VisaAide

02/10/2024

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗶 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰

On 26 September 2024, the Australian government introduced the Australian Immi App, a mobile tool allowing visa applicants to submit facial biometrics via smartphones. Initially available in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and for third-country nationals in New Zealand, the app streamlines the visa process, eliminating the need to visit biometric collection centres. Eligible applicants will receive invitations to use the free app, which aims to improve connectivity and enhance regional security while supporting Pacific economic growth.

Read more here:

Australia’s new Immi App simplifies visa applications for Pacific residents by allowing self-service biometrics via mobile devices. Learn more here.

29/09/2024

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀?

If you're an Accredited Employer, hiring an AEWV holder who’s already onshore is a smart, efficient solution to bridging workforce gaps. With these workers already in New Zealand, the visa process is simplified, meaning you can meet your staffing needs faster.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗘𝗪𝗩 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀:
1. Faster onboarding – workers are already here.
2. Fewer logistical barriers, depending on your requirements.
3. Access to experienced, motivated talent ready to contribute.

Learn how to make the most of this opportunity: https://visaaide.co.nz/hiring-onshore-migrant-workers/

27/09/2024

𝗜𝗡𝗭 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗭 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 (𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟰 & 𝟱)

From 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟳, Accredited Employers must engage directly with Work and Income as part of the Job Check process for levels 4 and 5 (lower skilled) roles.

This means Immigration Advisers will no longer be permitted to handle this part of the process on your behalf for lower-skilled vacancies.

We can still support the Job Check process, and our partners at Recruit NZ Ltd can still manage Labour Market Testing on your behalf.

For everything employers need to know about these changes, read our latest blog:

Changes to the Job Check process effective from Oct 7 2024 require accredited employers to engage directly with Work and Income for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles.

26/09/2024

🌍 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

Whether it's a new role, employer, or even location, there’s a process to follow so you stay on the right side of the law.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
📄 Passport
📄 Offer of employment
📄 New job description & employment agreement
📄 Job Check approval number

Don’t risk breaching your visa conditions – keep your status secure and future options open.

Want professional guidance and support on the process? Reach out today! Or find out more: https://visaaide.co.nz/job-change-variation-of-conditions/

22/09/2024

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗭 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand for the holidays, your visa application must be submitted 𝗯𝘆 𝟭𝟱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. Immigration New Zealand has warned that due to a surge in applications, processing times could be longer than usual.

Get your paperwork ready early—valid passport, supporting documents, and make sure everything is in English!
For professional assistance with your application, get in touch 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/new-zealand-visitor-visa/

19/09/2024

🌟 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱.

With a high number of visitor visa applications expected this season, 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝟭𝟱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 to avoid delays.

⏰ The earlier, the better—especially with peak travel season approaching! Make sure your passport is valid, your documents are translated if needed, and everything is complete to speed up the process.

Get in touch if you need professional help or advice for this process 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/new-zealand-visitor-visa/

18/09/2024

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

If you're an Accredited Employer, you can hire onshore Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and skip offshore processing times. This allows you to tap into an existing talent pool already in the country, saving time and resources.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄?

With AEWV holders already onshore, your recruitment process can be more streamlined, and you can secure workers faster. Plus, hiring from within New Zealand helps strengthen your workforce and ensures you meet critical skill needs quicker!

🔗 Find out more about hiring onshore migrant workers and compliance requirements: https://visaaide.co.nz/hiring-onshore-migrant-workers/

18/09/2024

🔄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗡𝗭 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄!

Thinking about switching jobs as an AEWV holder in New Zealand? 🤔

Whether you’re changing your role, employer, or location, it’s essential to keep your visa conditions up to date! 📄

Our latest blog covers everything you need to know about the Job Change process – from the documents you’ll need to the steps you must follow to stay compliant.

Don’t risk breaching your visa conditions.

Read more now: https://visaaide.co.nz/changing-the-conditions-of-a-new-zealand-work-visa/

Discover how to update your New Zealand work visa conditions—employer, role, or location—without a new application. Stay compliant with Immigration NZ!

17/09/2024

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱.

Time flies when you’re planning a trip - but some things require a little more forward planning than others, and your 𝗡𝗭 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 is one of those things!

Immigration NZ expects a surge of applications for Christmas (they’ve estimated over quarter of a million!) so you’ll need to get in early to ensure you don’t miss out.

Get in touch if you need professional help or advice for this process 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/new-zealand-visitor-visa/

16/09/2024

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱? 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘄.

Immigration New Zealand is expecting over 260,000 visitor visa applications in the coming months. To avoid delays and ensure your visa is ready, submit your application 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟭𝟱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿.

Waiting too long could mean you miss out!

𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Make sure your application is complete with all required documents, including a valid passport and accurate details to speed up processing.

Need a hand? Get in touch or find out more 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/new-zealand-visitor-visa/

11/09/2024

Happy two year anniversary Xiao Ping! 🎉

05/09/2024

If you wish to hire an AEWV-holding migrant worker who has already been employed by another employer here in New Zealand, there are steps required before you can hire them.

To stay on the right side of the law, the AEWV holder’s visa conditions need to be updated to include (among other things) you as their employer.

If you’re interested in hiring someone from overseas who is in New Zealand on a work visa, talk to us! We can help keep you and your new employee legally compliant.

Find out more, or get support:

Hiring Onshore Migrant Workers  Information for Employers about your obligations when hiring AEWV-holders who are already in New Zealand About hiring onshore Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders If you wish to hire an AEWV-holding migrant worker who has already been employed by another empl...

02/09/2024

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗘𝗪𝗩 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀?

Perhaps you’ve been offered a promotion, a new role or want to change your career path while you’re in New Zealand – but how do you do that without breaching your visa conditions?

Answer: Apply to change the conditions of your visa.

If you hold an AEWV and want to change:
☑️ your role,
☑️ your employer,
☑️ your employment location,
☑️ how long you can study for while you work, or
☑️ a combination of these

You can apply for a Job Change.

Find out more, or get support 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/job-change-variation-of-conditions/

29/08/2024

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

Employers: We’ve noticed some movement now that business in NZ is in the recovery phase!

If, like many other employers, you’re considering hiring a migrant worker who is already here in New Zealand, you absolutely can - but there are a few obligations you’ll need to fulfil to make sure you remain compliant with Immigration NZ.

Those include:
✅ Having a valid Employer Accreditation
✅ Having a current Job Check for the position being offered

Need a hand? Get in touch, we’ll help you get sorted and keep you compliant!

Find out more 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/hiring-onshore-migrant-workers/

26/08/2024

Can you change the conditions of a New Zealand visa?

Yes, you can! If you have a NZ work visa and you’d like to change your employer, your role, your location of work, or how long you can study for while you work, you can follow the Job Change process.

Read more:

Change the conditions of your NZ work visa or apply for a Job Change

14/08/2024

In the wake of INZ announcing increased visa charges from October 1, many of you may be looking at getting your applications in asap.

But our Licensed Immigration Advisors want to remind everyone that it’s really important to 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in case you make a mistake or miss something.

That’s because Immigration NZ will not refund charges for an incomplete or incorrect application, and if declined for those reasons, you will need to reapply and pay the fees again – of course, that’s not ideal if your goal was to avoid paying the higher fees!

You can get expert guidance and support for preparing and submitting your application from one of our friendly Licensed Immigration Advisors. Get in touch to find out how we can help 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/immigration-advice-contact/

13/08/2024

After months of updates from Immigration NZ, more changes to the NZ visa process are underway.

This time it’s an increase in visa charges. You can read more about the changes in our latest article 👉 https://visaaide.co.nz/new-zealand-visa-charges-increasing-effective-october-1-2024/

Some of the charges will more than double, so between now and October 1 there may be an influx of applications.

A reminder to do your applications carefully, ensure they’re correct and complete as INZ does not offer refunds for declined applications.

If you need support to ensure you get the best possible chance of having your application accepted, get in touch – our Licenced Immigration Advisers are here to help.

The New Zealand government has announced increases to visa charges effective October 1 2024.

09/08/2024

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

Some fees are doubling, and some are more than doubling.

For example, on 1 October the following application charges will increase:

➡️ AEWV: from $750 to $1540
➡️ Fee-paying Student Visa: from $375 to $750
➡️ Skilled Residence: from $4290 to $6450
➡️ Partnership Residence: from $2750 to $5360

You can see the full changes here 👉 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/increase-to-visa-charges-come-into-effect-from-1-october

For applicants, this could result in an increase in visa application volume before the changes come into effect.

It also highlights the importance of getting your application right the first time, because INZ does not offer refunds for incorrect or incomplete applications.

If you have concerns and want a Licensed Immigration Adviser by your side to navigate your application, get in touch.

We’ll continue to provide updates as they come.

05/08/2024

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗔𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺!

We're thrilled to have Stephanie on board as a Licensed NZ Immigration Adviser, bringing 22+ years of experience and a passion for delivering exceptional service. She's a specialist in student, partnership, and family visas and has worked with top organisations including the NZ Embassy and Immigration NZ.

Let's give her a warm welcome!👏🎉

10/07/2024

🚨 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗘𝗪𝗩 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Effective June 26, 2024, changes have been implemented to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. AEWV holders in certain roles at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 without a pathway to residency are no longer able to sponsor their family members' visa applications.

This may impact your plans to bring your loved ones to New Zealand.

Changes can be tricky to navigate, but if this change impacts you, there are options. Contact us to explore alternative options or for further information. 🔒

Read our latest blog to learn more about this update: https://visaaide.co.nz/changes-to-aewv-holders-supporting-family-members/

Read about more recent changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in NZ for specific ANZSCO roles. Explore sponsorship changes for partners, exemptions, and alternative visa routes.

27/06/2024

🚨 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀🚨

From 1 July 2024, there will be significant changes to Australia's Student visa programme. Certain temporary visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a Student visa while in Australia.

These changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the Student visa programme and ensure opportunities for genuine students.

Want to know more? Click the link below to read the full details and stay informed! 👇

Significant changes to Australia's Student visa programme from 1 July 2024 will restrict certain temporary visa holders from applying onshore.

24/06/2024

Happy birthday Sylvia! 🎉🎂

19/06/2024

Happy eight year work anniversary Lesley! 🎉

10/06/2024

Struggling to retain your migrant employees? You’re not alone. Many employers face this challenge after investing time and resources in international recruitment.

Our latest blog post outlines four effective strategies to keep your migrant workforce engaged and loyal.

Learn how being a supportive employer, assisting with visa renewals, backing residency goals, and maintaining open communication can make a difference.

Click the link to read more and start implementing these practices today!
https://visaaide.co.nz/nz-employers-how-do-i-attract-and-retain-migrant-workers/

Maximise your investment in international recruitment with these four strategies to retain migrant employees.

26/05/2024

Happy birthday to our Director, Cameron! 🎉🎂