Immigration Services Otago

09/02/2025

Active Investor Plus Visas will change from 01 April 2025.

The investment streams will simplified to Growth and Balanced.

Growth will require a minimum investment of $5 million for 3 years in managed funds or direct investment. Growth requires visa holders to spend a minimum of 21 days in New Zealand over the investment period.

Balanced will require a minimum investment of $10 million for 5 years in either bonds, listed equities, philanthropy, specific property development or funds acceptable for the Growth category. Balanced requires visa holders to spend a minimum of 105 days in New Zealand over the investment period, unless eligible for a reduction by investing above the minimum investment amount into direct investments or managed funds.

Investments will need to be made within six months (an extension to 12 months is possible).

English language requirements have been abolished.

Further information will be released in March, like all policy the devil is in the detail. Keep an eye out on our page for further information.

27/01/2025

An exciting change for those visiting New Zealand and can work remotely!

In a landmark move to attract global talent and foster economic growth, the New Zealand Government has announced new Visitor Visa conditions allowing tourists to work remotely while enjoying what New Zealand has to offer.

From 27 January 2025, Visitor Visa holders can remotely work in their job providing they do not:
Work for a New Zealand employer; or
Offer goods or services in New Zealand in exchange for gain or reward from either New Zealand businesses or persons in New Zealand; or
Require the visitor to be physically present at a place of work in New Zealand.

This new policy applies to all Visitor Visas, covering tourists, family visits, and partners or guardians on longer-term visas. It’s essential to note that only overseas-based remote work is permitted. This includes visa waiver citizens entering New Zealand on an eTA.

Applicants could be eligible for a Visitor Visa for single entry for up to 9 months. Visas waiver citizens will need to apply for a Visitor Visa if they wish to stay longer than an eTA allows them.

Anyone planning to work remotely for more than 90 days should consider potential tax implications and seek tax advice.

For those considering a visit to New Zealand, these changes present an exciting opportunity to experience the country’s unparalleled beauty while maintaining your professional pursuits. As Licensed Immigration Advisers, Depart Immigration is here to assist you in navigating these new waters and making the most of your work and travel adventure in New Zealand. Contact us today for further information.

16/12/2024

Big changes for 2025!

Exciting news for employers and migrants in New Zealand! The Government has released significant reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), aiming to better support employers in filling skill gaps and streamline processes.

Key changes include:
Removal of the median wage threshold for AEWV roles, while still ensuring employees are offered the market rate.
Reduction of experience requirements for migrants from three years to two, enhancing access to skilled workers.
Introduction of new seasonal visa pathways in November 2025, providing multi-entry and single-entry options for experienced and lesser-skilled workers.
Increased visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 AEWV holders to three years, aligning with maximum continuous stay allowances.
Amendment of the MSD engagement requirement to a declaration-based process, simplifying employer obligations.
Extended interim work rights for AEWV applicants, allowing continued employment during visa processing.
Removal of online training module requirements for accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) from January 2025.

These changes will be rolled out in stages throughout 2025, starting in January. This is a great step forward in securing the skills and experience New Zealand needs!

18/11/2024

Our latest blog post on the recent changes with what happens when businesses are sold: https://departimmigration.com/blog/business-sale-what-happens-to-your-migrant-workers

24/09/2024

From 01 October 2024 partners of New Zealand citizens and residents can hold visas up to a maximum three years.

02/09/2024

A temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa subcategory is available for some seasonal work. Futher information can be found at: https://departimmigration.com/blog/7o6o7ljqo9ef6l24zug3jkqdbw525p

05/08/2024

A temporary change for Dairy Farmers this calving season means some Dairy Farm Assistant (ANZSCO 841512) positions do not need to meet English language, suitably qualified or minimum skills thresholds. Applicants need to be in NZ on 02 August 2024 and have applied for their AEWV between 07 April and 02 August 2024.

16/07/2024

Our latest blog, on what has gone wrong with controlling third party accreditation: https://departimmigration.com/blog/navigating-the-challenges-what-went-wrong-with-controlling-third-party-employer-accreditation

21/06/2024

Partners of Student Visa holders can now apply for a Work Visa, with open work rights, if their partner is studying a specified level 7 or 8 bachelor’s or bachelor’s (honours) degree that will lead directly to professional registration required for a Green List role.

17/06/2024

From today all supporting documents must be provided in English or with certified translations for Visitor Visa applications.

Get in touch if you need help with your visa or employer application.

11/06/2024

The first wave of employers who gained employer accreditation will be due to renew their accreditation from 04 July. The renewal process is more onerous than the original application and depending on your situation you may not need to renew at all. Contact us for further information.

10/06/2024

We have been a bit quiet on our socials lately as we have busy with our recent expansion. Immigration Services Otago is now part of the Depart Immigration group. Our Oamaru office has fully licensed staff for New Zealand visas, employer accreditation and job checks advice.