Holiday Hours: Our offices close from 5.30pm, Wednesday, 18 December and reopen 8.30am on Monday, 6 January 2025. If you need urgent assistance during the holidays call 0800 800 612 to talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser. Wishing you and your family safe and happy holidays!
Skilled migrants still on hold
The government has placed a hold on most skilled workers’ pathway to apply for residence. Many skilled workers apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant...
The government has placed a hold on most skilled workers’ pathway to apply for residence.
Many skilled workers apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (or points system as it is commonly known). They start by lodging an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) and then go into a pool. A selection is made from the pool every fortnight leading to an invitation to apply for residence.
No selections have been made from the pool since March 2020. There are over 3200 EOIs sitting in the pool representing approximately 8,000 workers and their families all hoping to call New Zealand home. Some of your staff may be stuck here. We do not see any progress being made until after the election and only when the next Minister of Immigration makes several decisions including switching selections back on and/or any policy changes that may negatively affect those already in the pool or who are planning to apply in the future.
For those who have applied for residence there is some good news. The queue is finally starting to move. Priority applications (those paid twice the median wage or who require occupational registration) are going before Immigration Officers immediately for assessment. No waiting. People in the non priority queue who applied in late February 2019 are being assessed right now and each week this queue is shrinking.
If you or your overseas workers are looking for solutions contact our employer expert Lukas Sousa by calling 022 689 5500 or email lukas@malcolmpacific.com.
News
Malcolm Pacific Immigration keeps ahead of immigration changes. Sign up below to our newsletter to keep up to date.
Immigration headlines for employers
The team at Malcolm Pacific Immigration keep across the constant changes in immigration rules and regulations. Here is the latest roundup of interest to businesses and HR teams.
Employer Accreditation – pain points
There is a level of frustration at the current processing delays across the three gateways of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
Immigration and employers have been busy
There is a level of frustration at the current processing delays across the three gateways of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
Get started with a free assessment today
We are New Zealand’s largest and most experienced team of licensed immigration advisers. Our experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
