility criteria:
- Workers in NZ who held an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and on the day they apply for residence; OR Applied for an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and the work visa application is subsequently approved and still hold an eligible work visa on the day they apply for residence.
2021 Resident Visa
The government has introduced a limited pathway to residence for people who are already living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave of people eligible to apply. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa is 31 July 2022.
Critical Purpose Visitor Visas
A small number of critical health workers (taking up jobs for six months or longer) or specialist workers (taking up jobs that are for longer than six months) who were granted border exemptions may also have eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa. They will need to have arrived in NZ and lodge a 2021 Resident Visa application.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- July 4. Applications open for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- July 31. Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa close.
- August. Skilled Migrant Residence category scheduled to reopen.
- August. A new pathway to residence for people earning 200% or more of the median wage.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- February 13. Fully vaccinated Kiwis plus certain other travellers entering NZ from the rest of the world* can skip MIQ.
- April 30. The border starts a phased reopen to fully vaccinated foreign nationals.
- April 30. The Productivity Commission reports back to the government on immigration settings.
- May 9. Applications open for mandatory Employer Accreditation.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Work Visa Categories Closing
The work visa categories set to close are:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa – approval in principle
- Work to Residence (Talent – Accredited Employer)
- Work to Residence (Long Term Skills Shortage)
- Silver Fern Job Search Work Visa (closed October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa.
The Green List
In order to address labour shortages in New Zealand's crucial industries the NZ government has implemented a "Green List" of sought-after high-skill occupations. This list offers a prioritised pathway to residency.
There are qualification and/or occupational registration requirements to meet. Occupations are broken down into two tiers:
- Tier 1 - direct pathway to residence
- Tier 2 - requires a period of two years or longer before applying
The recent additions in May 2023 across many sectors can be found here