Absolute News
Keeping you absolutely updated
When it comes to immigration, we are thought leaders and we love to share our expertise and knowledge. Check out our articles, opinion pieces, and recorded webinars.
Keep informed with immigration changes as they happen.
New Zealand and Australia have one of the most powerful passports in the world
New Zealand passport holders can travel to 186 countries and Australians have access to 185 international destinations, without having to apply for a visa prior to travel.
Working Holiday Maker Employer Extension
From 19 January 2022 to 30 June 2023, Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) working in any sector anywhere in Australia may continue to work for the same employer or organisation for longer than six months without requesting permission.
Positive changes for IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is now available for test takers of certain visa subclasses and the Department of Home Affairs has accepted this option for immigration purposes.
Expedited citizenship pathway for New Zealanders who hold Australian Permanent Residency
The Australian government has announced that from 1 January 2023, New Zealand stream Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa holders will have the commencement of their permanent residence period for Australian citizenship purposes backdated to 1 January 2022.
Migration Tasmania Application Gateway is now open
Since 12 December 2022, the new Migration Tasmania Application Gateway is open for registrations of interest and applications for skilled visa nomination from Tasmania.
Changes announced for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for New Zealanders living in Australia
The Australian government has set a temporary pause on new applications of the New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent (subclass 189). This means that a new application cannot be made from 10 December 2022 until 1 July 2023.
Travel on a bridging visa while your visa is being processed
If you want to travel overseas this festive season to visit your family or on holiday, but you are waiting for the decision on a temporary or permanent visa, you may be able to apply for another visa to enter Australia.
New Skilled Visa Processing Priorities
The Department of Home Affairs has released a new Ministerial Direction providing a new order of priority of processing for skilled nominations and visa applications.
Streamlined requirements for temporary visa applicants in Australia
Eligible temporary visa applicants in Australia will not be required to undertake medical examinations and chest x-rays in order to meet the health requirement.
Student visa work rights changes 30 Jun 2023
After 30 June 2023, the number of hours a Student visa holder will be allowed to work will again be capped.
Government increases post study work rights duration for international students
The Australian Government will increase the duration of post study work rights of international students to strengthen the pipeline of skilled labour.
Further Regional 2022-23 Migration Program settings announced
We have further details and links for some regional 2022-23 Migration Program settings
Following the announcement of sector agreements being introduced, Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, provides us with a quick summary of what and who.
This week Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, recorded a further video update to the AEWV job check and the issues of incorrect job check applications.
Arno Nothnagel recorded a quick 4 minute video to give our NZ employers more information around the Job Check requirement as part of AEWV.
We welcome the news today that the Government has announced the ‘2021 Resident Visa’. This is a one-off visa, simplifying the pathway to residency for approximately 165,000 migrants who are currently in New Zealand.
