Regardless of where you are in life, what career path you’ve chosen or what blessings or hardships you’re dealing with, family serves as the woven thread that connects generations. The NZ Grandparent Visa stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to family values and staying connected to those you love the most, even though some of your family members might reside outside of New Zealand.

This visa offers a heartfelt opportunity for citizens or permanent residents to extend a warm embrace to their elders. This comprehensive guide unveils the perks of this particular visa, outlines eligibility criteria and details necessary documents. If you’re interested in applying for this, or any, visa, it’s extremely important that you understand all of the conditions and requirements before you submit any application.

The NZ Grandparent Visa: Keeping Generations Connected

More than a travel document, this visa is a bridge that spans the distance between generations. Crafted for grandparents of NZ citizens or residents, this visitor visa is a conduit for reuniting families, allowing for multiple entries over a three-year period. This visa can enable a cumulative stay of up to 18 months, with each visit being able to extend up to six months. This can offer a flexible and generous time frame for grandparents to spend quality time with their children and grandchildren during their golden years.

Eligibility Criteria For The NZ Grandparents Visa

Like any other visa, embarking on the journey to obtain this type of visa requires meeting certain eligibility criteria:

• Sponsorship: The sponsor must be a grandchild aged at least 17 years or the parent of the grandchild holding an NZ resident visa. Financial stability, intended length of stay, immigration history and criminal record of the sponsor are evaluated. 
• Limitations: A sponsor is restricted to sponsoring either one individual or one family unit (a principal applicant and their partner) at a given time. 
• Healthcare Expenses: Applicants must agree to bear their healthcare expenses during their stay.

Documents Required For This Visa

To ensure a seamless application process, grandparents must provide essential documents, including the following:

• Proof Of Identity: A passport and photographs meeting New Zealand visa photo requirements must be provided to prove the applicant’s identity.
• Health Verification: A chest X-ray and medical examination certificates are required.
• Police Certificate: This document is required only if applicable, especially if the applicant has spent over six months in New Zealand.
• Intentions To Visit New Zealand: Evidence of travel history, retirement certification and a letter detailing family relationships must be presented. You will also need proof of the purpose of the visit, which is often to spend time with family members.

Please note that the application process is rarely quick, and this is no exception for NZ Grandparent Visas. These applications are usually processed within six months, although the processing time may be shorter or longer due to circumstances. So, be prepared to wait for your visa to be correctly processed. If your grandparent needs to be in New Zealand at a specific time, it would be wise to start the process early to allow for processing time.

You will also need to pay an application fee when submitting your application. In this case, the application fee starts at $211.

The Difference Between The Parents Residency Visa And The NZ Grandparents Visa

While the Parents Residency Visa has garnered attention, the Grandparent Visa holds its unique advantages:

• Cost: The fees associated with this visa are notably lower than those for the residency visa.
• Eligibility: The Grandparent Visa extends to grandparents, broadening the scope of eligible family members. 
• Processing Time. The Grandparent Visa boasts a quicker processing time compared to the potentially longer timeline for the residency visa. However, you should still note that processing times may vary.

Grandparent Visa Consultants At Your Service: Navigating The Visa Landscape

While this guide provides you with essential information, the visa application process involves many nuances that demand professional expertise. The NZ Grandparent Visa isn’t just a document; it’s a way for generations to stay connected and bond with one another, so it’s important to apply for it correctly if you dream of spending more time with your loved ones.

To ensure that your application is fully filled out correctly, you understand all of your opportunities and you enhance your chances of being granted a visa, we invite you to speak to our team at Auckland South Immigration Consultants. We’re proud to use our training and expertise to help people just like you stay connected with your beloved family. 

For more information about the NZ Grandparent Visa, you can visit our website to read all about it. We believe that you deserve to stay well-informed, so we encourage you to learn more about any visa you’re interested in applying for before you send in any applications. 

If you’d like some assistance, we’re here to help. Call our team on +64 9 279 7283 or reach out to us through our contact page to get in touch.

Auckland South Immigration Consultants are here to help you create beautiful family memories with those you love.

According to experts, the employment market of New Zealand will continue to see the steady growth it has experienced in the last three years. And, while job opportunities will be available across the board, there are some specific skills that are urgently needed. Finding your qualifications or occupation on the list will certainly make the process of acquiring a work visa that much easier. Based on your skills, potential employers will be identified and notified.

Lists of Skill Shortages

To streamline the process for both employers and potential applicants, the New Zealand government has compiled several lists of skill shortages. The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) details occupations where there is a sustained and on-going shortage of workers both globally and in the country. Meanwhile, occupations on the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) are those that require skilled workers when no New Zealand citizens are available. There is also the Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL) which enumerates occupations that are in shortage specifically in the Canterbury region for the rebuild from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Shortages Across Different Industries

Applicants will be glad to know that multiple industries have job vacancies. There are Immediate shortages and Long Term shortages in industries like Agriculture and Forestry, Construction, Education, Engineering, Finance/Business, Health and Social Services, ICT and Electronics, Oil and Gas, Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism, Science, Trades and Transport. Right now, the demands for carpenters, builders, electricians, plumbers and welders are high, so visa applicants should take advantage while they can.

Before Applying for a Visa

While having the skills currently in demand is already an edge, it would help if you have the experience to show for it along with your credentials. You should also note that an essential skills work visa does not necessarily allow you to include a partner or dependent in the application. Dependents can, however, apply for a visa separately based on their relationship to you. And, even then, this will only apply to those who will be earning at least NZ $36,800. Those who plan to work on a self-employment arrangement also can’t apply for this visa.

Holders of this specific visa can expect to stay up to five years, but this would always depend on the skill level of the job offered. But, there is no limit to the number of Essential Skills Work Visas you can apply for to extend your stay.

Email Auckland South Immigration Consultants on atesh@asic.co.nz to seek guidance.
 
Sources:

Essential Skills Work Visa, New Zealand Immigration
Job market & key industries, New Zealand Now

People rarely need to see an extensive list of motivations to move to New Zealand. Plenty of employment opportunities and a chance at a great lifestyle for families waiting are reasons enough. However, as a NZ immigration adviser may tell you, settling in isn’t always going to be easy, what with the emotional and physical stress. Make your transition to a new life more manageable by preparing accordingly, starting with your visa.

Go Over All of Your Options

If you aim to live in New Zealand permanently, you will most likely need a residence visa. Now, you should note that there are many options for visas. A licensed immigration adviser can help work out which type you would be eligible for. Once you have selected a category to apply for, carefully read through the requirements. The application can take some time to complete, and the last thing you need is to be delayed because you lack some paper work. Even then, you may not be approved readily, which is why it’s advisable to have a second set of eyes to go over everything – something an immigration adviser like Auckland south Immigration Consultants can also help you with.

Learn About the Employment Market

New Zealand’s employment market is one of the fastest growing around the world. Different sectors and industries are always on the lookout for skilled workers, and the government encourages this, which is why those who possess skills that are in demand might be given a little leeway. If you do not have family already living in the country, you might want to see if any of your skills are included in a skill shortage list. There are several varieties of on demand skill lists (long term, immediate, Canterbury, List of skilled occupations). If your occupation is on one of these lists, you may apply for a specific type of visa like the skilled migrant, essential skills, or work to residence.

Have Important Documents Handy

While your visa is one of the essentials, you should not forget other documents that are just as important. For instance, having your birth certificate, marriage certificate, resume, credit references, international driver’s license, and academic qualifications will make registering for services much easier and you will get settled faster. You may want to ask an immigration adviser like Auckland South Immigration Consultants which of these documents should be in your own language or in certified English translations though so you don’t run into any trouble.

Email Auckland South Immigration Consultants on atesh@asic.co.nz for assistance.
 
Sources:

Before you apply, New Zealand Now
Before you leave, New Zealand Now

The New Zealand labour market is at its peak condition this year with the unemployment rate down to a significant 5.3 per cent, the lowest since 2009.The employment rate, on the other hand, rose to 13 per cent which translates to about 31,000 people hired, and experts say that further growth can be expected. In fact, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the employment is projected to increase 2.1 per cent each year.

With help from an NZ immigration adviser, immigrants looking for job stability will certainly find it in this country.

Thriving and High-Demand Industries

Experienced workers who have valuable skills for certain industries can make a living in New Zealand. By far, the industry with the highest demand and a good rate of employment as of the moment is construction, focused on technicians and trades people. However, according to the government, industries like health, education, social services, personal services, agriculture and horticulture could prove to be a better fit due to long standing demands.

Other sectors would also see growth in the future, with the need to fill new occupations that may have not been around before. Countless technological advances, globalization and demographic shifts have paved the way for industries like biotechnology, information technology, food and beverage, as well as the movie-making sector.

Factors that Affect Job Stability

The labour market changes based on the country’s needs. And right now, employees demand stability and security in their careers. As such, employers and businesses have changed their ways to improve retention rates. Companies now are more likely to contract workers for highly specific tasks. Versatility is also a highly sought after trait for any industry since there can be a need to switch tasks quickly and employers are leaning towards horizontal career development rather than upward promotion. However, companies will also be willing to spend resources on employees that show promise for improvement through ongoing training or retraining. All of these make in demand jobs in New Zealand more stable.

Transitioning from Work to Residence

The labour market’s current condition is precisely why there are many willing workers who want to apply for work to residence visa in New Zealand. Upgrading from temporary work, long term skill shortage list work or skilled migrant visas is also possible. Normally, you will be required to stay in the country for 2 years before you can apply. You must also meet health and character requirements.

Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants for assistance by emailing atesh@asic.co.nz.

Sources:

Labour market situation, CareersNZ

The future of work, CareersNZ

Residence from Work Category, New Zealand Now

If you’re looking for employment opportunities overseas, New Zealand is one of the best places to be. With a thriving economy and numerous vacancies, New Zealand has always been an accommodating place for skilled migrant workers to find work.

Now, job opportunities continue to grow, especially with unemployment rates falling to the lowest it has been since 2008. This climate only makes it ideal for you to start considering on applying for a work visa in New Zealand.

Fewer Unemployed than Last Year

The latest numbers from Statistics New Zealand show that the unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 per cent during the second quarter of 2016, compared to the 6.2 per cent unemployment rate recorded during the same period last year.

In unadjusted terms, North Island regions like Auckland reported an unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent in the June 2016 quarter. These numbers have been the lowest it had been since the September 2008 quarter, when the unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent.

Numerous Industries in Need of Workers

Another study conducted by employment firm SEEK found that there were 4.8 per cent more jobs being advertised in July 2016 than during the same period last year. Most available positions were in ICT, trades and services, administration, and office support. Further breaking it down, SEEK found that the most in-demand skills for the ICT industry are developers, programmers, business systems analysts, and project managers.

SEEK New Zealand general manager Janet Faulding attributed the growth of ICT to the fact that many New Zealand companies are tapping into the overseas markets as part of their efforts to grow their business.

More Opportunities in Auckland

Job opportunities in Auckland, for instance, are aplenty. SEEK reported that job adverts in Auckland increased by 5.4 per cent year on year in July. This is due to the area having a strong property market, which thereby drove job opportunities across many professions. Among the many job adverts posted were opportunities in design and architecture, government and defence, construction, accounting, and real estate and property.

Experts foresee that the recruitment market in Auckland will continue to thrive in the future, now that more organisations are ensuring that they get employees with the right skills and experiences.

Take the opportunity of a booming employment market by applying for an essential skills work visa in NZ through Auckland South Immigration Consultants by emailing atesh@asic.co.nz.

Sources:

New Zealand Jobs Accelerate as Caution Urged With New Survey, Bloomberg

Job opportunities rise in New Zealand as unemployment falls, Expat Forum

Auckland seeing strongest job opportunities in New Zealand, Expat Forum

Since the implementation of new changes regarding the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), many applicants are finding it difficult to qualify. According to Immigration New Zealand, migrants would now need 160 points or more for an Expression of Interest (EOI). Applicants with lower points may still submit EIOs, but there is a good chance that they will not be selected.

This, however, does not mean that interested individuals should be deterred from applying for a work visa in New Zealand to get residency in the future. Should you find yourself unable to meet requirements for SMC, you can apply for the Residence from Work Category.

Residence from Work

To be eligible for this category, you must first satisfy two conditions: a.) prove that you have been in New Zealand on a Work to Residence visa for two years and b.) show that you meet health and character requirements. From here, you can proceed with the next steps, depending on which pathway will suit your needs or qualifications more.

Through Accredited Employers

Accredited employers have been pre-approved to hire skilled or talented workers from overseas. You may check Immigration New Zealand’s accredited employer list to determine the status of an organisation.

If you have a temporary work visa that allows you to work for an accredited employer, you can upgrade to a residence class visa. Under the Residence from Work Category, you must fulfil certain requirements. Firstly, you must have been working with an accredited employer for at least two years. During that period, you must have been employed full time by an accredited employer. Lastly, you must be currently employed and have a base salary of at least NZ$55,000 per year. If applicable, you must also have full or provisional registration to practise in your profession.

Long Term Skill Shortage List

If you get an offer for a job that’s on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, you are already at an advantage for getting a work or residence visa. Typically, a migrant will be granted temporary work visa, which can be upgraded to work to residence visa. To be eligible you must have held a Long Term Skill Shortage List visa for at least two years and employed full time within that duration. You must also be aged 55 or below, with a base salary of at least NZ$45,000 on an annual basis. As with the Residence from Work Category under accredited employers, you must also have full or provisional registration as per your occupation, if needed.

There are other ways to obtain residency in NZ. For instance, you may qualify for an essential skills work visa if this option does not work for you. Talk to a licensed immigration adviser from companies like Auckland South Immigration Consultants Limited to learn more. Email atesh@asic.co.nz for assistance.

Sources:

Residence from Work Category, New Zealand Now

Work visas, New Zealand Now

New Zealand may as well be called a land of opportunities with the forecast of continual growth in employment. According to the latest labour market statistics released by Statistics New Zealand, employment, wage and labour force participation growth remain strong. In fact, in the past quarter alone, the employment rate rose to 66.9 percent, a full 2 points increase from the previous year. Salary and wage rates also went up in both private and public sectors. What’s even better is that there are plenty of job offers across all industries that could easily become viable career paths.

If you think it’s time to move onto greener pastures, the first step is to get a New Zealand work visa.

Thriving Industries

Before you get started on your application process, however, see if some of your skills are on the list of skill shortages in New Zealand. This can guarantee to fast track your employment since businesses in all sectors will be actively scouting for workers. Some industries that have both long term and immediate shortages include Agriculture and Forestry, Construction, Engineering, Health and Social Services, Recreational, Hospitality and Tourism, Science and Trades.

Work Visas

There are more than just one type of work visa available for immigrants, but most are given Essential Skills work visas. These are only temporary. To grant you entry into the country, and the duration of your visa will depend largely on the terms of your job offer or the labour market conditions.

If you are set on living permanently in New Zealand and you qualify for a Residence from Work visa, you should be aware of some key changes in the process. The Skilled Migrant Category recently implemented new changes that have somewhat made it harder for migrants to qualify. Immigration New Zealand now requires 160 points or more for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a sure shot at being considered for residency. If you meet initial requirements, you have two options to gain residence.

The first path is through Accredited Employers that have been pre-approved to hire skilled or talented workers from overseas. Upgrading your temporary visa will require you to prove that you have been employed full-time by an Accredited Employer for at least two years, are currently employed and have a base salary of at least NZ$55,000 per year.

The second option is to get an offer for a job on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. You can be in a position to upgrade to a work to residence visa provided that you have held that visa for at least two years and were employed full-time during that time. You must also have a salary of at least NZ$45,000 yearly and be aged 55 or below.

A licensed immigration consultant from companies such as Auckland South Immigration Consultants Limited can guide you through the process. Email atesh@asic.co.nz.

Sources:

Residence from Work Category, New Zealand Now
Job Market & Key Industries, New Zealand Now
Job Opportunities Rise in New Zealand as Unemployment Falls, ExpatForum.com

Forecasts for New Zealand’s economy are quite promising for immigrants looking for employment, particularly in the Auckland region. According to an Infometrics Regional Perspectives report, nearly 85,000 new jobs are expected to be created in Auckland over the next four years. At the same time, other parts of the country such as Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and Otago are projected to experience significant job growth as well.

Data indicates that the continued employment growth is influenced by the 40-year high population increase in the country. A bigger and aging population consequently requires more able workers in residential subdivisions, roading, water and wastewater networks, as well as other infrastructure. As a result, employment in industries like civil engineering, health care, and social assistance go up.

This means an increase in job prospects that can become stable careers in the near future for immigrants. Applicants must first look up skill shortage lists that are modified based on which occupations employers and unions find it difficult to recruit for. Since New Zealand strongly values workers that can fill positions where specific skills are required, immigration is more likely to grant them a visa. A skilled migrant visa, for example, is often granted to a worker with skills found on the Essential Skills in Demand Lists complied by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The Skilled Migrant Category is a points based system that requires the applicant to send an Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI is what will be used to assess your work experience, qualifications and ability to settle in New Zealand. Currently, people who are 55 years old or under, and with EOIs of 160 points or above are being selected for skilled migrant visas. The good news, however, is that if you qualify, you can be on a pathway to living in New Zealand. Starting from an Essential Skills visa, you can apply for an Accredited Employer Work visa or a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work visa then finally, upgrade to a Work to Residence visa.

Under the Accredited Employer category, an accredited employer must offer you full-time work for at least 30 months. This is a viable option for people who are under 55 and don’t need to bring a partner or dependent children into the country. After two years of working for an accredited employer in a job that earns at least NZ$55,000 per year, you will be eligible to apply to live in New Zealand permanently.

For those who are interested in taking the Long Term Skill Shortage route, employment conditions will largely depend on the specific occupation indicated on the skill shortage list. You will be assigned to a specific employer and location for up to 30 months. After which, you can also apply for a visa under the Residence to Work category.

New Zealand is an excellent place to build career, especially for those who have valuable skills in the country’s thriving industries. Discuss your options with a licensed immigration adviser from reputable companies like Auckland South Immigration Consultants today. Email atesh@asic.co.nz now to initiate a discussion

Sources:

85,000 New Jobs for Auckland, Infometrics.co.nz

Skill Shortage, Immigration.govt.nz

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Immigration.govt.nz