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Immigration

Foreign buyer ban lifted – new property purchase law passed
On Friday 12 December 2025, the New Zealand Government passed, under urgency, an amendment to the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (Act), opening a new pathway for investor resident visa...
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Free HR immigration update webinar: start 2026 strong: visa updates for NZ employers 
The immigration and visa landscape in New Zealand is constantly changing – and more...
Free webinar: Your New Zealand medical career – simplified
On 28 October, please join us for a one-hour webinar, tailored for medical professionals...
Helping parents stay longer in NZ: your guide to the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Immigration New Zealand is introducing a new visa that could make it easier for...
Free immigration and visa webinar: your immigration future in NZ
Are you currently working in New Zealand on a visa and wondering what’s next?...
NZ opens doors: investor visa holders can now buy or build homes
On 1 September, the New Zealand Government announced a major change: investor resident visa...
New Business Investor Visa: supporting succession and growth of NZ SMEs
On 27 August, the Minister of Immigration announced the retirement of the long-troubled Entrepreneur...
Webinar – updates, trends, and key changes in immigration policy
If you’re an employer navigating New Zealand’s ever-changing immigration landscape, please join us for...
Our Immigration Law expert Rachael Mason was recently interviewed by TVNZ for her views...
“Going for Growth” – Active Investor Plus visa refinements expand pool of NZ businesses and funds that can access foreign investment
Refinements to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa programme that come into effect on...
Open for Business – Refinements to the Active Investor Plus Visa
On 9 February 2025, the New Zealand Government announced changes to our Active Investor...
Early Christmas present from Minister of Immigration
With less than a week until Christmas, the Minister of Immigration has announced a suite of...
Spike in interest from Americans wanting to call New Zealand home
Our immigration law experts are experiencing a surge of interest from Americans looking to...
Webinar: Charting your medical career in New Zealand: an insider’s guide to success
Please join us for a free one-hour webinar, aimed specifically for medical professionals who...
Webinar: ensuring you’re immigration-compliant
Join Immigration Law expert Rachael Mason for a free update on key areas that...
Working and Living in New Zealand for Health Professionals – in Singapore
Leading immigration law expert Rachael Mason is heading to Singapore next week to co-present...
Charting your medical career in New Zealand: an insider’s guide to success
Join us for a free one-hour webinar, aimed specifically for medical professionals who are...
Employer Accreditation Renewal: no longer a walk in the park
Many employers will have their employer accreditation status coming up for renewal in the...
Event, 11 June 2024: immigration deep dive
Let us help you navigate recent changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Programme...
Accredited Employer Work Visas: guide to regional advertising
Many employers will be aware that the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) approach regarding multi-location...
Immigration: an early Christmas present & the Christmas present you may not want?
The early Christmas present: no median wage increase in February 2024 As many employers...
Navigating Job Check delays – top 5 tips for employers
Many employers will be aware of the recent significant delays at the Immigration New...
Changes to Immigration New Zealand’s Green List in early 2024
From March 2024, 17 new roles will be added to Immigration New Zealand’s Green...
A new government; a ‘new dawn’ for New Zealand immigration?
New Zealand has gone to the polls and voted for change. What will this...
No more 90-day trial period for migrant workers
Safeguarding the rights of migrant workers has been a top priority for Immigration New...
90% of investigated businesses found non-compliant with workplace law regulations
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recently confirmed to us under...
Double jeopardy? New approach to provision of false, misleading or withheld information in visa applications
On Friday 1 September Immigration New Zealand (INZ) released Amendment Circular No. 2023-26, a...
Looking for NZ residence?  Consider the transportation sector
Last month saw the end of an era, with the last Expression of Interest...
Skilled Migrant Category Residence – apply now or later?
Introduced in December 2003, the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) policy stands as New...
Post-study Work Visa issued for study “outside” New Zealand during pandemic
In late 2022, an international student who had just completed a Master of Engineering...
Time to play Parent Category Bingo
At the same time as announcing the reopening of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)...
Reopening of Skilled Migrant Category – Going Once, Twice…
The suspension of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in 2020 caused migrants both onshore...
A disincentive to being diligent: accredited employers and their disclosure obligations
Many New Zealand employers have spent valuable time and money developing sophisticated HR and...
Keeping your ducks in a row: ensuring an immigration compliant workforce
As an employer, you are responsible for ascertaining that all your employees have the...
Migrant Check: top 5 things you need to know
The Migrant Check is the third and final stage in the three-step process of...
“Green List” limitations: when the green light turns red
You’ve found a fantastic migrant to bring into New Zealand. They are highly experienced...
Green light for green list? Details released on Skilled Residence Pathways
On 11 May 2022 the New Zealand Government announced a new “Green List” that...
Active Investor Plus Visa – High Stakes Poker
On Wednesday 19 July the New Zealand Government made a bold move in departing...
One door opens and another closes – border opening with a reset “twist”
In the last week or so a number of major announcements/changes have been announced...
2021 Resident Visa Process: Phase 2 pressure valve release
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released further detail on the roll out of Phase...
Investment-based visas – border entry timing
The announcements made yesterday were favourable to a significant cohort of New Zealand citizens...
Five-stage border “opening” settings
On 3 February 2022 the New Zealand Government has finally announced its staged process...
Some new resident visa holders now cleared for entry
In a further change announced on 9 December related to the continued fall-out associated...
‘Reconnecting’ New Zealand to the World from 1 May 2022
On Wednesday 24 November the New Zealand Government made the long-awaited announcements around timing...
The 2021 Resident Visa – finer policy review
Immigration New Zealand have recently released the full policy that applies to the new...
Immigration news round-up
It’s been another interesting week of developments in the world of immigration and so...
Immigration confusion – a sustained loss of traction
Many of you may have questioned why you have not heard from us for...
D-Day for employers of migrant workers
Today INZ has released some further information in relation to the Accredited Employer Work...
October 2020 Newsletter
In this edition: Looming increase in median wage RBNZ stays on message Job ads...
New border entry exceptions for holders of certain types of Work and Resident visas
On 8 October 2020 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) finally published the long awaited amendments...
‘Other critical worker’ exception recalibration: don’t be fooled!
On 11 September Immigration New Zealand (INZ) released some policy changes in relation to...
(Overcoming) the barrier of the border – bringing critical workers into New Zealand
As a result of the pandemic, New Zealand businesses are struggling for lots of...
July 2020 Newsletter
In this edition: Assessment of “family” under new border criteria Some resilience to the...
Changes to Essential Skills work visas – effective 27 July 2020
A few weeks ago, when the Minister of Immigration was discussing some proposed changes...
Six-month extension for employer-assisted work visas: the nitty-gritty
  In what is widely thought to be the final act of this nature,...
Appeal decision on retail manager positions
The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) has recently found that a franchise agreement does...
COVID-19: Your New Zealand visa options whilst offshore
During this current pandemic, many migrants are unsure about their New Zealand visa options...
Entry through the closed border for “critical workers”
INZ has now released its full detailed policy on the requirements that must be...
New border entry criteria from Thursday 18 June 2020
In our most recent article we predicted that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) would make...
Avatar did it – here’s how you can too – economic border exception process explained
As many readers of this article are aware the New Zealand Government has recently...
Leave without pay could save the day
A possible win/win As many employers face the possibility of making employees redundant, the...
Immigration May Newsletter
In this edition: Tough new labour market testing guidelines for work visa applications Border...
Tough new labour market testing guidelines for work visa applications
As predicted in our recent articles, webinars and comments, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has...
Student visas: a possible “lifeline” for former work visa holders
As the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to widen, many work visa holders in...
Unbridled power – Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill
The Minister of Immigration has introduced a Bill into Parliament today that proposes to...
Processing priority of visa applications
On 17 April 2020, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that, as of 16 April...
Immigration April Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand start processing some standard visa applications A small...
Immigration New Zealand start processing some standard visa applications
On 17 April 2020 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that they are now able...
The new normal – New Zealand immigration law during and after COVID-19
Webinar “The new normal – New Zealand immigration law during and after COVID-19” Friday...
Frequently asked questions – for employees
COVID-19 – frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employees The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have...
Frequently asked questions – for employers of migrant workers
Q: We have an employee on an interim visa, are we able to claim...
Relaxation of visa conditions for all workers delivering essential services
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made the long-awaited announcement on temporary visa variations to...
COVID-19: Immigration considerations for healthcare workers
As the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grow, the immigration related uncertainties...
Main COVID-19 policy announcements as at 1.30pm, 9 April 2020
Many of you will be aware that there have been numerous policy changes/announcements since...
COVID-19 and migrant worker employees – FAQs for employers
Q: We have an employee on an Interim Visa, are we able to claim...
Immigration March Newsletter
In this edition: Upcoming challenges for work visa holders in New Zealand: act now!...
During and post lockdown: top tips for employers of migrant workers
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have massive implications for employers of migrant...
Epidemic management notice issued – immigration ramifications and visa processing
For the first time the New Zealand Government has issued an Epidemic Management Notice...
Lane Neave remains available to you
As the whole country prepares to respond to the Government’s call to elevate our...
COVID-19 border closure – the fine print
At 11.59 pm on Thursday 19 March 2020 New Zealand, for the very first...
Tips to get the most out of your job hunting visit to NZ
Be prepared Be prepared Be prepared Ok, we’re being a bit cheeky, but the...
Immigration February Newsletter
In this edition: Coronavirus update: an evolving situation Maintaining well-being whilst moving countries Investment...
Expect substantial delays to work visa applications
The Associate Deputy Chief Executive of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released a statement...
Travel ban update & change of priority processing on residence applications
Following our recent article Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has reviewed its travel ban in...
New Family (Parent) Category – effective 24 February 2020
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now finally announced the full policy details surrounding the...
Potential impact of Coronavirus on employers and employees
As the number of confirmed cases rise, the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (Coronavirus) from...
Immigration January Newsletter
In this edition: Remuneration threshold changes Introducing expat resettlement expert, Bridget Romanes 2020 investment...
Remuneration threshold changes
With February fast approaching, it is important to pay regard to Immigration New Zealand’s...
Consultation on migrant exploitation
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) welcomed feedback and proposals for the...
Immigration December Newsletter
In this edition: Consultation on migrant exploitation New capital requirements on banks and the...
Immigration November Newsletter
In this edition: The latest on culturally arranged marriage visas Listed utilities sector in...
New ANZSCO occupations allowing grant of residency and three-year work visas
Statistics New Zealand and the Australian Bureau of Statistics have completed a refresh of...
Immigration October Newsletter
In this edition: Parent Resident Visa Category will open again in February 2020 New...
New Parent Residence Category to open in February 2020
The Minister of Immigration has finally announced that the Parent Resident Visa Category will...
Seminar: Dealing with the recent and upcoming major changes to NZ immigration policy
The goal posts are about to shift – are you prepared? Immigration New Zealand...
Immigration September Newsletter
In this edition: Problems with work visas for employees of non-accredited Labour Hire companies...
Employer supported work visa changes announced
Today the Minister of Immigration (Minister) has released further details on the long-anticipated changes...
Free immigration status review
Have you recently received immigration assistance from an unlicensed immigration adviser?  Are you represented...
Delays in visa processing timeframes impact employers and employees
If you employ migrant workers and they are looking to apply for visas you...
Immigration August Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand: significant processing delays Global financial turbulance? Not in...
July Newsletter
In this edition: Partnership-based Temporary Visa Applications: stuck between a rock and hard place...
DIY Work Visa workshops – Wellington & Queenstown
Come to our “DIY Work Visa” Workshop to find out all you need to...
July Newsletter
In this edition: Calculating base salary – Work to Residence (Talent) Visa Demand for...
Calculating base salary – Work to Residence (Talent) Visa
Early last year, we shared with you our observation on Immigration New Zealand (INZ)...
Wellington appointment bolsters Lane Neave national immigration law offering
National law firm Lane Neave has enhanced its immigration service to existing and new...
May Newsletter
In this edition: Travelling to New Zealand — new requirements for visa waiver travellers...
April Newsletter
In this edition: Employer compliance: impact on changes to employer-sponsored work visas NZ’s strengthened...
New Residence Category for victims of mosque attacks
The Minister of Immigration (Minister) previously indicated that the Government was looking at the...
Major immigration changes – keeping your employees “in the loop”
As covered in our recent seminar series, significant changes to New Zealand’s immigration system...
February Newsletter
In this edition: Major changes to employer-sponsored work visas on the way Net migration...
Game changer – major amendments proposed for employer assisted temporary work visas (Chinese seminars added)
You are invited to attend a comprehensive immigration seminar on the game changing policy...
Game changer – major amendments proposed for employer assisted temporary work visas
In late December 2018 the Government announced its decision to invite feedback on their...
January Newsletter
In this edition: Game changer – major amendments proposed for employer assisted temporary work...
Lane Neave Immigration closure period
Happy Holidays! We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable festive season....
New Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that the Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL) has...
December Newsletter
In this edition: New Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List A Kiwi summer Wellington...
November Newsletter
In this edition: New policy changes in effect New Zealanders making their mark in...
Changes to remuneration requirements on 26 November – Skilled Migrant (Resident Visa) and Essential Skills (Work Visa)
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the remuneration thresholds associated with both...
Employer update – INZ increase fees and seek submissions for skill shortage review
Increase in immigration fees and levies – 5 November Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has...
October Newsletter
In this edition: INZ increase fees | 2018 skills shortage review Money matters in...
September Newsletter
In this edition: Continued focus on migrant worker exploitation Māori culture and language –...
Continued focus on migrant worker exploitation
In our previous article on this topic, we wrote about Immigration New Zealand’s recent...
A whopper of a mistake
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has barred Burger King from hiring...
August Newsletter
In this edition: Interim Visa Policy changes Social practices – the unwritten rules of...
Changes to post-study work rights and potential Auckland student exodus
The long awaited announcement by the Minister of Immigration (Minister) on the proposed changes...
July Newsletter
In this edition: Latest immigration changes you should know about Finding your place in...
Seminar: Employer Accreditation – what you need to know (Wellington & Queenstown)
Managing HR and employment law issues is challenging enough, and when you throw in...
June Newsletter
In this edition: Proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act Amendment Bill – clarity...
Proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act Amendment Bill – clarity or confusion?
The Select Committee has completed its deliberations on the Overseas Investment Act Amendment Bill...
What the new anti-money laundering requirements mean for our clients
From the 1 July 2018 all law firms will be required to obtain more...
Immigration seminar: A Pathway to Residence (Christchurch)
This free seminar is for Chinese visa holders who are working and/or studying in...
Seminar: Employer Accreditation – what you need to know
Managing HR and employment law issues is challenging enough, and when you throw in...
May Newsletter
In this edition: Breaching visa conditions not taken lightly by INZ The journey to...
Government priorities update – spotlight on employer accreditation policy and labour market checks
The Immigration Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway, has warned that some immigration policies, specifically in relation...
April Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration Minister references changes to employer accreditation and labour market testing...
March Newsletter
In this edition: INZ getting much tougher with employer accreditation The nuts and bolts...
5 year employer accreditation renewals – non-government entities “do not qualify”
Employers will no doubt be aware of the rigorous and complicated policy requirements that...
February Newsletter
In this edition: Can you prove your partnership is going to last the distance...
January Newsletter
In this edition: Do you need a pay rise to qualify for a visa?...
December Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand office restructure and closures Christmas in New Zealand...
Christmas closure – dates
Best wishes for the festive season. Please note that the firm will be closed...
November Newsletter
In this edition: Increased employer compliance – Labour Inspectors set to double Preparing for...
October Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration changes – a new direction under a new Government Creative...
Immigration changes – a new direction under a new Government
It will be somewhat of a relief to both employers as well as migrants...
September Newsletter
In this edition: 2017 Election – the parties’ stances on immigration Housing in New...
Seminar: Game-changing immigration adjustments
Game-changing immigration adjustments Lane Neave is hosting a series of comprehensive immigration seminars on...
New immigration policy – the good, the bad, and the ugly
Major changes to the current immigration policy have been introduced today and will impact...
Employer accreditation policy changes – August 2017
Most employers will be aware that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) recently issued a very...
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa policy changes – August 2017
Significant changes that are technically challenging to apply in practice have been introduced by...
Essential Skills Work Visa changes – August 2017
As outlined in our previous article, Essential Skills Work Visa Changes, Immigration New Zealand...
August Newsletter
In this edition: New immigration changes – a big deal Election time in New...
Essential Skills Work Visa Policy changes
The Minister of Immigration, Hon Michael Woodhouse, has announced policy changes to the Essential...
July Newsletter
In this edition: When can a South Island Contribution Work Visa be granted as...
June Newsletter
In this edition: Published list of non-compliant employers New Zealand: a sporty nation Growth...
Positive changes to the New Zealand Migrant Investment categories
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented changes to both the Investor Plus and Investor...
South Island hospitality and rural sectors set to benefit from new immigration policy
The visa landscape has changed in the South Island following the introduction of Immigration...
New Zealand lifestyle and investment event | USA
An opportunity to explore New Zealand lifestyle and investment opportunities. A series of three exclusive...
May Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration policy amendments – what you need to know in a...
Significant immigration policy reforms – “tweaks” that will actually have a major impact
The Government announcement yesterday on the proposed changes to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policy...
New Zealand lifestyle and investment event | London
An opportunity to explore New Zealand lifestyle and investment opportunities. This exclusive event will be...
March Newsletter
In this edition: Increases to retirement age: impact on residence eligibility All on board:...
Employers take note: major immigration compliance changes coming in on 1 April
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the implementation of a very tough new policy...
A defining case on premium – the recovery of costs associated with the recruitment of migrant labour
Many employers and recruitment companies alike, who rely in particular on migrant labour to...
February Newsletter
Employer compliance: impacting your immigration status If you are wishing to secure an employment...
December Newsletter
Additional English language test providers Following updates from Immigration New Zealand in November, a...
2017 Migrant Investor programme policy changes
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have announced the long awaited policy changes for both the...
November Newsletter
Living in New Zealand – should you purchase health insurance? A number of migrants...
Seminar series: Major immigration changes – what employers need to know
The seminars are is a must for employers, HR managers, in-house counsel and managers...
Are you thinking about moving to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a popular choice for people wanting to move to a developed...
Major changes to the Skilled Migrant and Parent categories
Significant changes were announced by the New Zealand Government earlier this month around the...
Immigration New Zealand announce policy changes
Major changes to the Government’s New Zealand Residence Program have been announced today by...
Is volunteering considered “work”?
Lane Neave clients often ask for guidance around whether they can participate in “volunteer”...
Brexodus to New Zealand?
Google searches for “How to move to New Zealand” have become a Google trend,...
February 2016 Newsletter – Annual Review of Occupational Shortages Lists
Read the latest Lane Neave Immigration newsletter. In this edition Annual Review of Occupational...
March 2016 Newsletter – Time to make and/or review your visa now
Read the latest Lane Neave Immigration newsletter. In this edition: Time to make and/or...
May 2016 Newsletter – Changes to the Canterbury Skills Shortage List
Read the latest Lane Neave Immigration newsletter. In this edition: Changes to the Canterbury...