Richard Small

Do you want to buy a New Zealand business? From 24 November 2025, the Business Investment Visa categories opened for those with a business background who are looking to invest in New Zealand. The work visa can be valid for up to 4 years, and residence can be applied for during that period. Investors can […]

The Immigration Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity Amendment Bill was signed into law on 27 November 2025. This Bill makes 10 amendments to the existing Immigration Act 2009. Those changes will come into force over the coming months. Deportation for Residence Class Visa Holders One of the major amendments in this Bill is changes to

In our previous blog post on 1 September 2025, we discussed the Minister of Immigration’s announcement of a new Business Investor visa.  You can read that previous post here. Recently, it has been announced that the new Business Investor visas are now open for applications. This is a visa for experienced business people who would

As part of the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, from 3 November 2025, a handful of new changes came into effect. Student Work Hours From 3 November, eligible students can work for 25 hours per week. This is a change from the previous 20 hours per week limit. This will apply to all

Big news for employers and workers: from 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand has recognised 87 new occupations for Accredited Employer Work Visa applications. The full list of new occupations can be found here. These occupations will be recognised under the new National Occupation List (NOL), which will, over time in stages, replace the existing

Exciting New Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category from August 2026 As part of the Government’s Going for Growth programme, the Government has now announced some new changes to the Skilled Migrant Category. These changes come into effect in August 2026. More information will be provided mid-next year. Two new residence pathways There will now

The existing rules In February 2024, we explained the basic rules for new residents buying a home. Under the Overseas Investment Act, people who have been residents for 12 months and have actually been here for 183 days in that time (6 months) can apply to purchase a home to live in. See our blog

In our previous blog, we explained the challenges of the current entrepreneur visa, including long delays at each stage and high decline rates. We also mentioned that a review is ongoing. On 27 August, the Minister of Immigration and Immigration New Zealand announced the first outcome from that review. The new Business Investor visa will

On 9 July 2025, the entire Pacific Legal team attended an evening with Hon. Erica Stanford, the Minister of Immigration. This event was hosted by The Law Association of New Zealand at the JW Marriott Hotel. Richard is a member of the Association’s Immigration and Refugee Law Committee. It was a pleasure to mix with