Skilled Migrants and Parents face more delay

In April 2020 the government placed a hold on any selections of Expressions of Interests (EOIs) for the Skilled Migrant and Parent categories (does not impact Parent Retirement).

The Minister of Immigration has now extended this deferral for another 6 months. This decision will be reviewed before the end of March 2021.

This impacts thousands of people in New Zealand working in skilled jobs and children hoping for a reunion with mum and dad. Lives go on hold and people cannot move forward with plans to settle in New Zealand.

Our advice remains the same that anyone serious about securing a place in New Zealand should move forward and lodge an EOI provided they qualify for enough points (Skilled Migrant) or meet the Parent requirements.

The government will no doubt use this time to review immigration policy settings and changes are likely. The Labour party was silent pre-election on the Skilled Migrant category but did signal intended changes to the Parent category including reducing income thresholds for children who sponsor their parents.

Keep up to date with any proposed changes through this newsletter as we learn more.