Immigration New Zeaaland has recently updated a number of its visa requirements and criteria, including the following:

Compulsory Licensing to Overseas NZ Advisers and Employers
From the 4th of May 2010 all individuals who will be providing immigration advice in realtion to New Zealand, including employers outside New Zealand who provide immigration advice to incoming staff in relation to New Zealand, will have to be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (the Authority), unless they qualify for an exemption.

More information on the licensing requirement, and obligations of licensed New Zealand immigration adivce providers can be found at the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority website.

New Short-Term Work Visas - the Silver Fern Job Search & the Silver Fern Practical Experience Visas

Silver Fern Job SearchVisa

New Zealand has created two new immigration policies that will allow certain foreign nationals between the ages of 20 and 35 to seek employment, work, or receive on-the-job training. – will take effect on April 27, 2010.

The Silver Fern Job Search Visa will allow individuals able to work for up to nine months, anywhere in New Zealand for any employer in any type of position.

To qualify, an applicant will have to be able to show evidence of having funds of at least NZ$4,200; have a genuine intention to work in New Zealand, have adequate English language skills (IELTS 6.5), and hold an educational or prior experience qualification that is eligible for points under the Skilled Migrant category.

The applicant will also have to pass a full medical examination and provide police clearances from each country of nationality, in addition to any other countries the applicant has resided in for at least 5 years since turning 17.

Silver Fern Job Search Visa

This visa will be available to individuals who already hold a Silver Fern Job Search permit or a Silver Fern Practical Experience permit, and have received an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand for at least 12 months. Work permits issued under this policy will be valid for a maximum period of 24 months, including renewals.

In both cases accompanying family members must obtain their own visa and permit based on their own qualifications.

New Retirement Visas

Individuals seeking to retire in New Zealand, including parents of permanent residents, can now apply for either the Parent Retirement Category and the Temporary Retirement Category Visas. These new visas provide additional options for parents to join their children in New Zealand under a significantly shorter application process than the normal permanent residency policies.

Parent Retirement Category Visa

To obtain permanent residency under the Parent Retirement Category Visa, applicants will be expecteed to:

(1) meet the “centre of gravity” test (i.e. the number of children of the parent-applicant actually residing in New Zealand as citizens or permanent residents must equal or exceed the number of his or her children residing as citizens or permanent residents in any other country);

(2) make a four-year investment of NZ$1 million in New Zealand; and

(3) have an additional NZ$500,000 in liquid assets for personal support plus an annual income of at least NZ$60,000 at the time of application.

Temporary Retirement Category Visa

Applicants must:

(1) be at least 66 years old;

(2) make a two-year investment of NZ$750,000 in New Zealand;

(3) have additional liquid assets of NZ$500,000 for personal support plus an annual income of NZ$60,000 at the time of application; and

(4) must maintain full medical insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand.

Please contact us if you require any further information about any of the above mentioned visas.

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Sort Out My Visa is a Australian and NZ visa specialist, providing visa and migration services to individuals and families wanting to travel to, conduct business, work or live in Australia or New Zealand. Visit Sort Out My Visa for more information.