NZ Visa Connections

02/09/2024

Thinking of heading to NZ for a Southern Hemisphere summer?

If you need to apply for a Visitor Visa, the latest advice from Immigration New Zealand is to have your application lodged by 15th October at the latest if you want to be here for Christmas!!

Get in touch if you want to make sure your application is processed without delay

20/08/2024

We have been members of Family Business Association (NZ) for a year now, enjoying the camaraderie of learning from businesses in a huge variety of industries and of all sizes.

NZ Visa Connections is delighted to be featured with them this month, discussing the complex relationship between NZ employers, visas, migrants and Immigration New Zealand.

How can New Zealand employers navigate the changes to immigration policy? The team at NZ Visa Connections, a New Zealand family business, take you through some of the key complexities for employers, and provide guidance in hiring and retaining overseas workers, ensuring compliance, optimising immigr...

15/08/2024

09/08/2024

Heads up!

We've been anticipating this, and now it's official: visa application fees in New Zealand are going up.

The new fees kick in on 1st October 2024, so if you are working on an application or have one planned, it’s wise to get it lodged before the end of next month if possible.

There are big increases in the residence visas and the Accredited Employer work visa has more than doubled.

The full changes can be seen in the link but as a quick comparison on some of the most frequent applications -

🔺 Skilled Residence visas – $4290 ➡ $6450
(this includes Skilled Migrant Category and The Green List)
🔺 Residence through Partnership – $2750 ➡ $5360
🔺 Employer Accreditation Job Check – $610 ➡ $735
🔺 Accredited Employer Work Visa – $750 ➡ $1540
🔺 Partner of Worker work visa - $700 ➡ $1630
🔺 Student Visa - $375 ➡ $750

Improving the immigration system to ensure it is efficient, self-funding, and sustainable.

25/07/2024

For all our UK clients or those with funds in the UK looking to bring them over to NZ - Did you know it's an amazing time to bring your money over to NZ?

From our Foreign Exchange Partner - Halo Financial :-

The British Pound (GBP) hits over an 8 year high against New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

What does that mean for you?
If you are immigrating or returning to New Zealand, and planning on transferring money to NZD, this is the best rate since February 2016!

The NZD has continued weaken against GBP, as the British Pound strengthens.

It may be a good time to consider transferring money to New Zealand…£1 - $2.17 at the time of writing

Want to know more….. Speak with Halo Financial to find out more about GBP/NZD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve your desired exchange rate.

Or simply get a quote to compare rates!

You can register with Halo to keep up to date with NZD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.
Halo offers NZ Visa Connections clients preferential rates and no Halo fees. Please note your bank may charge you an incoming fee.

Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo [email protected]

Or visit
https://www.halofinancial.com/nzvisaconnections

*remember to mention ‘Visa Connections’ to receive preferential exchange rates and no Halo fees.

Buy Currency with Confidence with Halo Financial, trusted partners of Canadians in London. Call us on 020 7350 5474.

25/06/2024

We always know when the online Immigration New Zealand system is ‘closed for updates’ mid week that there is probably a big change coming……

So when I saw that the system was offline for a few hours this morning, it was just a waiting game.

And now we know – it's changes to the ability of those on the Accredited Employer work visa to support partner/family visas.

Effective immediately, AEWV holders who are in lower skilled roles (ANZSCO 4 & 5) who DO NOT have a pathway to residency are no longer be able to support their partners' and dependent children's visa applications for work, visitor, or student visas. To be clear – that’s the visas that are based on their family relationship.

However, partners and dependent children do remain eligible to apply for visas in their own right if they meet the respective visa requirements, such as through an Accredited Employer Work Visa or an international student visa.

Importantly, individuals already holding visas as partners or dependent children, as well as AEWV holders with pathways to residency (e.g., Green List or sector agreements), and those meeting the 1.5 times median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category, are not impacted by these changes.

Applications already in progress will continue to be assessed under the previous criteria. But for all those with applications in the planning stage, the door is now closed.

What I found very interesting was the last part of the email from INZ, where it stated that these changes aim to align the AEWV scheme more closely with past frameworks, akin to settings under the previous Essential Skills Work Visa. I’ve not heard INZ state before that they are turning back time (sorry, can’t resist a Cher reference).

24/06/2024

Are you a qualified teacher considering NZ as a destination to work or live?

One Northland high school is addressing their staffing woes by employing a third of its teaching staff from overseas.

05/06/2024

NZ Visa Connections is interviewing Nicola Taylor at the Fireseeds breakfast women's networking event next week. There are still a few tickets left if you would like to come along!
https://www.femalefusionnetwork.com/fireseeds

🇳🇿 Registrations are now OPEN for Fireseeds Breakfast in Auckland!

👇Comment NEW ZEALAND below to join us on 12 June 2024 at The Northern Club, Auckland

⭐️Speak Up About Your Business With Confidence
Join hosts Nicki Osbaldiston and Natasha Wells from Female Fusion for an interactive session aimed at empowering you to talk about your business effectively.

Ever find yourself introducing your business only to be lost for words?

You have the opportunity to spotlight what sets you apart from the crowd but instead, you find yourself fading into the background.

Imagine having a simple yet powerful formula that helps you to speak up about your business with confidence in a variety of situations.

In this interactive and fun session, Nicki and Natasha will share a messaging framework which you can use to captivate your audience, form meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impression the next time you have the opportunity to introduce your business.

🎙️Plus - guest interview with host Rebecca Strange, NZ Visa Connections

Rebecca will be interviewing Nicola Taylor, co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi, who has experienced rapid growth in her successful business journey, placing her into the public view. During the interview, they will explore how Nicola has strategically increased her visibility to help the brand grow.

We will also have new resources on offer from Female Fusion to help you speak up about your business.

⬇️Comment NEW ZEALAND below to save your spot!

16/05/2024

Check out this awesome webinar series for those looking for work in NZ, useful for migrants who need to upskill on the NZ job market. These webinars are hosted by Talent Connection, booking link below.

If you’re finding the job market tough out there, then get off the treadmill. It’s time to embrace a unique offering from Talent Connection, hosted by Talent Director Ronnie Cheung and Talent Connectors Bronwyn Wilde and Heather McCreaddie.

We’re inviting you to join us for sessions packed full of new job strategies and insights.

Some of the topics to be covered include:
- Finding your next opportunity
- Tips on how to put some ZING back into your application
- Advice and techniques to spruce up your interview performance

Oh, and for those ready to change directions or not, we haven’t forgotten about you! There will be a session dedicated to understanding and navigating career transition.

Finding your next role doesn’t have to be an individual sprint. Let Talent Connection be part of your support team. Shift the dial from job search blues to new beginnings.

07/05/2024

Love this latest video from the Waiheke Hostel. Waiheke Island is a beautiful spot, just a 35 min ferry trip from downtown Auckland.

10/04/2024

Major Revamp to Accredited Employer Work Visas: Tightening Up for Skilled Migrants

Effective Immediately: Immigration NZ Announces Significant Changes to AEWV

New Zealand Immigration has rolled out a series of changes to the popular Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. These adjustments, implemented on April 7th, aim to ensure New Zealand attracts highly skilled temporary migrants to address critical skill shortages while prioritizing recruitment opportunities for New Zealanders.
Key points for Employers:
• Higher Skill Requirements: Applicants for most AEWVs (excluding Green List roles and those paying double the median wage) will now need to demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant work experience or a Level 4+ qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. International qualifications below a bachelor's degree require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
• English Language Testing: For ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, applicants must provide an English language test (IELTS 4 or proof of citizenship/education in an English-speaking country).
• Shorter Visa Stays: ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles will now only qualify for a 2-year visa initially, with the possibility of a one-year extension after a successful job check.
• Stricter Job Checks: Employers seeking to fill ANZSCO level 4 and 5 positions face a more rigorous job check process. This includes advertising for 21 days (up from 14), collaborating with Work and Income, and justifying why any New Zealand applicants were not chosen.
• Increased Employer Obligations: Employers with accreditation approved or renewed after April 7th must notify Immigration New Zealand if a migrant worker leaves their employment. Additionally, expect ongoing compliance checks with stricter enforcement.

Overall, these changes aim to streamline the AEWV program, ensuring it attracts highly skilled temporary workers while protecting job opportunities for New Zealand citizens.

Worried about the impact of these changes on your business? Get expert advice to streamline the process for your business. Free consultation with Rebecca Strange, Licensed Immigration Adviser. Call 021535105 today!

02/04/2024

Secondary School Teacher?

Your role is being added to the Straight to Residence tier of The Green List. Meaning a direct pathway to residence for you and your family.

So if you're keen to move to NZ & can gain registration for teaching - get in touch!

02/04/2024

Great to be featured on the new YouTube channel for Facebox - Video Production

Check us out!

Produced by 25 Videos.com!Are you dreaming of moving to New Zealand but find the visa process overwhelming? Look no further! In this detailed video, we dive ...

06/03/2024

On the seminar trail in UK and Ireland.

is having an awesome time speaking to rooms full of highly skilled migrants each night, all keen on a life in Aotearoa.

Manchester tonight, then off to Glasgow tomorrow.

Tired but happy 🇬🇧🇳🇿💪🏽🚂🔈👋

19/02/2024

We're often out and about around Auckland, meeting clients and business contacts.

Some locations are just somehow sweeter than others though...☀️⛱️

12/02/2024

Don't forget our upcoming UK & Ireland seminars for professionals working in

⭐️Construction / Infrastructure
⭐️Engineering
⭐️Health
⭐️IT

4th - 9th March 2024
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow & Dublin

25/01/2024

Is NZ the right fit for you?

Take our quick quiz to find out if you are ready to make the move!

Interested in moving to warmer weather? Wondering if you are qualified and if you and your family are potentially eligible for migrating to NZ? Take the 2 min suitability quiz to learn more with the option of connecting with qualified NZ Immigration advisors. Note: The results of this quiz do not im...

25/01/2024

NZ Visa Connections is excited to be part of the New Zealand - Dream it ... Do it team, presenting at seminars in the UK and Ireland in March.

These events are aimed at skilled workers in Construction/Infrastructure, Health and IT. With NZ based recruiters leading the presentations, we will have actual job vacancies looking for talent to come to NZ.

Tickets are free but are limited. If you fit the bill, check out our site for all the details and ticketing information.

Welcome to 'New Zealand - Dream It ... Do It', The ultimate seminar for people seeking to make New Zealand their new home. Meet with New Zealand recruiters in your industry at one of our March...