Taking Pets To New Zealand
Do you have a beloved family pet that you can’t imagine leaving behind when you emigrate? Then you’ll be happy to know that taking pets to New Zealand is possible.
The most important requirement to meet to directly import your cat or dog is to be from an approved country.
There is much more to know though. Below we’ll cover it all and give you links to detailed information:
- Approved countries
- The requirements
The costs involved - Quarantine
- Using a professional pet importer
Approved countries
At the start of this article that pets must come from approved countries. But what countries are approved and what does ‘approved’ mean?
To appear on New Zealand’s approved list of countries for pet import, a country has to be rabies free or rabies controlled. These countries are divided into three categories to indicate the permit, post-arrival inspection and quarantine requirements for each.
- Category 1: Australia and Norfolk Island. If you’re importing your pet from here, a permit and quarantine stay are not required and neither are post-arrival inspections in certain cases.
- Category 2 and 3: Permits are required if importing your pet from a category 2 or 3 country. Post-arrival inspections are also required, as is quarantine.
Should the country you’re importing from not appear on any of these lists, your pet won’t be allowed into New Zealand until it has spent 6 months in an approved country and you can provide a vet certificate.
You can download a document with the breakdown of all approved countries here.
The requirements
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has published a step-by-step process for importing cats and dogs. This article includes a summary of the requirements, which is as follows:
Ensure your cat or dog is eligible for import into New Zealand. Checking if you’re from an approved country is the best place to start.
- Ensure your dog is not a prohibited breed or type.
- Note the restrictions around hybrid breeds.
- Book an MPI-approved quarantine facility. This applies to all cats and dogs, except those from Australia.
- Apply for a permit to import from the MPI at least 20 working days before you’ll need the permit. Again, this does not apply to cats and dogs from Australia.
- Ensure all of the import requirements have been met.
- Notify an official veterinarian in New Zealand:
- At least 5 working days before arrival for cats and dogs from Australia.
- At least 72 hours before arrival for cats and dogs from all other approved countries.
- Declare any medication your animal is taking.
You can get the complete step-by-step process on the MPI website. If you want to import a pet that’s not a dog or cat, read this.
The costs involved
Taking pets to New Zealand is not necessarily cheap. You’ll have to pay for permits, inspections, and other costs as needed, for example quarantine fees.
The MPI lists some fees and charges you can expect to pay here. Don’t forget transport costs!
Quarantine
As explained, pets from Australia don’t have to stay in quarantine. Pets from all other approved countries have to stay in quarantine for a minimum of 10 days.
Please note that all cats and dogs must land in Auckland or Christchurch first. All other cats and dogs must be transferred to a quarantine facility.
Using a professional pet importer
The best piece of advice we can give you is to use a professional pet importer to get your pet to New Zealand successfully and safely.
In fact, most airline require that you use one when taking pets to New Zealand to ensure you’ve followed all the rules.
Professional pet exporters offers a wide range of services like arranging test, treatments, flights, permits, shipping crates and taking care of other requirements.
You can start your search for professional pet importers by looking at Global Paws, PETPort, and PetRelocation.
Please note: Intergate Emigration has not dealt with any of these providers. As such, this recommendation is not an official endorsement or guarantee of the services provided.
In summary…
If you’re bringing a cat or dog from Australia, you don’t need a permit. However, you do need a permit if your pet is coming from an approved country.
When you come from any other country, your pet will only be able allowed into New Zealand after it has spent 6 months in an approved country.
To get through all the requirements without a hitch and get your furry family member into New Zealand safely, strongly consider using a professional pet importer.
For any other immigration advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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- Published in Relocation Advice - New Zealand
New Zealand Skills Shortage List
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ve come across the phrase ‘New Zealand skills shortage list’ in your emigration research.
But what is it? And what role does it play in your emigration? These are the types of questions we’d like to answer for you today.
What is the New Zealand skill shortage list?
The first thing you should know is that there are three skill shortage lists, not just one:
- Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL)
- Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL)
- Canterbury Skills Shortage List (CSSL)
Each of these lists is based on occupations experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand.
What role does the skill shortage lists play in my emigration?
We’ll let Immigration New Zealand explain: “If you’re offered a job that’s on one of the lists, and you’ve got the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work or residence visa may be easier.”
The 3 skills shortage lists
As explained, there are three skills shortage lists. Each list offers the opportunity to qualify for a certain visa or visas.
1. Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL)
The Long Term Skills Shortage List identifies occupations where there is a sustained and on-going shortage of highly skilled workers throughout New Zealand as well as the world.
Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa:
If you get a job in an occupation on the LTSSL and meet the list requirements, you are eligible for a work to Residence visa under the Long Term Skills Shortage List work visa. This visa is a pathway to residency which means you’ll be eligible for residency after two years. This is provided you:
- Meet the standard requirements; and
- You’re earning a base salary of at least NZ$45,000.
2. Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL)
The Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL) includes occupations where skilled workers are needed in New Zealand immediately. This is because there are no New Zealand citizens or residents to fill the position.
Essential Skills work visa:
If you get a full-time job in an occupation on the ISSL and meet the list requirements, you’ll be eligible for an Essential Skills work visa. This visa enables you to work in New Zealand temporarily.
You may not necessarily be able to apply for residency.
3. Canterbury Skills Shortage List (CSSL)
The Canterbury Skills Shortage List contains occupations in critical shortage in the Canterbury area. These shortages are due to the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The CSSL draws on the Immediate and Long Term Skills Shortage Lists relevant to the Canterbury rebuild.
Essential Skills work visa:
If you get a job in Canterbury and your skills appear on the CSSL, you’ll be eligible for an Essential Skills work visa. If the occupation is also on the LTSSL, you may also be eligible for New Zealand residency.
How does Immigration New Zealand decide on the occupations on these lists?
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reviews the ISSL and LTSSL on an annual basis. During this review, the MBIE decide if any occupations should be:
- Added or removed from a list; or
- Moved to another list.
The Canterbury Skill Shortage List is reviewed three times a year, as changes in skill shortages happen more regularly in this region.
One other list to know
Immigration New Zealand also publishes a List of Skilled Occupations. While there are no shortages of skilled workers in these occupations, New Zealand has identified these occupations as desirable.
Skilled Migrant Category:
If your occupation is defined as ‘skilled’, you may be eligible for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. This is a points-based visa that considers factors such as:
- Age;
- Work experience;
- Qualifications; and
- An offer of employment.
You must also meet certain remuneration thresholds to be classified as a Skilled Migrant. You need to be either:
- ANZSCO level 1 – 3 and paid NZ$24.29 or more per hour; or
- ANZSCO level 4 – 5 and paid NZ$36.44 or more per hour.
What if your occupation is not a skills shortage list?
It is not necessarily the end of the road if your occupation does not appear on a New Zealand skilled shortage list. You may still be eligible for one of New Zealand’s visas.
The best way to find out which visa you may be eligible for is by means of an immigration assessment. An immigration assessment will reveal any migration pathways open to you.
Our initial assessment is free and non-obligatory. You can book it online, right now.
Once you’ve booked your assessment, one of our advisers will be in touch to complete the assessment and discuss the best way forward.
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- Published in Our very latest posts, Work Visas for New Zealand
Changes to post-study work rights for international students
New Zealand has announced a range of changes to the post-study work rights for international students.
These changes have been made for a number of reasons. Most significant, is New Zealand’s desire to reduce student exploitation and to encourage study in all regions.
The changes also support the government’s broader plans for a high-quality international system in order to generate educational, economic, social and cultural benefits to New Zealand.
What are the changes?
The most significant change to the post-study work rights for international students is the removal of post-study work visas to be sponsored by a specific employer.
Other changes include:
- One-year post-study open work visa: For students studying Level 4 – 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications. Graduate Diploma graduates who are working towards registration with a professional or trade body gets an additional year.
- Two-year post-study open work visa: For students studying Level 4 – 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications outside Auckland. This is provided the study is completed by December 2021. At this point, the post-study work rights revert to a one-year post-study open work visa for students studying Level 4 – 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications. Graduate Diploma graduates who are working towards registration with a professional or trade body again gets an additional year.
- Three-year post-study open work visa: For degree Level 7 or above qualifications.
- International students studying Level 8 qualifications must be in an area specified on the Long Term Skills Shortage List in order for their partner to be eligible for an open work visa, and in turn the couples’ dependent children to be eligible for fee-free domestic schooling.
- A 3-year, time-limited incentive to study outside of Auckland.
What will the effects of the changes be?
On the positive side, the New Zealand government hopes that the post-study work rights changes will reduce the exploitation of students by unscrupulous employers, education providers, and agents.
The changes will hopefully also have a positive effect on New Zealand by:
- Attracting international students studying at higher levels.
- Contributing the skills and qualifications New Zealand needs;
- Supporting the government’s wider economic goal of growing the regions; and
- Ensuring a high-quality international education sector.
However, it has been estimated that first-time student visas will see a drop in the range of 1200 to 600. Based on the desire to attract students studying at higher levels, though, this could be a knock New Zealand is willing to take.
When are the changes coming into effect?
The changes to the post-study work rights will come into effect on 26 November 2018. The changes will not affect:
- Current post-study work visa holders;
- Current students who are undertaking a qualification that, once completed, will meet the current qualification requirements as set out in current immigration settings.
Questions? Call us
If you have any questions on the post-study work rights, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can email us or call us on +27 (0) 202 8200. Our advisers will also be able to advise on student visas and their requirements.
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- Published in Our very latest posts, Studying in New Zealand
The Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is officially known as the Talent (Accredit Employer) Work Visa.
This visa enables you to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who offers you work and is valid for up to 30 months.
What does ‘accredited employer’ mean?
An ‘accredited employer’ is a New Zealand employer who:
- Needs skilled or talented workers from overseas; and
- Has been pre-approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreigners.
It’s a win-win situation
Once accredited, the employer doesn’t have to provide supporting information for each and every visa application. This simplifies the process of employing a foreigner significantly.
You also benefit, because the employer actively seeks migrants. Not only that, the employer also understands the intricacies and timelines of immigration. You’ll have much less convincing to do.
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa requirements
The first step to working for an accredited employer is having the skills and qualifications the company needs. Then you’ll also have to meet the requirements for this visa, as set out by Immigration New Zealand.
The main requirements are that you:
- Must be the 55 or younger.
- Have a job offer from an accredited employer, which has to be for:
- Full-time work; and
- More than 2 years; and
- You must earn at least NZD79,560 a year (before tax).
- Work in the specific occupation and for the specific accredited employer detailed in the job offer that was the basis of your work visa application.
- Must have full provisional registration, if it’s needed to work in your occupation in New Zealand.
Is there an accredited employers list?
Yes, there is an accredited employers list for New Zealand. It can be found on Immigration New Zealand’s website. You can either search by industry sector or simply scroll through the list to find an employer.
What if my employer loses their accredited status?
If your employer loses their accredited status after you’ve received your work visa, you can either:
- Work for another accredited employer; or
- Apply for a variation of conditions. If approved, this would allow you to work for a company that is not an accredited employer. The main criteria here is that you’d have to earn at least NZD55,000 a year before tax.
Do I qualify for permanent residence on the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
If you held an Accredited Employer Work visa or had an active application for an Accredited Employer Work visa on or before 7 October 2019, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Unfortunately, the legislation was changed in 2019 so that the Accredited Employer Work Visa is no longer a pathway to residence. This change took effect on 7 October 2019.
Need advice on the Accredit Employer Work Visa?
If you’d like us to advise on you on the Accredited Employer Work Visa, you’re welcome to email us or call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200. Our advisers can also tell you more about the emigration process and how we can help you with any visa applications.
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- Published in Our very latest posts, Work Visas for New Zealand
