Immigration in 2023

Since 2020 there have been a roller coaster of immigration policy changes. We lived through the "immigration reset” then the “immigration rebalance” and now its “immigration backdowns”. Expect more change in 2023. Here is a list of what we know is happening so far next year:

·       Review of the Skilled Migrant Category expected to complete in mid-2023

·       Government decides whether to restrict work visas to a maximum of three years for people not eligible for residence.

·       Review of the New Zealand Green list Jobs completed in mid-2023.

·       Accredited employers to receive an automatic 12-month extension of their accreditation status.

·       Limited pathway to residence developed for bus and truck drivers.

·       Review of partnership policy (partners of NZ citizens/residents).

·       Work rights for partners of work visa holders expected to change in April 2023.

No doubt other changes will be delivered in 2023. In addition there is a general election in November 2023 when political parties will set out their immigration policies – watch this space.

The key message is; immigration is complex, changes occur rapidly, and visa processing is slow for applications that are not well presented and missing key documents. The best protection for you and your family is to take advice from a trusted and experienced licensed immigration adviser to get your application right - first time.

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