ChalkHills Immigration Consultants

10/09/2021

Lest we forget...

15/04/2021

If you think your visa is eligible for an extension that is not showing in your Visa Verification record, you can use this form to request a review.

01/04/2021

Temporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigrat

23/02/2021

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has decided to withdraw their visa processing and risk and verification functions from Mumbai, Manila and Pretoria and fully close their offices there. INZ informed their staff in these locations yesterday (22 February) and will withdraw these functions from Mumbai, Manila and Pretoria offices by the end of March 2021.

INZ also plan to withdraw visa processing from Beijing and maintain a risk and verification presence only. The decisions related to Beijing are dependent on a number of factors, including when the NZ borders are likely to reopen.

At this point, staff in Beijing will continue to be employed until 30 June 2021, however, INZ will be reviewing the timeline for withdrawal of visa processing from Beijing over the next few months and it may be at a later date.

There will be no change to INZ Pacific Island locations.

You will be aware that with the closure of New Zealand’s borders as part of New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, visa application volumes have decreased significantly, by over 80%, in some instances. As INZ is predominantly funded from visa fees the decline in revenue poses a funding challenge. INZ have a responsibility to operate in a financially sustainable way.

The temporary reduction in visa applications provides INZ an opportunity to speed up and embed changes already underway to ensure they are delivering on their strategy - to be trusted stewards of the immigration system facilitating and protecting New Zealand’s interests.

INZ is taking this opportunity to right size their organisation to deliver sustainable cost-savings, introduce advanced technology to improve efficiency, manage offshore risk more effectively and move visa processing activities onshore with a more resilient and responsive operating model to better allow for the inevitable peaks in visa volumes. (source - Immigration New Zealand)

19/02/2021

Visitors who were due to be kicked out of New Zealand have been granted a short reprieve.

12/02/2021

Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa application fee reinstated by INZ

Many Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers were unable to return home at the end of last season due to border restrictions.

Workers still here who wish to move to an employer not covered by their RSE Limited Visa must apply for a new visa. The Minister of Immigration has waived fees for their visa applications received on 15 May 2021 or earlier. After that date the usual fee may apply.

This measure removes barriers for RSE workers changing employers, allowing industry to use the workforce available in New Zealand. source - Immigration New Zealand

09/02/2021

02/02/2021

New Zealanders travelling home from overseas are unable to book managed isolation as the system is full.

26/01/2021

As Immigration New Zealand (INZ) embark on a New Year, they have taken the opportunity to reflect on their border exception processing times.

Last year, INZ committed to processing border exception requests within two working days (except for other critical worker requests which are processed within two weeks). The two working day timeframe has created significant pressure on staff responsible for assessing these requests.

In the current global environment it appears that we all can expect to have border restrictions in place for some time. The border exception environment is becoming more complex as new exception criteria are introduced. As they continue to receive thousands of requests for an exception each month, it is important for INZ take steps to balance the need for quick decisions with staff welfare considerations.

As a result, INZ will be changing the processing timeframe for border exception requests to five working days.

Current processing times largely depend on the type of request, with an average processing time of two days for requests under the “family of a New Zealand citizen or resident” and “family of a temporary visa holder” and three days for requests under the “humanitarian” category. “Ordinarily resident” exception requests, which are more complex, take longer.

INZ wants to make it clear that a significant proportion of border exception requests can be turned around quickly and they will continue to do this, with no plans to change the level of resourcing dedicated to processing these requests.

INZ’s Henderson office will also continue to operate the priority process mailbox and humanitarian requests will continue to be prioritised. This will ensure that requests which require urgent attention are identified and escalated for immediate attention.

Thank you for your understanding.

source - Immigration New Zealand

13/01/2021

From April 2021, up to 1,000 priority returning degree and post-graduate international students and their families will be able to return to New Zealand to continue their studies.

The Ministry of Education will determine criteria for distributing the cohort. Places will not be restricted to universities. Students can also return to their studies at institutes of technology and polytechnics, wānanga or private training establishments.

Eligible students will have already completed some of their study in New Zealand but were unable to return to New Zealand due to the border restrictions.

International students entering New Zealand under this exception are required to apply for and be granted a new student visa in line with immigration requirements. Successful applicants will be required to complete standard Managed Isolation and Quarantine. They will need to book their space through the allocation system and are liable for the standard charges for managed isolation.

Due to employment pressures as a result of COVID-19 and increased living costs, eligible students will need to prove that they have $20,000 per annum to support themselves for the duration of their visa, as well as additional funds to pay for Managed Isolation and Quarantine.

Partners and dependent children of nominated students may be included in applications, in line with current visa requirements.

The Government has previously approved a border exception for up to 250 PhD and post-graduate international students.

Immigration New Zealand, 14/01/21