Merry Christmas Everyone,

As 2024 draws to a close we reflect on the numerous immigration instruction changes over the course of the past year.

These along with a large increase in INZ disbursement fees in October have created much trepidation for migrants looking to secure a future here in NZ for themselves and their families.

Instruction changes generally come with little, if any warning and reinforce the importance of maintaining a vigilant approach with regards your immigration status. 

In September INZ introduced the following changes:

• adding 17 roles to the Green List
• increasing the Recognised Seasonal Employer cap to 19,500 for 2023/24 season
• closing the Recovery Visa to new applicants from 23 September 2023
• existing holders of a Recovery Visa in New Zealand can apply for a 3-month extension
• adding a small number of roles to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement
• requiring a judicial warrant for out-of-hours compliance visits.

Details of these are here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-immigration-settings-announced

In October INZ Fees increased

The table of changes to fee and levy rates has information on what fees and levies will be charged from 1 October.

The table of changes to fee and levy rates is intended as a general guide only. 

Immigration fee and levy table — rates from 1 October 2024PDF 322KB

In December INZ introduced open work rights for Partners of Migrant workers

This will help families stay together, and attract and retain the workers New Zealand needs to fill gaps in sectors facing skill and labour shortages.

From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be available to:

• all partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) working in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 1-3 role and earning at least NZD$25.29 an hour (80 percent of the standard median wage)
• partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 an hour if they were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024
• all partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 an hour.

INZ urge early applications for student visas in 2025.

It’s the busiest time of year for student visa applications at Immigration New Zealand.

If students are coming to New Zealand for early 2025 study, they need to apply for their student visa now. Otherwise, they might miss out.

Students must submit all the information needed when they apply. Student Visa Information Sheets are available on the Immigration New Zealand website.

have more information on what to include with a student visa application. If applications are incomplete, it will take longer or may be declined.

Best wishes for the upcoming festive season from Bernadette and myself. . 

If you require support, please contact myself for a confidential and obligation free consultation.

Tagalog speakers can liaise directly with Bernadette, if they wish initially. 

Steve Baker
General Manager                                                                                                               
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044                                                     
P: 03 353 0680
M: 027 212 5483