When New Zealand’s borders closed on 19 March 2020, no one expected that a year later families would still be separated with no sign of a possible reunion in the near future.

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP has announced the inclusion of 22 additional skilled occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

Due to strict border controls, NZ Immigration cannot legally grant visas to people outside NZ who are unlikely to meet the entry requirements and therefore applications from most people cannot be granted.

The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced an increase in fees for a number of visa applications. Our table below summarises the increases which are now in effect:

Over recent weeks there have been a number of Government announcements affecting immigration. Here’s a quick summary:

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP has announced the inclusion of 22 additional skilled occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

Recently the Government announced that the Australian Superannuation Guarantee will increase from 9.5% to 10% on 1 July 2021

International borders will remain closed until at least mid-2022 therefore the impact of the recent budget announcement is relatively small for migrants wishing to live, work or study in Australia.

Permanent or provisional family visa holders who want to travel to Australia but their Initial Entry Date (first entry date) has passed (or will pass within the next 3 months), may still be able to enter Australia by completing a Travel Facilitation Letter.

The Australian Government has made major changes to student visa conditions, providing more flexibility to support Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The New Zealand Government has announced some changes to Temporary Work visas that include the introduction of a new employer accreditation, a single temporary work visa, and a new employer-led

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP has announced the inclusion of 22 additional skilled occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).