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VisaLegal, Hamilton (2026)

23/06/2026

We wish all the success in the world to our friends from the UK in their application for the Working Holiday Visa 🇳🇿 Best of luck! 🇬🇧

📌 Please note that NO ONE is allowed to apply for a Working Holiday Visa on your behalf. Be cautious of anyone claiming they can apply for this visa for you, as this is NOT permitted.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit the application yourself online. You can find more information about the process and requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/united-kingdom-working-holiday-visa/

22/06/2026

Unless you are eligible for an “Open Work Visa” in New Zealand (e.g., Working Holiday, Partner Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa, or a Student Visa with work rights), you may first need to secure a job offer from an accredited employer. Your eligibility and the length of the visa will depend on your skills, work experience, and qualifications, as well as the role being offered.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main temporary work visa for employment in New Zealand. It allows migrants to work for an accredited New Zealand employer for a period of up to 5 years.

This visa is part of a system that:

✅ Gives priority to New Zealand citizens and residents for available jobs.
✅ Helps employers recruit skilled migrant workers when there is a genuine skills shortage.
✅ Helps protect migrants from exploitation, as only accredited employers are allowed to hire them.

How does the AEWV process work?

There are 3 main steps:

1️⃣ Employer accreditation: Before a migrant can even apply for an AEWV, the employer must first obtain accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). To be accredited, a business must be genuine, financially viable, and have a clean record when it comes to employment law, immigration compliance, and business standards.

2️⃣ Job Check: Once accredited, the employer must have a Job Check approved before they can offer the role to a migrant worker. The job check confirms that:

✅ The role is genuine
✅ The pay rate matches the market rate
✅ The employment terms meet New Zealand employment standards

In some cases, they must advertise the position to demonstrate that no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the role.

At this point, the employer must assess whether the migrant they want to hire has the qualifications, experience, and other competencies required for the role (as it was advertised at the Job Check stage). Meeting the Minimum Skills Threshold is also essential, and for some roles, English Language Requirements also apply.

3️⃣ Visa application: Only AFTER the job check is approved the process can move forward. Once the Job Check has been approved, the migrant is issued a Job Check token and can apply for their AEWV.

In addition to general work visas, New Zealand also offers specific visas for seasonal work, which have their own requirements depending on the type of work and the intended length of stay. You can find more information about these visas in our recent posts.

It is important to keep in mind that securing a job offer from outside New Zealand can be challenging, as many employers prefer candidates who are already in the country with a valid Work Visa. We recommend applying for roles advertised online and also reaching out directly to organisations, including those outside the main cities.

Sometimes opportunities arise not only where demand is highest, but where employers genuinely need staff.

⚠️ Please note that we are Licensed Immigration Advisers, not recruiters, so we’re unable to help with finding a job ⚠️

However, once you have a job offer, we can assist with the application process. If you secure a job offer and the employer is not yet accredited, we can also assist them with this process.

Need help? [email protected]

19/06/2026

Welcome to your 5th year of practice as an LIA Adriana, and congratulations on marking this milestone with the grant of a Medical Waiver for your client this week!

Adriana is our go to person when it comes to anything medical-related. Read her bio below and you will understand why!

Originally from Mexico, Adriana migrated to New Zealand with her wife in 2017. Having navigated her own migration journey, she understands first-hand both the opportunities and challenges that migrants can experience when building a new life in a new country.

Adriana is a qualified English language teacher, holding a CELTA qualification. She has taught English in both Malaysia and New Zealand and has worked with migrants from diverse backgrounds. This experience enables her to provide practical guidance to clients preparing for English language requirements associated with residence applications.

Prior to entering the immigration industry, Adriana trained as a medical professional. She holds a Medical Degree, a Specialist qualification in Rehabilitation Medicine, and a subspecialty qualification in Neurological Rehabilitation.

While the challenges associated with transferring overseas qualifications ultimately led her to pursue a different career path, her medical training continues to provide significant value in her work as an Immigration Adviser. Her ability to understand medical terminology, analyse medical information, and anticipate potential issues arising from health assessments has proven invaluable for many of our clients.

Within the Visa Legal team, Adriana is known for her exceptional understanding of immigration instructions and is often the person colleagues turn to when researching complex policy issues and developing strategies for difficult cases.

Few immigration professionals in New Zealand can offer the breadth of experience that Adriana brings to her role. Combining training as a medical professional, experience as an English language teacher, and extensive immigration knowledge, Adriana is uniquely positioned to assist clients facing complex situations.

As a fluent Spanish and English speaker, Adriana has assisted hundreds of Spanish-speaking migrants throughout their immigration journeys. Clients appreciate her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to helping people achieve their goals in New Zealand.

18/06/2026

On 8 December 2025, New Zealand introduced two new visas for people who work in short-term, seasonal jobs. These visas are part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system and are designed for work during busy times of the year, while maintaining fair and consistent immigration settings.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV):

❄️ For skilled seasonal roles, valid for up to 3 years.
❄️ Employers need to get a job check for a seasonal role, then the worker applies for the visa.
❄️ Visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.
❄️ Applicants must have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least 3 seasons in the past 6 years.
❄️ No English language requirement
❄️ No need for a Labour Market Test.
❄️ Visa holders can transition to other visa types.

Jobs covered: agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator, agricultural technician (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanner), chairlift operator, tulip grower, thoroughbred yearling preparer, snow groomer, mountain or glacier guide, outdoor adventure instructor, primary products inspector, shearer, slaughterer, snow sports instructor, snow maker, snowsport equipment technician, whitewater rafting guide, winemaker, winery senior cellar hand.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV):

🌿 For entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles, valid for up to 7 months.
🌿 After the 7-month limit, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.
🌿 Applicants must have at least 1 season of relevant experience in the past 3 years.
🌿 Comprehensive health insurance is required.
🌿 No English language requirement
🌿 Employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
Jobs covered: mussel or oyster farm worker, calf rearer, relief milker, forestry worker, meat b***r and slicer, meat process worker, seafood process worker, winery cellar hand, wool handler.

What both visas have in common:

➡️ Seasonal Visa Holders cannot support partner or dependent visas.
➡️ You may only change jobs within the same visa type.
➡️ If you move from a Student or Work Visa to a Seasonal Visa, you will retain interim work rights while your new application is processed.
➡️ Immigration New Zealand will check that the role genuinely meets the definition of a seasonal role, usually by assessing the duration of the job and whether it aligns with the industry’s peak season. This ensures the visas are used for genuine short-term needs, rather than as a way to fill permanent roles.

Got questions? Contact us at [email protected]

18/06/2026

A big thanks to Shavana for the kind words! 🥰

17/06/2026

Immigration New Zealand has just released further details about the upcoming Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) changes, which take effect on 24 August 2026.

The latest information released on 18 June 2026 confirms:

✅ Self-employment will not count towards the new Skilled Work Experience or Trades & Technician pathways

✅ Overseas Trade and Technician qualifications will not need to meet the 120-credit requirement

✅ New Zealand Trade and Technician qualifications can combine credits from prerequisite qualifications to meet the 120-credit requirement

✅ Stronger "genuine employment" requirements will apply across skilled residence categories

✅ Similar wage threshold and grace period changes will also apply to Work to Residence pathways

These details build on the major changes announced in March 2026:

✅ Less New Zealand work experience required under the SMC 6-point system

✅ More points for New Zealand qualifications

✅ New Skilled Work Experience pathway

✅ New Trades & Technician pathway

⚠️ New Red and Amber occupation lists will restrict or add extra requirements for some occupations, including retail, hospitality, beauty and certain ICT roles

✅ 5-month grace period if the median wage increases after your visa is granted but before you start work

✅ No need to meet a higher median wage when applying for residence if the median wage increases while you are accumulating skilled work experience

✅ CPA Australia members who can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand will become eligible under the recognised registration pathway

✅ English language test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised occupational registration

✅ AEWV extension pathway planned for 2027 for migrants who need a little longer to meet residence requirements

These changes will create new opportunities for many migrants while also introducing new restrictions and evidential requirements.

We expect more information will come out before the end of June.

Join our free webinars next week for a discussion on the latest updates to do with Skilled Residence Categories!

🗓️ Thursday 25 June at 7PM NZT - Español: https://live.vcita.com/site/webq9fv3dupskqtm/online-scheduling?service=s5y3xcvya4clr2gf

🗓️ Friday 26 June at 7PM NZT - English: https://live.vcita.com/site/webq9fv3dupskqtm/online-scheduling?service=2rz8upnvca6uq852

17/06/2026

We wish all the success in the world to our friends from the Czech Republic in their application for the Working Holiday Visa 🇳🇿 Best of luck! 🇨🇿

📌 Please note that NO ONE is allowed to apply for a Working Holiday Visa on your behalf. Be cautious of anyone claiming they can apply for this visa for you, as this is NOT permitted.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit the application yourself online. You can find more information about the process and requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/czech-working-holiday-visa/

15/06/2026

These are the most common routes to residency for skilled workers who want to build a long-term future in the country. From late August 2026, several updates will come into effect, introducing new pathways and adjusting existing requirements to better reflect New Zealand’s labour market needs.

Under the updated system, more migrants may be able to apply for residence through different pathways, depending on their occupation, qualifications, salary, and work experience.

1️⃣ Green List Tier 1 pathway (Straight to Residence)

This pathway is for people working in Tier 1 Green List occupations that New Zealand has identified as critically needed. You can apply directly for residence, without needing to complete a work-to-residence period first, if you:

✅ hold a qualifying job offer in one of these roles, and
✅ meet the role-specific requirements (including pay thresholds and registration, where applicable)

2️⃣ Green List Tier 2 pathway (Work to Residence)

This pathway applies to Tier 2 Green List occupations. Applicants must:

✅ work in the eligible role in New Zealand for 24 months, and
✅ meet the role-specific requirements (including pay thresholds and registration, where applicable) before becoming eligible to apply for residence.

3️⃣ Sector Agreement pathways

Some industries have tailored residence pathways due to long-term labour shortages. Examples include the Care Workforce and the Transport Sector. These pathways typically allow eligible workers to apply for residence if they:

✅ have 2 years of qualifying work experience, and
✅ meet the role-specific requirements

4️⃣ Skilled Migrant Category pathway (Points-Based)

This is a points-based system. To apply, you must:

✅ hold a skilled job or job offer from an accredited employer, and
✅ meet the minimum points threshold (currently 6 points).

Points can be claimed through a mix of qualifications, income levels, occupational registration and skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Meeting the points threshold does not guarantee approval: your role, pay rate, and experience must also align with immigration instructions.

5️⃣ Trades and Technician pathway (available from late August 2026)

A new pathway will be introduced for migrants working in certain Trades and Technician occupations. This pathway recognises that many skilled trades workers are essential to the economy, but previously had limited options for residence.

To be eligible, migrants will need to:

✅ Work in an eligible ANZSCO skill level 1-3 role on the Trades and Technician list
✅ Hold a Level 4 or higher relevant qualification
✅ Have at least 4 years of relevant work experience AFTER the qualification
✅ Have completed at least 1.5 years of skilled work in New Zealand earning at least the median wage

Find out what trades and technician occupations will be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) from late August 2026 at this link: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/resident-visas-to-live-in-new-zealand/skilled-residence-pathways-in-new-zealand/skilled-migrant-category-pathway-to-residence/eligible-roles-for-the-smc-trades-and-technician-pathway-august-2026/

6️⃣ Skilled Work Experience pathway (available from late August 2026)

Another pathway will allow migrants to qualify for residence based largely on long-term skilled work experience in New Zealand. This pathway will apply to some occupations that appear on the Amber List, which identifies roles that require additional safeguards due to immigration risk.

To qualify under this pathway, migrants will need to:

✅ Work in an eligible ANZSCO skill level 1-3 occupation
✅ At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience
✅ At least 2 years of that experience must be in New Zealand, earning 1.1 times the median wage

As part of the changes, some occupations will be placed on Red or Amber lists. These lists are designed to manage immigration risk and ensure residence pathways remain targeted to genuine skill shortages.

🔴 Red List occupations - NOT eligible under the Skilled Work Experience pathway.
🟠 Amber List occupations - Eligible for the new Skilled Work Experience pathway, with additional requirements:

✅ At least 5 years of directly relevant NZ work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3 occupation, including
✅ 2 years earning at least 1.2 times the median wage,

These lists will be reviewed regularly, meaning occupations may be added or removed over time. You can check the full list at this link: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/further-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-to-come-into-effect-in-august-2026/?utm_source=Immigration%20New%20Zealand&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=C0396_SMC_5March2026&utm_content=btn

In many cases, migrants working in occupations that are not eligible for the new pathways may still qualify through the 6-point system if they meet the required points threshold.

Need help? [email protected] 🤝

12/06/2026

A big thanks to Betty for the kind words! 🥰

11/06/2026

FREE WEBINAR: Skilled Residence Pathways - Latest Updates 🇳🇿

🗓️ Friday 26 June at 7PM NZT

Further information about the upcoming Skilled Residence changes is expected to be released to immigration professionals by 23 June 2026.

Join our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers from VisaLegal as we discuss the latest information available, explain what it means in practice, and answer your questions about New Zealand's Skilled Residence pathways.

We will review the newly released guidance, discuss how the changes may affect eligibility, and highlight important opportunities and risks for those planning a pathway to residence.

Topics include:

✅ Overview of the 7 Skilled Residence Pathways
✅ Latest information on the Trades and Technicians pathway
✅ Latest information on the Skilled Work Experience pathway
✅ Latest information on the 6-point Skilled Migrant Category pathway
✅ Latest updates on AEWV maximum stay and SMC interim visas
✅ Common eligibility myths and FAQs
✅ Practical steps to prepare for residence

➡️ This webinar is ideal for people who are already in New Zealand on a Work Visa, or who have received a New Zealand job offer and are considering their pathway to residence.

➡️ It may also be useful for people planning a future migration and seeking a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the session.

Save your spot! https://live.vcita.com/site/webq9fv3dupskqtm/online-scheduling?service=2rz8upnvca6uq852

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