New Zealand Immigration Law Immigration News

The government overhauled its Migrant Investor Visa category this year in a bid to attract more wealthy migrants to New Zealand.

The New Zealand government is creating a new 6-point system for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa. The SMC visa offers a pathway to residency for workers who meet the criteria.

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa was finally reopened by the government last week, but there is one glaring omission from the new rules, with the disappearance of the preliminary qualification assessment conducted by NZQA.

The government has just released the Green List residence policy details, including the fees and criteria in more detail.

The Green List is a new list of 85 occupations that qualify for a fast-track to residence or have access to a work to residence pathway.

It’s clear we have both a worker and skills shortage and that employers are finding it increasingly harder to find the talent they need to grow their business.

The government is beginning a back down on border restrictions due to public pressure for life to return to normality. Hence their rather hastily created plan for the border to re-open.

From mid-2022, a new three-stage application process for work visas will be introduced. This will affect employers, who will need to become familiar with the new rules and become accredited before borders open to skilled migrants.

The New 2021 Resident Visa is a one-off for work visa and long-term visa holders wishing to apply for residency. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to apply in two stages, with the first opening in December 2021.

The one-off residency visa details have finally been announced in full, and its good news for migrants! The criteria will make it easier for migrants who have been in the country supporting NZ through COVID-19 to gain residency.