Eavama Immigration

09/09/2026

🎓 Did you know your New Zealand bachelor’s degree could give you 5 of the 6 points required for residence?

A New Zealand bachelor’s degree is now worth 5 points under the Skilled Migrant Category. You will only need 1 more point, which can be gained through 1 year of skilled work experience in New Zealand.

An overseas bachelor’s degree is now worth 4 points, meaning you will need 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand to reach the required 6 points.

Under the Skilled Migrant Category, you can claim points from only one skill category:
✅ A recognised qualification
✅ Eligible occupational registration
✅ Your income

You can then use skilled work experience gained in New Zealand to make up the remaining points.

You must also have an acceptable skilled job or job offer in New Zealand.

These changes make studying in New Zealand a stronger pathway to residence, which is great news for international students!

03/09/2026

🇹🇴 New Tonga Visa Application Centre from 14 September 2026

📍General Post Office, Ground Floor, Salote and Taufa‘ahau Road, Nuku’alofa.

Service fees:
* Biometrics: TOP 86
* Online application assistance: TOP 21 for 30 minutes
* Extra assistance: TOP 10 per 15 minutes
* Online payment assistance: TOP 5
* Walk-in fee: TOP 148 extra

No cash - payments can only be made by credit card, debit card or bank cheque.

Great news for people applying for visas from Tonga! 🇹🇴
📅 On Monday 14 September, a Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be opening in Tonga.
📝 The VAC will provide a service for people to submit visa applications from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm.
🛑 Find out more on our website: www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-visa-application-centre-opening-in-tonga/

20/08/2026

🇹🇴 Happy Tongan Language Week! 🇹🇴

I thought this would be a good time to share the story of four of my Tongan clients.

After their employment was temporarily affected, Immigration New Zealand raised concerns about whether their visas should be approved.

We had only one week to prepare and submit all four responses. This involved coordinating a significant number of documents from Tonga and across New Zealand, including statutory declarations from all four workers.

I am proud to say that all four workers were granted two-year visas, allowing them to continue working in New Zealand and supporting their families.

When I have these conversations with my clients, I do not give them false hope. It is important that visa holders clearly understand their situation, the possible options available to address it, and the risks involved.

Ultimately, the decision lies with the Immigration Officer but my job is to present strong evidence, explain my clients’ circumstances properly, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Four approvals. Four workers. Four families able to move forward 🇹🇴

Note: AI generated image for illustrative purposes only.

19/08/2026

📢 RECENT IMMIGRATION UPDATES

Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes affecting skilled migrants, resident visa applicants and parents seeking residence.

1️⃣ HEALTH REQUIREMENT CHANGES
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C have been removed from the list of high-cost health conditions for resident visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026. Previously these conditions could result in an automatic assessment of not meeting the acceptable standard of health; applicants will now be assessed individually on their medical circumstances. INZ has also clarified wording relating to major psychiatric illness and addiction requiring significant support, severe autoimmune diseases, and renal and hepatic disorders. Applicants must still meet the acceptable standard of health.

2️⃣ SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Applicants under the new Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways must provide evidence of relevant work experience. This may include job descriptions, employment agreements, tax records and other supporting employment evidence. If tax records are unavailable for overseas work experience, a certificate of service from the employer may be provided.

3️⃣ PARENT RESIDENT VISA
Expressions of Interest will be selected under a new hybrid system: approximately 90% in the order they were submitted and approximately 10% through a ballot. The first selection under the new system is scheduled for 10 November 2026. The annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas remains unchanged.

11/08/2026

My heart is full after spending two incredible days in Gisborne! 🧡

I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank Romano Tikotikoca, President of the Tairāwhiti Fijian Community, who reached out to me because of his genuine desire to support Gisborne’s migrant and Pasifika communities.

Thank you to the Tairāwhiti Fijian Community for sponsoring my visit, alongside PICT Gisborne and the Pasifika Ministers’ Leaders. I am also grateful to the many hands that contributed and worked quietly behind the scenes to make this possible.

I witnessed firsthand the incredible work these leaders are doing, and I was deeply moved by their service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to Gisborne’s small but mighty Pacific community.

I met so many beautiful people who were simply grateful for the opportunity to sit with someone face-to-face and speak openly about their immigration situation. Accessing immigration advice can be costly, and for some families, even paying for an initial consultation with an immigration adviser or lawyer can be a barrier.

One of my many highlights was meeting a couple who had been struggling for some time. They were so touched by the time and advice I gave them that they later returned with two massive boxes of oranges as a gift!

I left Gisborne with far more than I arrived with - a full heart, deep gratitude and an even greater determination to keep making immigration advice more accessible to the communities that need it most.

06/08/2026

One of my favourite parts of my job is having the privilege of listening to people’s stories.

During my time in Gisborne, I met community leaders involved in supporting RSE workers, as well as forestry workers. I had the opportunity to hear about their experiences and learn more about the important work being undertaken throughout the region.

I understand how physically demanding forestry and seasonal work can be, as well as the sacrifices workers make by leaving their families and homes behind.

This post is simply to acknowledge and highlight their valuable contribution to New Zealand’s economy and the support they provide to their families back home. It is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work that often take place behind the scenes.

I do not own this video which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UmP4xiPMRE

28/07/2026

A little availability update 💚

I am currently unable to take on any new appointments or calls until the end of August, at which point I will review my availability again.

I want to make sure I am giving my current clients the time, attention and care that their matters deserve. Immigration matters can be stressful and time-sensitive, and I never want to take on more than I can properly manage.

I truly appreciate everyone who reaches out or recommends me. My phone does ring every minute 😅 and I do apologise if I am unable to take your call.

If your matter is urgent, please send me an email with a brief explanation of your situation and I will see how I may be able to support you.

Malo 'aupito.

Video: Presenting to my no.1s - my family 🧡 and representatives from the Mangere Labour MP's office which is where my own office is located.

22/07/2026

See you soon, Gisborne! 🌺

I’ll be running free immigration workshops and consultations for two full days next week. We’ll talk about everything visa related, from common immigration mistakes, bringing family to New Zealand, planning ahead for residence, and understanding your options if your situation has become difficult.

Whether you are planning your next visa or are unsure of what to do next, come along, ask questions and get clear guidance.

🚨 FREE IMMIGRATION TALANOA & CONSULTATIONS 🚨

📢 Tairāwhiti, this one's for you!

Have questions about visas, residency, family sponsorship, or your immigration journey? Get FREE, trusted advice from Ana Hifo, a licensed Immigration Adviser with over 10 years of experience.

🤝 Hosted by Tairāwhiti Fijian Community Incorporated - TFCI, Pacific Islanders' Community Trust PICT Gisborne, and Eavama Immigration

📅 Friday, 31 July

🗣 FREE Immigration Talanoa
📍 Matai Research Centre
🕕 6:00pm–8:00pm

💼 FREE One-on-One Consultations
*(Bookings essential for 30 minute consult)*
📍 396 Aberdeen Road
🕣 8:30am–4:00pm

📩 Spaces are limited! Book now:
📞 027 258 8841
💬 Message the **Tairāwhiti Fijian Community** page
📧 [email protected]

21/07/2026

🌺 EAVAMA IMMIGRATION TURNS ONE AND LICENCE RENEWED! 🎉

One year ago, I had no income and no certainty about what was ahead. I had left my stable career at Immigration New Zealand, returned to study and moved temporarily to ACC while waiting to obtain my licence and start my business.

It was a huge leap of faith, but earlier this month, Eavama Immigration celebrated one year in business. What a year it has been! In just 12 months, I’ve supported more than 350 clients through visa applications, Ministerial requests, Immigration and Protection Tribunal appeals, consultations, workshops and other general immigration matters.

Grateful to have helped families secure residence, supported clients through very difficult immigration situations and found a way forward for people who thought they had run out of options.

Some of my highlights:

• Started a food bank to support families experiencing hardship
• Delivered free immigration workshops for our regional communities
• Advocated for vulnerable migrants and those affected by exploitation or poor immigration advice
• Helped families remain together or reunite during some of the most stressful times in their lives

There have been sacrifices, long hours, many lessons and moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough. But the wins continue to remind me why this work is important.

To every client who trusted me with their story, referred someone, shared a post, encouraged me or supported this business, thank you so much!

I am incredibly proud of these milestones and with God leading the way, I know this is only the beginning 🙏🏽

11/05/2026

Northland is home to a large migrant community, including many Pacific families and especially a strong Fijian community working in corrections, forestry and trades. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to support families with a wide range of immigration matters including children's visa requirements, understanding visa obligations, knowing what to do when things go wrong and helping people better understand their pathways to residence 🇳🇿

One of the biggest challenges is trying to break the fear and mistrust within our Pacific communities around seeking immigration help 🙏🏽❤️ Too many people have either had bad experiences themselves or heard stories that make the immigration process feel intimidating or confusing. My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, receiving honest advice and properly understanding their options without fear or judgment 🫶🏽

If you can do it yourself, I will always encourage you to save your money and do so if you feel confident in submitting your own visa application. Has anyone ever heard of an adviser or lawyer actually telling you to save your money and do your own application? 😅 But if you are unsure or overwhelmed, that’s where I come in to support and guide you through the process.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to listen and those who trusted me enough to share your stories and discuss your situation. A very special thank you to Lata and Ame from the Fale Pasifika, for all the work that went into organising and coordinating the week 🌺

See you again soon Northland!

Vinaka sara vakalevu 🇫🇯❤️