Moving to New Zealand with children
Moving to New Zealand with children can be an extremely daunting experience. Not just because it’s extra little lives to co-ordinate while moving continents, but also because children don’t necessarily understand what’s happening. As parent you’ll know what this could mean – frustrated, angry, sad or scared children.
It doesn’t have to be this way though. You can pack up and move your life to New Zealand without disrupting your children too much. All you’ll need is an action plan – and we’re here to share tried-and-tested ideas with you.
Make your children part of the decision-making process
You know, and we know, that the parents will make all the important decisions. But you can let your children help with some of the decision making and make a big deal of their input. In this way, your children will feel included and considered. Start with their room – decide together what can stay and what should go.
Answer all the questions
Children are not afraid to ask questions! This is the one time though that no questions should be off limits. Getting answers to their questions will quell any fears or concerns your children might have. Also don’t wait for them to approach you. If you see your child is quieter than usual or is acting out more than is normal, ask them if anything about the move is bothering them.
Tell them it’s a new adventure
Let’s face it – while immigrating is indeed stressful, it’s also a big adventure. Get your children to buy into this! Here’s one idea – watch videos of New Zealand together and then place stickers on all the sights you want to visit once you’ve arrived.
Help your children say goodbye
Don’t forget that goodbyes are hard on your children too! We might not always realise it, but children also have the ability to form strong bonds, even at a young age. A great idea is to host a leaving party at school or at home, while also organizing one-on-one goodbyes with close friends.
Remind your children all along that new friends are waiting on the other side.
Stick to your schedule
Moving to New Zealand with children is going to be so much easier if you stick to your normal schedule. For instance, continue eating dinner at the same time. Keep bed time the same too! This not only makes the children feel safe and secure, it also makes things easier on yourself. Less chaos equals happy parents.
Don’t forget to care for your relationship with your partner too. It’s all too easy to focus only on the children or the parts of the your visa application. Yes, immigrating is not easy, especially when it’s as a family, but remember – as you’ll tell your children – a new adventure awaits!
- Published in Family Immigration, Tips for Your Move to New Zealand
New version of ANZSCO released on Wednesday, 30 October 2019
The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand released a new version of ANZSCO on Wednesday, 30 October. INZ will continue to use the previous version until the middle of 2020, although not for every occupation.
What is changing?
The updated version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is Version 1.3. This version sees the government adding 44 jobs to those deemed to be ‘skilled’ for the purposes of a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application.
When does ANZSCO Version 1.3 come into effect?
New Zealand will continue to use the current version of ANZSCO in the assessment of most applications until mid-2020. In mid-2020, Version 1.3 will then kick in.
How does Version 1.3 affect visa applications?
At the moment, New Zealand uses a combination of ANZSCO classification and pay to determine skill band levels. From next year, when ANZSCO Version 1.3 comes into effect, New Zealand will no longer use ANZSCO to assess the skill level of jobs for the Essential Skills Work Visa. Until then, New Zealand uses Version 2.1 to assess occupations.
Some occupations will be treated as an exception
As mentioned, New Zealand will continue to use ANZSCO Version 1.2 until mid-2020. However, New Zealand will treat some occupations as exceptions. Exceptions will apply to occupations that are:
- Low-skilled – Skill level 4 to 50 in ANZSCO Version 1.2.
- Skilled – Skill level 1 to 3 in ANZSCO Version 1.3, and
- The visa applicant earns at least the New Zealand median income, which is currently at NZD25 per hour.
New Zealand will treat these occupations as if it is ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3.
You can find a list of ANZSCO occupations that’ll be treated as exceptions on INZ’s website.
What does the change in ANZSCO list mean for visa applicants?
There are a couple of scenarios for visa applicants:
- You hold already hold a work visa: The skill level of your job remain the same for the duration of your visa.
- You apply before mid-2020:
- Your occupation is not on the exceptions list: New Zealand will use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess your visa application.
- Your occupation is on the exceptions list: New Zealand will treat your occupation as if it were skill level 3, if your job pays above the New Zealand median income or use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess your application, if your job pays below the New Zealand median income.
- You apply after mid-2020:
- For an Essential Skills Work Visa: New Zealand will no longer use ANSCO to assess the skill level of your jobs.
- For a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: New Zealand will use ANZSCO Version 1.3 to assess the skill level of your jobs.
Want to know when exactly ANZSCO Version 1.3 comes into affect in 2020?
To stay up to date with the implementation of Version 1.3 of ANZSCO, simply sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we post immigration news as and when it happens.
- Published in News, Working in New Zealand