Kia Ora!
The new year continues to attract new migrants to New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) introduced several changes last year to combat the heavy inflow of applications. The stakeholders can feel the difference it has made, resulting in much faster time frames for Employer Accreditation, Job Checks and Accredited Employer Work Visa applications. Even in the Partnership Based Visa space, INZ is trying hard to keep the processing time down; but off-late inconsistencies are creeping in, with processing times inconsistent even within the same visa category.
However, offshore student visa applications have again become the Achilles' heel of INZ. Interest in the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa continues to grow, and I have included some statistics for the Expression of Interest (EOI) selection in this newsletter.
With decisions coming thick and fast on 2021 Resident Visa applications, the partnership and dependent child visa interest has picked up quite a lot. Even otherwise, partnership-based visas are popular amongst those wishing to move to New Zealand with their family. In the interest of our client base, I have included a Blog on the documents you need to submit with your partner’s partnership-based visa application’. The blog gives an insight into the importance and the purpose of those documents. If you need our assistance with a partnership-based visa, please provide your details here.
Through other blogs, I have also covered topics like variations of conditions on a work visa, residence pathways and investing in New Zealand.
Despite "Brand New Zealand" coming under threat due to extended processing timelines lately, New Zealand remains an attractive destination for international students, especially for post-graduate programmes and PhD. The Green List qualifications are increasingly becoming popular. In addition to this, courses with Post-study work rights for up to three years remain popular among single and married students looking to upskill.
Master of Hotel Management, Master of Computer & Information Sciences, Master of Construction and Certificate in Health & Care Assistance are some popular courses. If you want to study in New Zealand and need assistance with course selection, institute options and visa application, please provide your details here, and we will guide you.
Due to the delays in processing timelines, it is advisable to apply for a Student Visa well in advance. I have included a very informative article to alert potential students about how this delay can affect them.
There is an increasing demand in New Zealand for pharmacists and aged care nurses due to a shortage of these professionals. With the coming of New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, certain immigration-related changes are expected to take place and improve access to migrant workers and encourage investment in industries. I do not know what these changes will be, but I promise to keep you updated through our blogs and news articles.
Lastly, check out our client success stories and videos to inspire you to seek our guidance in immigration matters.
We had the fantastic opportunity to meet our dynamic Mumbai team on our recent trip to India. It was wonderful to see the team members in person instead of over Zoom & discuss prospects.
We had many meaningful discussions and aim to do better in the future. They are a lively bunch who ensured that we leave India with good memories & a promise that we return soon to meet them again!
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter.
Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser
