News and Articles
When can I apply for citizenship?
We often get this inquiry from prospective clients. Core Presence Requirements To qualify for citizenship by grant through the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), you must meet these strict time conditions across a 5-year lookback period: Resident status: You must have held a New Zealand resident class visa for at
Changes to Parent Category – Welcome news for New Zealand citizens or residents waiting to bring their parents to New Zealand
The Government has announced changes to the Parent Resident Visa Expression of Interest (EOI) selection process, with a new hybrid selection model taking effect from 5 October 2026. How does this new model work? Under this new model, 90% of the EOIs will be selected in date order from the
Details of Changes to Skilled Migrant Category from 24 August announced
Immigration New Zealand has released the final details of the upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), New Zealand’s main residence pathway for skilled migrants. The changes will take effect on 24 August 2026, and applications under the new settings can be made from that date. The Skilled Migrant
IMMIGRATION CHANGES FOR TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS FACING CHARGES. UPDATE JUNE 2026.
Upcoming changes for temporary visa holders The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in March 2026. It is currently (in June 2026) awaiting report back from the Select Committee, but it is likely to come into force before the November 2026 election.
IMMIGRATION CHANGES FOR RESIDENTS WITH CONVICTIONS OR FACING CHARGES. UPDATE JUNE 2026.
Previous changes for residents. In our December 2025 blog, we explained the changes to the Immigration Act for residents who face criminal charges. Previously, it was possible to apply to the Court for a discharge without conviction and, if this was granted, to avoid deportation liability. From 27 May 2026,
Changes to Active Investor Plus Category
We have considerable expertise in this area. For an outline of investor visa options see our website. There have been two recent changes in this space. Investors able to include philanthropy as part of their investment From 1 June 2026, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa allowed applicants in