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LATEST
IMMIGRATION NEWS - NEW ZEALAND
(as published in our newsletters)
 NEW
ZEALAND – NEW VISA CATEGORIES
March 2010 - From 29 March, New Zealand will be offering 2
new retirement visas for entry
These are named - the Temporary Retirement Category and the
Parent Retirement Category (residence).
The Temporary Retirement Category is a special visitor’s
policy designed for those who wish to invest in New Zealand
and stay longer than current Visitor policy allows.
The Parent Retirement Category allows for permanent
residence and follows closely the model of the Australian
Parent visa. Applicants need to make an investment in New
Zealand and show that the balance of your family is in New
Zealand.
Please contact us for more information on either of these
new visa categories.
NEW
ZEALAND – GENERAL INFORMATION
October 2009 - The following is an update on routes of entry
for Investors and Skilled Workers.
Investors:
The recently unveiled New Zealand 'Migrant Investment
Policy' aims to attract financial capital to local firms or
government by providing residence to people under the age of
66 years who wish to make a significant financial
contribution to New Zealand's economy.
The policy is divided into two categories:
Investor Plus - requires a three year investment of NZ$10
million and
Investor - requires an investment NZ$1.5 million for four
years plus assets of NZ$1 million. The requirement for how
long you have to stay in New Zealand and other conditions
vary between these 2 categories but they now present a real
opportunity to many people.
Update on Skilled Workers
The requirement in the New Zealand labour market for the
majority of health professional occupations remains high and
also for Secondary School Teachers. Chefs who are well
qualified with proven experience of leading a team of Cooks,
are also in demand. Many trades’ occupations are currently
in low demand with the exception of Electricians and
Fitter/Turners. If you find an employer who needs your
skills, and you have formal qualifications, then there are
other routes to consider if they have permission to employ
foreign workers.
If you are interested in moving to New Zealand then please
complete the Online Assessment form on our website.
NEW
ZEALAND - NEW GOVERNMENT
November 2008 - The New
Zealand National Party has won the most seats in the New
Zealand parliament in the recent General Election held on
November 8th. Although the exact make up of the new
government has yet to be finalised, it is likely to see a
new focus in immigration policy.
The National Party are committed to attracting New Zealand
citizens overseas to return home (at the moment over 1500
Kiwis emigrate every week). However the new government also
have ambitious plans for a shake-up of the immigration
system.
A designated Retirement Visa is proposed for high net worth
individuals. Also a new “Silver Fern Visa” is proposed
for highly skilled individuals to enter New Zealand to look
for work. This would differ from the current work permit
route which requires an offer of employment.
The next few months could see big changes in New Zealand
immigration, so make sure you remain up to date with our
newsletter.
NEW
ZEALAND – MORE OCCUPATIONS
RECOGNISED FOR IMMIGRATION
February 2008 - New Zealand has the lowest unemployment rate
on record which has created a tight labour market and a
strong need for skilled workers. The record low unemployment
level is 3.5%.
"We have the fifth lowest unemployment rate in the OECD
and we are the only country in the OECD to achieve such a
low unemployment rate over such an extensive period,"
said Ruth Dyson, NZ government minister.
Recognising the need to attract more skilled workers,
changes to immigration policy have been introduced. On the
4th February 2008 New Zealand Immigration introduced new
rules for Skilled Worker applications. The new process
allows for a wider range of jobs to be recognised as skilled
workers that in turn support an immigration application.
Recognition of work experience as well as qualifications
(where held) will determine how successful an application
will be. If you would like to know if your job is on the
list please complete our
free online assessment.
 NEW ZEALAND – INVESTORS
October 2007 - The New Zealand government are in the process of amending their regulations
for entry as an Investor.
A new category called the “Active Investor Migrant Category” is to be
introduced in November 2007. This will be a points based system, which will
place an annual cap of 1,000 people in this category.
The previous Investor category required an investor to deposit at least NZ$2
million with the New Zealand government, with a small annual return being
paid. The new category will give investors much more freedom to decide where
to invest in New Zealand’s economy.
However, the new category will have stringent minimum entry criteria.
Applicants must be able to invest NZ$2.5 million, have at least 4 years
business experience and be under 54 years of age.
If you require more information on this new Investor category then please
contact
us.
NEW
ZEALAND
– LONG TERM BUSINESS VISA
March 2007 - One of the most flexible routes to gaining
residence in New Zealand is through the Long-Term Business
Visa.
This allows those with experience of running their own
business the opportunity to obtain a 3-year visa to
establish a business in New Zealand. Each application needs
to be accompanied by a sound business plan outlining the
proposed venture in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Immigration Service then checks the business
plan and the viability of the proposed venture. They also
carry out checks on the background experience of the
applicant and verify that the applicant has the funds
necessary to establish the business.
There is no minimum amount required to invest but obviously
this will depend on the business being established.
After the business has been running for 2 years the
applicant and his/her family can apply for residence in New
Zealand.
For further information on migration to New Zealand, please call us
on (+44) (0) 20 8365 3380 or complete an Online Assessment
form on our website www.commonwealthimmigration.com.
We hope that these news have been informative for you. However, remember
everyone's circumstances are different so if you or a friend or family member
want to check your eligibility to emigrate then either
1) complete the Online
Assessment Form on our website or
2) give us a call on
+44 (0) 1223 830 916
We would love to hear from you!
Regards
Tim McMahon
Commonwealth Immigration
www.commonwealthimmigration.com
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