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 […]
New roles to be recognised for Accredited Employer Work Visa Read More »
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
Exciting New Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category from August 2026 Read More »
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
Investors are now able buy NZD $5 million+ homes Read More »
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
At our most recent meeting with the Business Team Management, we received updates on processing times for the various visas they handle. Entrepreneur – lack of clear warnings U.S enquiries about the Entrepreneur category to our office have increased greatly since the 2024 presidential election. There are also a few from elsewhere. For example,
Entrepreneur Processing Update July 2025 Read More »
Starting 6 July 2025, New Zealand has made it easier for citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries to visit: Visitor Visas will allow multiple entries over a period of 24 months. Stay up to 6 months in any 12-month period, and 9 months in any 18-month period. Standard visa conditions still apply. If your passport
New Zealand extends travel conditions for Pacific Visitors but other restrictions remain Read More »
The Government has announced that from 18 August 2025, 10 new occupations will be added to the Green List Work to Residence pathway, aiming to help address skill shortages across New Zealand, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Eligible trades professionals who have a job or job offer in one of the listed occupations,
Great News for Trades Professionals: New Pathway to NZ Residence Read More »
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
Pacific Legal Team Attends Minister Dinner Read More »
The Government is introducing a Parent Boost Visitor Visa, to allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years. Detailed Instructions are yet to come but basic details have been shared. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, applicants must: Have an eligible New Zealand resident or citizen
New Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers longer stay for parents Read More »
On 5 March Immigration New Zealand released more details about the new Growth and Balanced Investment categories effective from 1 April 2025. The final instructions are still pending but we now have a fairly full picture. There are exciting changes. For an overview see here. New investment categories Growth and Balanced Two simplified investment categories
Details of changes to Investment categories announced Read More »
