Due to COVID-19, there have been a lot of delays and disruption to visa processing, and those changes have caused significant confusion amongst migrants. So, in this article, we’re outlining the best course of action and suggested focus for common visa types and scenarios – so that you know exactly where you stand, what you should be aware of, and what you should be doing.
Immigration News Tag
Migrant news
Understanding the priority of visa applications On 17 April, Immigration New Zealand’s workflow priorities had to make some big shifts to align with emergency legislation around COVID-19. Like many organisations, first and foremost INZ had to work around some stark realities – you can’t process paper-based applications if you can’t go to the office. So, … Continue reading Visa priority processing new criteria explained
On Wednesday 1 April 2020 Immigration New Zealand announced new criteria to allow migrants to apply for a visa to enter New Zealand. Leading immigration lawyer Aaron Martin explains the ramifications for potential applicants and their families.
The Immigration New Zealand website is stating that everyone who has a visa (including interim and Limited Visas) is due to expire between now and 1 April needs to immediately apply for a new visa using the online system. Read our blog for more information.
People may currently be unable to leave the country due to restricted airline services, other countries preventing arrivals, and a deteriorating position internationally. What does this mean for those who are here on temporary visas? There is an option that the government can utilise that we outline in this article.
Potential migrants to New Zealand should act fast to apply for visas as New Zealand closes its borders to migrants from countries with outbreaks of the deadly COVID-19 virus. All foreigners who have been in or transited through affected countries 14 days prior to departing for New Zealand will be denied boarding or refused entry into New Zealand. Read more about how this will impact visa applications.
Anyone who has settled in New Zealand will be affected by the Parent visa – whether they arrived two years ago or 20 years ago. Immigration Law expert Aaron Martin points out that even New Zealand citizens who migrated here half a lifetime ago are no longer able to bring their elderly parent to New Zealand – unless they’re earning a whopping $106,000 a year.
“A lot of people think it’s all about the migrants who came yesterday, but it’s not,” he says. Aaron Martin, New Zealand immigration law expert, explains.
Recently the government announced new work visa changes. Aaron Martin says the changes have created enormous uncertainty for current visa holders and those currently in the system. And, with scant details for how these changes will be operationalised, the situation for migrants is very much a game of ‘wait and see’.
RNZ reports that immigration advisers are receiving death threats from clients experiencing ongoing New Zealand visa delays from New Zealand Immigration – Aaron Martin shares his thoughts regarding the matter.
New Zealand post-study work visa (employer assisted) changes came into full effect November 26th 2018. We cover the changes and the implications for migrants and Kiwi employers.
Government imposed increases to the wage threshold for NZ work visas come into full effect on Nov 26 2018. We have all the information you need here.
We talk to law and union experts about Migrant Workers rights in NZ – the unique challenges they are facing, what they can do to protect themselves, and a simple solution the Government needs to address.
