27 February 2024
An independent external review into the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has been released by the Public Service Commission. The review makes four main findings and ten specific recommendations, all of which MBIE accepts. The review is available on the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission website.
22 February 2024
Wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Straight to Residence, Work to Residence visas, and the Parent Category residence class visa will increase in line with the median wage (NZD $31.61 per hour) on 28 February 2024. The wage threshold for the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa will also increase, excluding bus drivers. The AEWV wage rate remains at NZD $29.66 per hour as signalled in December. Current sector agreements and exemptions to the median wage will stay in place until further decisions.
19 February 2024
As of 16 February 2024, INZ has approved 108,938 AEWV applications and 32,775 employer accreditation applications. Post-accreditation checks are ongoing, with 2,712 completed and 596 in progress. INZ aims to check about 16% of accredited employers annually through random selection and targeted checks.
15 February 2024
Immigration New Zealand has enhanced the student visa application process with more efficient assessment tools and letter templates, enabling faster processing and quicker communication of outcomes. For timely assessment, ensure all necessary information is included in your application.
14 February 2024
Senior Investigator Helen Garratt warns of immigration scams, particularly through social media apps like WhatsApp. INZ advises applying through approved pathways and ensuring any immigration adviser is licensed by the IAA. The "Guide to Licensed Immigration Advisers" is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Chinese, Korean, Samoan, Tongan, and Taglish.
12 February 2024
The Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV) Short-term Support Package, providing temporary financial relief to exploited migrant workers, will end on 18 March 2024. MEPV holders will retain the right to work in New Zealand if their visa remains valid. Current recipients of the support package have been reminded of the upcoming end date.
7 February 2024
Parent Resident Visa selections have resumed post-10 October 2022, with up to 2000 visas approved annually through a ballot system for EOIs submitted before this date. An additional 500 visas per year are granted to post-10 October EOIs drawn randomly. Data on these draws from October 2022 to February 2024 is now available.
25 January 2024
The 2024 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes (WHS) have been confirmed. Each scheme's opening date and available places for 2024 are outlined in a provided table. Applications remain open until quotas are filled, after which the schemes will close until 2025.
Stay informed about all Immigration New Zealand updates.