News & Views

Job Check declines are one of the most common—and expensive—setbacks employers face under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system. A declined Job Check can delay hiring by months, disrupt workforce planning, and force businesses to restart the process from scratch. At NZIHS, we continue to hear from employers whose Job Check applications are either being declined  or placed under heightened scrutiny  by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The most common issue? Advertised

After years of limited residence opportunities for many trade and technical workers, major changes are now on the horizon. New Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) settings scheduled for 2026  will introduce new pathways to residence , including options for: Skilled workers without formal qualifications Trade and technical workers with Level 4 or higher qualifications International graduates with New Zealand qualifications These reforms are designed to widen access to residence for

New Zealand is no longer just seen as a lifestyle destination - it has become a serious pathway for skilled professionals  seeking long-term career growth, international experience, and residence opportunities. Increasingly, migrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are choosing to begin their New Zealand journey through postgraduate study , particularly at Master’s degree level . And this strategy is growing for good reason. A New Zealand Master’s degree not onl

Most temporary visas in New Zealand are granted based on specific circumstances - such as your job, your relationship, your study, or your dependency on someone else. But circumstances change. Jobs are lost, relationships end, and study plans shift. When that happens, it’s natural to wonder: What does this mean for your visa? The answer depends entirely on your individual situation. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses each case on its own facts , and the outcome can range

If you are waiting on a visa decision and your circumstances have become urgent, you may be able to request an escalation  from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). An escalation is a formal request asking INZ to assess your application ahead of others in the processing queue due to genuine urgency. It’s important to understand that an escalation does not guarantee faster approval . It simply requests that your application is prioritised for assessment. Immigration officers must st

If you want to retain your current migrant workforce or continue hiring new staff on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must renew your employer accreditation before it expires. Many employer accreditations granted in 2024 are now approaching expiry. If your business relies on migrant staff, reviewing your accreditation status should be treated as a priority. Due to the volume of renewal applications currently being lodged, processing times are expected to be exten