Immigration News: July 2022
The wait is finally over – at 11.59pm on 31 July, New Zealand fully reopens to travellers! Student visa applications are also reopening at the same time.
Continue reading to learn more about these and other changes happening in July.
Visitor visa applications reopen!
From 11.59 pm on 31 July (NZST), applications for Visitor Visas will reopen.
Except for New Zealand and Australian citizens, all travellers to New Zealand will need a visa or New Zealand Electronic Authority (NZeTA) to enter the country.
Fee increases for group visitor visas
When visitor visa applications reopen, group visitor fees will increase:
- Approved Destination Status (China) will be NZ$90 per person, up from NZ$45
- Other group visitor visas will be NZ$110, up from NZ$65
Student visa applications also reopen!
Student visa applications reopen at the same time as visitor visa applications. New Zealand is ready to rebuild its high-value international education sector!
Fees and levies increase for student visas
Immigration New Zealand is introducing increases in immigration fees and levies for student visas. The cost for a student visa will be:
- NZ$375 for Band A (New Zealand)
- NZ$315 for Band B (Pacific)
- NZ$395 for Band C (Rest of World)
The amount students need for living costs while in New Zealand will also increase to:
- NZ$20,000 for a year of tertiary education, English language students and other non-compulsory education
- NZ$17,000 a year for students in compulsory education (Years 1 to 13 at a school)
- NZ$5,000 for applicants for post-study work visas.
The 2021 Resident Visa category is closing
New Zealand created the 2021 Resident Visa in September last year to “recognise the contribution migrants made during COVID-19”.
The 2021 Resident visa was a one-off, simplified pathway, primarily for migrants already in New Zealand but for some who still had to immigrate, too.
The deadline for applications is now fast approaching. Immigration New Zealand will stop accepting new applications for the 2021 Resident Visa at 11:59 pm on 31 July (NZST).
Skilled migrants eligible for a 2021 Resident Visa are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
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- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand
New Zealand launches new investor migrant visa
On Wednesday, 20 July, New Zealand’s Minister for Economic and Regional Development, Stuart Nash, announced the launch of the new Active Investor Plus Visa.
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to encourage direct investment in high-growth New Zealand companies and replaces the existing Investor 1 and 2 Resident visas.
Why is New Zealand launching the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The New Zealand Government has made the latest change to New Zealand’s investor visa settings to attract experienced, high-value investors who’ll bring growth opportunities to local businesses.
The Active Investor Plus Visa will require applicants to commit to direct investments of NZ$5 million or more, and only 50% of that can be invested in listed equities. The minimum amount required for indirect investments will be $15 million.
“We want to encourage active investment into New Zealand, which generates more high-skilled jobs and economic growth compared to passive investment. This new visa category will also leverage the skills, experience and networks of migrants who will bring their access to global networks and global markets to help Kiwi companies grow faster and smarter,” Minister Nash said.
He added, “Overall, the visa changes are a win-win for New Zealand and migrant investors. Investors secure an opportunity to invest in smart and innovative New Zealand businesses that have the potential to be globally successful, and Kiwi businesses gain valuable skills, connections, and capital. This will make New Zealand more competitive in the international marketplace and take our businesses to the next level.”
What else is there to know about the new investor visa?
With the Active Investor Plus visa, New Zealand is improving the flexibility for investors by allowing them to invest over three years and maintain their investments up to the end of a fourth year.
Investors will have to spend at least 117 days, or around a month per year, in New Zealand over the four-year investment period. This requirement increased from 88 days in the existing investor category to ensure that investors actively get hands-on with local companies to help them grow.
When do applications open?
Immigration New Zealand will start accepting applications for the Active Investor Plus Visa on 19 September 2022.
It’s the end of Investor 1 and 2 visas
Unfortunately, the Active Investor Plus Visa launch spells the end of new applications for the existing Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas.
After 27 July 2022, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept applications under these categories.
Applications submitted before that date won’t be affected by the closure, and Immigration New Zealand will assess those applications under current visa settings.
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- Published in Latest posts, News