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.
Median wage change from 27 February 2023
As planned, the new median wage of NZD $29.66 an hour will be adopted into the immigration system on 27 February 2023.
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.
2021 Resident Visa applications will be prioritised for medical professionals
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has decided to prioritise 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications from Green List medical professionals with the aim to meet the demand for several skilled roles in the health sector.
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.
NZ Immigration changes to the Green List
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Immigration Minister Michael Wood have announced massive changes in the immigration settings allowing nurses, specialist doctors and midwives immediate residency pathways, among a range of few additional measures.
Changing the conditions of NZ work visas
Immigration New Zealand has made important changes to the variation of conditions or rules of some work visas, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Essential Skills Work Visa.
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.
2021 Resident Visa prioritisation
Employers who hire foreign skilled migrants take on responsibilities and obligations under New Zealand’s immigration and labour laws. Getting familiar with your responsibilities is crucial so here are some key points to keep in mind.
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.
NZ employer responsibilities and obligations – everything you need to know
Employers who hire foreign skilled migrants take on responsibilities and obligations under New Zealand’s immigration and labour laws. Getting familiar with your responsibilities is crucial so here are some key points to keep in mind.
NZ’s Expression of Interest (EOI) form for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa will change from 3 November 2022
From Thursday 3 November 2022 at 8 pm, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing the expression of interest (EOI) form for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa to give people more time to meet the visa requirements.