Visa Services and Migrant Support

Migration Associates is dedicated to offering personalised services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you require a temporary visa or are looking at long-term options, our dedicated team is here to assist.

Temporary vs. Permanent Visas: Understanding Your Options

Whether you are looking for a temporary stay or considering making New Zealand your permanent home, we can assist you with a wide range of temporary and permanent visa options tailored to your needs.

Temporary Visas:

A temporary visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for a specified period, typically with an expiry date. Most temporary visas allow for multiple entries into New Zealand before their expiry. You must leave New Zealand on or before the visa expiry date unless you apply for and receive a further visa.

Working Holiday Visas: A Working Holiday Visa is available to individuals from eligible countries allowing them to work and experience the New Zealand lifestyle without the commitment of a permanent job. Applicants must meet age requirements and other requirements linked to the length of stay you are applying for.

Accredited Employer Work Visa: If you are a skilled professional who has a job opportunity in New Zealand, our team can assist you in obtaining an AEWV. This visa category allows you to work for a New Zealand accredited employer and enjoy the benefits of developing your career and experiencing the lifestyle New Zealand provides.  Along with securing a New Zealand job offer, applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand requirements.

Partner and dependent children of AEWV Holders: Families of AEWV holders may be eligible to support their partner and dependent children to gain a New Zealand visa.  Work visa holders must be in eligible employment to support their partner and applicants must meet New Zealand partnership requirements.

Partner and Children of a Resident Visa Holder/New Zealander: For individuals whose partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you have the opportunity to apply for a visa based on partnership.  This visa category enables you to join your loved one in New Zealand, by obtaining either a visitor or a work visa, dependent on your length of relationship and ability to sufficiently evidence your partnership.

Permanent Visas:

A permanent visa allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely, with no expiry date. However, some permanent visas may have travel conditions attached. If you are outside of New Zealand when your travel conditions expire, your visa will lapse, and you will need to apply for a further visa to stay in New Zealand or re-enter the country.

Skilled Resident Visas: There are various pathways to gain a resident visa for New Zealand, allowing you to live and work permanently in New Zealand.   The pathway will depend on your occupation, qualifications, income and/or work experience, and applicants must meet general resident visa requirements.

Partner and Children of a Resident Visa Holder/New Zealander: For individuals whose partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you have the opportunity to apply for a visa based on partnership.  This visa category enables you to join your loved one in New Zealand, by obtaining resident visa, dependent on your length of relationship and ability to sufficiently evidence your partnership.

Useful Information

↪︎ NZQA International Qualification Assessment– Get your qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to understand how they compare to the New Zealand education system.

↪︎ Occupational Registration – Learn about the registration requirements for various professions in New Zealand, such as healthcare professionals, teachers, and engineers.

↪︎ English Requirements – Find out about the English language proficiency requirements for living, working, and studying in New Zealand.

 

Explore our comprehensive range of visa services below:

Temporary Visas

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Accredited Employer Work Visa
Accredited Employer Work Visa Overview

When it comes to work visas, the main option for skilled migrants in New Zealand is currently the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

If you receive a job offer in New Zealand that meets the requirements, and you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for the job, you may be eligible for a work visa under the AEWV policy for durations of up to 5 years.

To qualify for this visa, employers must first apply for and obtain accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) as an accredited employer. This accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of the organization’s training, workplace conditions, and other practices.

Once accredited, employers must obtain an approved Job Check form from INZ to ensure that the employment offered meets certain standards, including minimum work hours, payment at the market rate, and compliance with employment regulations. With these steps completed, migrant workers meeting the specified eligibility and advertised criteria can apply for the AEWV.

Partners And Children

Partners and children of work visa holders may be eligible to apply for a work visa based on partnership and a dependent student or visitor visa, subject to the principal applicant’s job offer being assessed as a meeting the criteria of a mid-skilled or high-skilled role (including meeting the relevant remuneration threshold). Partner and children will be granted visas for the same length as the work visa holder and will be entitled to work and study in New Zealand for the same period of time as the work visa holder.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Connect with our recruitment partner,  New Zealand Skills in Demand and stay in the loop on the latest job openings by registering your profile today.
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
AEWV Extension
Requesting the Remaining Balance of Your Work Visa

Since November 2023, AEWV holders can apply for the balance of their extended visa length. However, it is important to note that this extension does not occur automatically; applicants must undergo a queue-based processing system.

A migrant worker can work in New Zealand for up to 5 years under certain conditions: by working in an ANZSCO 1, 2, or 3 occupation; working in an occupation on the Green List; being listed in the Transport Sector Work to Residence category; or earning at least 1.5 times the median wage (currently $47.71 per hour).

Similarly, a migrant worker in an ANZSCO 4 or 5 occupation can also work in New Zealand for up to 5 years if they applied for their first Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) between June 21, 2023, and April 6, 2024, and were paid at or above the median wage of $29.66 per hour.

However, migrant workers in ANZSCO 4 or 5 occupations who applied for an AEWV on or before June 20, 2023, can only stay and work in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 years.

 

If you want to find out if you are eligible to apply for the remaining balance of your work visa, we suggest reaching out to us for assistance.
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Visa Transfer to New Passport
Transferring Your Visa to a New Passport

Whether your passport is renewed, lost, stolen, or if you are unable to obtain a new passport, transferring your visa to the new document is crucial. Failure to do so might result in complications during travel or legal issues. This process is necessary for both physical visa labels and eVisas.

If you encounter any of these situations, we encourage you to contact us for assistance.
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Variations of Conditions
Variation of Conditions

In New Zealand, visa conditions are tailored to the specific type of visa held. These conditions encompass various aspects such as employment, education, and duration of stay. They are typically documented in the eVisa, visa label within the passport, and the official approval correspondence.

Should an individual seek alterations to their work, visitor, or student visa conditions, or if the current conditions become unsuitable, they have the option to request a variation of conditions.

It is important to note that variations can only be approved if they align with the initial purpose of the visa. For instance, while a student visa can be adjusted to accommodate a different course of study, transitioning to full-time employment would necessitate obtaining a new work visa.

The specifics of documentation required for a variation application vary based on individual circumstances.

 

If your circumstances have changed and you need to apply for a variation of conditions, we recommend that you contact us for assistance.
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Family Visa

New Zealand offers several temporary family visas, allowing family members to join their loved ones in the country for a defined period.

The main categories of these visas are:

    1. Partnership Visas: Designed for partners, spouses, or fiancé(e)s of New Zealand residents, citizens, or visa holders. These visas include Visitor Visas and Work Visas (open or with conditions). To qualify, the sponsoring partner must hold an acceptable visa type (such as student visa, work visa, resident visa), or be a New Zealand citizen. The partnership must be genuine, long-term, and exclusive, with specific living together requirements.
    2. Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who have recently married, or intend to marry, a New Zealand resident or citizen through a traditional arranged marriage. This visa allows the holder to live with their partner in New Zealand for up to 3 months or to travel to New Zealand for the purpose of marrying.
    3. Dependent Child Visas: Dependent children can join their parents in New Zealand on temporary visitor or student visas. The age eligibility for dependent children varies depending on the type of visa.

These temporary family visas provide avenues for family reunification under different circumstances and adhere to specific eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration New Zealand.

Are you ready to begin your journey? 

      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
General Visitor Visa
Overview of General Visitor Visa

The General Visitor Visa and NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) are both necessary for entry into New Zealand, each serving distinct purposes. Travelers from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA, while those from other nations or intending stays exceeding 3 months require a General Visitor Visa. However, specific circumstances may warrant a General Visitor Visa even for individuals typically eligible for an NZeTA.

The General Visitor Visa permits stays of 9-18 months, extendable under certain conditions. While it allows for studying for up to 3 months within a 12-month period, it does not permit employment. Allowed activities include visiting friends and family, exploring the country, participating in amateur sports, and exploring potential employment opportunities through job interviews. It is essential to emphasise that while job hunting or attending interviews is allowed on a visitor visa, the primary purpose must be leisure travel.

If you receive a job offer in New Zealand, a separate work visa application is necessary before starting employment. If you are considering applying for a visitor visa for the purpose of looking for employment opportunities, we recommend that you contact us for assistance. Our team is available to assist you with the application process, ensuring all requirements are met and potential complications are avoided. Whether extending your stay for further exploration, finalising travel plans, or pursuing additional visa options, we are here to support you every step of the way.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visa
Working Holiday Visa Overview

If your country has a working holiday scheme with New Zealand you may be able to pack your backpack and travel to New Zealand for a year on a Working Holiday. New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa Scheme allows young nationals of certain countries to work in New Zealand on a temporary basis for up to 12 months in order to supplement their travels.

The Working Holiday Visa is a great way to have heaps of fun and to experience the New Zealand lifestyle. You will also meet other people on their travels and have the best time of your life.

You can only work on a temporary contract and cannot work on a permanent contract whilst on a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand. If you obtain a permanent job offer in New Zealand whilst on a Working Holiday Visa then you may be in a position to apply for a Work Visa and remain in New Zealand beyond the duration of your Working Holiday Visa. Our New Zealand office will be able to assist you with this.

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.

New Zealand has working holiday visa agreements with many other countries as well as the UK. To find out more click on a country.


Download an FAQ sheet for your nationality:

 

Click to email one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers and start your journey

Fee-Paying Student Visa
Overview of the Fee-Paying Student Visa

New Zealand is known worldwide for its high-quality education, and international students are an integral part of its educational institutions.

If you plan to study full-time in New Zealand for more than three months, whether at a school, university, or English language program, you will likely need to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. To apply, you must first be accepted into an approved course at a New Zealand educational institution and comply with visa conditions, which include attending your classes.

With this visa, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your studies, or full-time during scheduled breaks, as long as you meet the visa requirements. You may also need to either be exempt from or pay course fees. While English language proficiency is not always required for the visa application, some institutions may have specific language requirements for admission, so it is best to check with your chosen institution.

A student visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course, which can be up to four years. However, the duration of your visa may be shorter if your passport expires before your course ends.

Additionally, partners and children of student visa holders studying at certain qualification levels may also apply for temporary visas, provided they meet the relevant policy criteria.

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Post Study Work Visa
Overview of the Post-Study Visa

After completing your studies in New Zealand, you might be eligible for a post-study work visa. To qualify, your degree must be listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa. With this visa, you can work for any employer anywhere in New Zealand, regardless of your occupation or location within the country. The duration of the visa can be up to 3 years, depending on the level of your qualification and where you studied. Typically, a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher grants a 3-year visa. If your qualification is below Level 7, you will need to work in a job related to your field of study.

For post-study work visa lasting two years or more, partners and children of student visa holders studying at certain qualification levels may also apply for temporary visas, provided they meet the relevant policy criteria.

Those who secure skilled employment offers may be eligible to apply for residence under the SMC, subject to meeting relevant policy criteria.

Are you ready to begin your journey? 

      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to establish yourself in New Zealand and contact us today by filling out the evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.

Permanent Visas

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Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Overview

From 09 October 2023, INZ have introduced a simplified points system aimed at streamlining and enhancing the visa application process for prospective immigrants.

The Points System

The SMC point-based system is designed to attract and place emphasis on prospective applicants possessing sought-after skills in the New Zealand market and/or possessing an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand. It is essential for applicants to accumulate a minimum of 6 points to meet the eligibility criteria.

Points are claimed based on skills from either New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income. If required, additional points are claimed for the number of years of skilled work experience in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. Applicants can only claim points from one of the skill categories (registration, qualification, or income), likely choosing the one they can be awarded the most points. For instance, you cannot combine qualification points with New Zealand occupational registration points. Also, the higher the skill points able to be claimed, the less work experience required before applying for a resident visa.

Expression of Interest

If an applicant is eligible to claim 6 points and meets the prerequisites for health, character, and English Language, they may then lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) with INZ. The EOI will then be assessed by INZ, and a positive assessment will result in the applicant being invited to apply for a resident visa under the SMC. Once an applicant is invited to apply for a resident visa, they will then be required to submit evidence that they are eligible to be awarded the points claimed in their EOI.

 

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill  out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Straight to Residence (Green List Tier 1) Resident Visa
Straight to Residence Visa Overview

The Straight to Residence Visa Category is aimed at attracting highly skilled migrants to New Zealand. The category provides a resident visa option for migrant workers whose occupation is listed on Tier 1 of INZ’s ‘Green List’ and is subject to meeting the specific requirement(s) listed for the occupation.

Tier 1 of the Green List contains a number of highly skilled occupations that have been identified as being in on-going, high demand due to labour shortages in New Zealand. As a result, those who have one of the listed occupations, can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. An application for this visa can be made from either onshore or offshore, and the applicant must evidence their eligibility to meet the specified requirement(s) of their occupation as well as the general requirements.

In addition to the general resident visa requirements mentioned previously, you must also meet the specific Straight to Residence category requirements:

  • You must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one,
  • Your offer of employment must be full time (at least 30 hours a week), permanent, genuine, and sustainable by the employer or at least a 12-month fixed term contract. Under certain circumstances independent contractors are also eligible,
  • You must meet the specific remuneration, qualification, work experience and/or registration requirement listed for your occupation, and,
  • Your offer of employment must be a substantial match to the occupation listed on Tier 1 of the Green List and you must meet the specific requirement(s).
Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill  out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Work To Residence (Green List Tier 2) Resident Visa
Work to Residence Visa Overview

The Work to Residence Visa Category is aimed at attracting highly skilled migrants to New Zealand. The category provides a resident visa option for migrant workers whose occupation is listed on Tier 2 of INZ’s ‘Green List’ and is subject to meeting the specific requirement(s) listed for the occupation.

Tier 2 of the Green List contains a number of highly skilled occupations that have been identified as being in on-going, high demand due to labour shortages in New Zealand. As a result, those who have one of the listed occupations, can apply for a Work to Residence Visa. The applicant must evidence their eligibility to meet the specified requirement(s) of their occupation as well as the general requirements.

In addition to the general resident visa requirements mentioned previously, you must also meet the specific Work to Residence category requirements:

  • You must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one,
  • Your offer of employment must be full time (at least 30 hours a week), permanent, genuine, and sustainable by the employer or at least a 12-month fixed term contract. Under certain circumstances independent contractors are also eligible,
  • You must meet the specific remuneration, qualification, work experience and/or registration requirement listed for your occupation,
  • Your offer of employment must be a substantial match to the occupation listed on Tier 2 of the Green List and you must meet the specific requirement(s), and,
  • You must have worked in a Green List – Work to Residence occupation for 24 months and met your occupation’s specific requirements for the whole 24 months.
Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill  out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa Overview

This category enables partners of New Zealand citizens and residents to apply for residency. In order to apply under this category you must meet all policy requirements, show that you and your New Zealand partner are in a genuine and stable relationship and have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least the last 12 months.

You must also show that your relationship meets the minimum requirements for the recognition of a partnership, evidence that your partner is an eligible sponsor and meet all heath and character requirements.

Applicants must also meet character and health requirements.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Dependent Child Resident Visa
Dependent Child Resident Visa Overview

This category enables dependent children to join their parents in New Zealand. In order to apply under this category you must show that you meet all policy requirements, and ensure that your sponsor is an eligible sponsor. You may qualify if you are up to 24 years old, single, with no children of your own, and are fully dependent on your parents for financial support.

Applicants must meet the character and health requirements.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Parent Resident Visa
Parent Resident Visa Overview

This category enables parents to join their children in New Zealand and is open to parents of an adult child (i.e. child over the age of 17) who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. The parent(s) must meet the relevant policy criteria including health and character requirements. They must be sponsored by their New Zealand citizen or permanent resident child who must also meet the policy criteria, including meeting the relevant remuneration threshold.

The Parent Resident Visa category has an annual quota of 1000 applications per year. Applicants must submit an expression of interest, and if the application is selected from the pool, they may be invited to apply for residence.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa Overview

The NZ Parent Retirement Residence Visa category enables applicants who have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident to apply to live in New Zealand permanently. Applicants will need to meet financial criteria including having an annual income of NZ $60,000 plus NZ $1 million to invest for 4 years, and another NZ $500,000 settlement funds to live on. They will also need to meet other policy criteria including health and character requirements. Once the applicant has completed the 4-year investment period, they will be eligible for permanent residence.

 

Are you ready to begin your journey? 
      • Request a call back today by filling up our contact form.
      • Fill out our free evaluation form.
      • And remember to explore our seminars and webinars, where you’ll find expert guidance and insider insights on navigating immigration and settling in New Zealand.

Our Network of Partners

Migration Associates has established a strong network of partners in New Zealand, including reputable employers and recruitment agencies. This network allows us to provide comprehensive support to our clients, not only in visa application processes but also in securing job opportunities.  Check out our recruitment partners’ hot jobs.