Starting from 1 October 2024, partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders will benefit from a significant change in visa duration. The Government has announced an increase in the maximum length of work and visitor visas for these partners, extending the duration from 2 years to 3 years for those who have been living together for at least 12 months.
What Does This Mean for Couples? This extended visa duration offers couples more time to save for the residence application fees, providing a more flexible timeline for transitioning to residency. Additionally, this change aligns the visa durations for partners of New Zealanders with those provided to partners of temporary migrants, ensuring more consistency across immigration policies. Who Will Benefit? The new rule applies to applications submitted on or after 1 October 2024. It will also cover applications submitted before this date that have not yet been decided by 1 October. However, visas that are already issued will not be automatically extended. If you hold a current visa, you’ll need to make a new application to take advantage of the longer duration. Supporting a World-Class Immigration System This change is part of the Government’s broader efforts to enhance New Zealand's immigration system, aiming to attract and retain the talent and skills needed to support the country’s economic growth. By extending the visa duration, the Government is providing more stability and flexibility to those planning a long-term future in New Zealand. For those looking to make New Zealand their permanent home, this longer visa will help ease the financial burden and offer more time to plan for the next steps in the residency process. Source: INZ website Need help with your application? Check our services below!
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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) experiences the highest number of student visa applications from October to March. During this peak time, processing times can be longer, which may delay your approval. To ensure that you can begin your studies on time, it's best to apply as early as possible. Apply at Least Three Months Before Your Intended Travel To give yourself the best chance of receiving your visa on time, INZ recommends submitting your application at least three months before your intended travel date. This allows INZ sufficient time to process your application and avoids last-minute stress. What If You Don’t Have All Your Documents? INZ understands that some students might not be able to gather all the necessary study-related documentation three months in advance. If you’re still waiting on key documents, submit your application as soon as possible once everything is in order. However, be aware that late submissions may not be processed in time, which could delay your ability to start studying. Avoiding Delays: Tips for a Successful Application To prevent delays in processing, ensure that your application is complete and includes all the required documents. The INZ website provides a comprehensive list of what you need to include. Incomplete applications are one of the main reasons for processing delays. Additionally, including a cover letter that clearly states your intent to study in New Zealand can help INZ assess your application more efficiently. Consulting a Licensed Immigration Adviser for Peace of Mind For your peace of mind and to make sure your application is well-prepared, consulting a licensed immigration adviser is the way to go. A professional adviser can guide you through the entire process, help ensure all necessary documents are in order, and improve the chances of a smooth and timely visa decision. To consult with our licensed immigration adviser, click on the below. Source: INZ website
With the arrival of summer, Immigration New Zealand anticipates a significant surge in visa applications. This is a time when many people are eager to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes or reunite with family for Christmas and New Year. Given the expected influx, it’s essential to apply early if you're planning to visit New Zealand during this season.
Why Apply Early? Applying early ensures that Immigration New Zealand can process your application promptly. This allows you to secure flights, book accommodation, and finalize other travel plans with confidence, avoiding last-minute stress. Required Documentation: To streamline the application process, make sure all necessary documents are included
Key Deadline: For those planning to celebrate Christmas in New Zealand, it's recommended to submit the visa application by 15 October 2024. This allows ample time for processing during the busy season. Consult a Licensed Immigration Advisor While you may feel confident in the thoroughness of your application, consulting with a licensed immigration advisor is a prudent step to ensure everything is in perfect order. An advisor can offer expert guidance to help you avoid any potential issues that could delay or complicate the process. If you would like to speak with an advisor, contact us for professional assistance. Source: INZ website |
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January 2025
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