New Zealand looking to recruit 400 overseas teachers in 2019
The New Zealand Government has set themselves a goal for the start of 2019 – to recruit 400 teachers from overseas to fill shortages in schools.
Why has the Government set themselves this goal?
New Zealand is struggling with severe teacher shortages, hence the goal set for 2019.
These shortages, as reported in the New Zealand Herald, are due to ‘a slump in domestic teacher trainees, exacerbated in Auckland by high housing costs which are driving many teachers out of the city.’
School principals are welcoming the initiative, but some will keep a keen eye on developments, as not everyone is confident that recruiting from overseas will be enough to fill all the gaps.
Teachers required across the board
The Government wants to recruit both primary and secondary school teachers, as teachers are in desperate need at all levels. The focus is not only on attracting overseas-trained teachers, but also on bringing New Zealand teachers home.
Eligible teachers may receive an Overseas Relocation Grant
New Zealand has established an Overseas Relocation Grant (ORG) that supports teachers with the costs of relocating to New Zealand. Nearly 200 teachers have already been approved for an ORG.
How does the ORG work?
The ORG was established to assist teachers who commence teaching in New Zealand from 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2019.
The New Zealand government approves a maximum of 100 grants per financial year. This means 100 grants for the period 13 December 2017 to 30 June 2018, and a further 100 grants from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.
The ORG will:
- Reimburse actual and reasonable expenses up to a minimum of NZ$7,000 for each New Zealand-trained teacher and up to a maximum of NZ$5,000 for each overseas-trained teacher.
- Be non-taxable. This has been confirmed by Inland Revenue.
Who are eligible?
To be eligible for the Overseas Relocation Grant, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- Be registered and certified by the Education Council of New Zealand.
- Be employed in a full-time position that is either permanent or fixed term (of at least 12 months).
- Has never received an ORG or has received an ORG only once in a 5-year period.
- Did not teach in New Zealand between 13 December 2016 and 12 December 2017.
- Commenced employment on or after 13 December 2017, and up to 30 June 2019.
- Is employed to teach in a state or state-integrated school.
Payment criteria
To receive payment, you must do the following:
- Apply for the grant within three months of commencing employment. The school must provide evidence of this. The Government will consider applications received after three months on a case-by-case basis.
- Provide proof of expenditure of all actual and reasonable relocation costs. The specific amount of the grant will be based on this evidence.
Once all the requirement is met, 50% of the grant will be deposited into the nominated account after 10 weeks of teaching. The final 50% is deposited after 30 weeks of teaching.
Read more about the grant here.
Take the first step
If you are a teacher and you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, the first step is finding out if you qualify for emigration to New Zealand.
You can take this first step right here by booking an initial assessment with us. This initial assessment will reveal if you’re eligible for New Zealand and which visa you may qualify for.
Our initial assessment is also free of charge and non-obligatory. Book it now.
The new school year is almost upon us, and only 100 grants are issued per financial year, so don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Published in Our very latest posts, Work Visas for New Zealand
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 a route to residency for eligible candidates. The key? Securing a job at an approved employer.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is officially known as the Talent (Accredit Employers) Work Visa. It’s a route to residency and valid for up to 30 months. You’ll be eligible to apply for residence after working in New Zealand for an accredited employer for two years.
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, of course, you’ll have to meet the requirements for this visa, as set out by Immigration New Zealand.
The main requirements are that you:
- Must be under the age of 55.
- 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 NZD55,000 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.
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
Do you want to study in New Zealand?
When you choose to study in New Zealand, you’re guaranteed a world-class education. Your surroundings can’t be beat either. New Zealand is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
It’s no surprise more than 60 000 international students chose to further their education in New Zealand in 2017.
More than 500 learning institutions
New Zealand has 8 universities, all of which are in the top 3% of the world.
New Zealand also has Institutes of Technologies and Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments and English language schools.
Qualifications are offered at every level – certificates, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate degrees.
Universities
New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects for undergraduates, as well as Masters and Doctoral degrees in commerce, science, and the humanities. Some universities also offer degrees in specialist fields such as medicine and engineering.
You’ll find that many New Zealand universities have more than one campus, often in different cities too.
Institutes of Technologies and Polytechnics (ITPs)
Institutes of Technologies and Polytechnics, or ITPs as they’re commonly known, offer professional and vocational education and training. While the emphasis is on practical experience and application to work situations, an ITP degree has equal status with a university degree.
Many of New Zealand’s 16 ITPs also offer English Language courses and post-graduate options, including up to doctoral level.
Private Training Institutions and English language schools
New Zealand has about 550 registered Private Training Establishments (PTEs). PTE courses are generally specific to English language learning or niche occupations such as travel and tourism, design, and ICT.
Most PTEs provide certificate and diploma level qualifications, but some also offer Bachelor and Masters degrees.
You’re guaranteed a quality education
New Zealand’s education standards are high and regulated with strong quality assurance systems:
- Universities New Zealand (UNZ): UNZ is responsible for monitoring and maintaining standards at universities and approving qualifications.
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA): NZQA monitor education standards at ITPs and TEPs.
This approach has paid off, as New Zealand universities often rank among the best in the world. In 2018, eight top universities in New Zealand are included among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings. Five of these universities are in the global top 300.
New Zealand has also made sure that a New Zealand qualification is recognized by schools and universities world-wide, by participating in the Lisbon Recognition Convention and other inter-governmental agreements.
New Zealand takes care of its international students
When you study in New Zealand, you are protected by a Code of Practice. This Code sets the standards every institution must meet in supporting its international students.
You’ll also get support in the form of advice and guidance from live-in wardens at residences and hostels. All institutions hosting international students has staff dedicated to ensuring your time in New Zealand is successful and stress free.
Visas to study
You won’t require a student visa in all instances:
- Is your course three months or less? You’ll only need a visitor visa.
- Are you planning on studying full time for more than three months? You’ll need a student visa.
New Zealand student visa
The New Zealand student visa allows for a maximum stay of up to four years. To apply for a visa, you must have been offered a place at an appropriate New Zealand education provider. You must also be able to prove that you can support yourself financially for the duration of your course.
Please go to our student visa page for the full details and all requirements.
Partners and children are welcome
Your spouse or life partner and dependent children can join you in New Zealand while you study.
Partners can apply for a Partner of a Student Visitor visa, while dependent children can apply for a Child of a Student Visitor visa.
When granted, these visas will be valid for as long as your student visa. No other activities, apart from three months of studying, is possible though. If your partner or children would like to study for longer, they’d have to apply for student visas. Similarly, your partner would have to apply for another visa if they’d like to work.
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?
Just like elsewhere in the world, fees vary depending on the course and the institution. The cost of living is similar to other OECD countries. As discussed, international students have to prove the financial means to support themselves for the duration of the course. For this reason, let’s take a look at the fees you can expect to pay, as well as New Zealand living costs:
Fees
The New Zealand Education Department gives the following costs to guide you:
Diplomas and certificates:
- Engineering: NZ$18,500 for a two-year diploma.
- Computing: NZ$12,425 for a one-term certificate.
Bachelor’s Degree:
Fees range from about NZ$22,000 to NZ$32,000. Subjects such medicine and veterinary science have higher fees.
Postgraduate Degree:
You can expect to pay between NZ$26,000 to NZ$37,000 for postgraduate degrees. Again, subjects such as medicine and veterinary science have higher fees.
PhDs:
International PhD students pay the same as New Zealand PhD students, which is about NZ$6,500 to NZ$9,000 per year for most subjects.
English Language Courses:
The fees for English Language courses range from NZ$300 per week for a general course to NZ$5,100 for a Cambridge English exam course of 12 weeks.
Important to note:
Students with domestic status, i.e. citizens and holders of resident visas, have their fees subsidized by the government. These students contribute about 30% of the cost of their course.
Living costs
Your living costs will depend on your lifestyle as well as on where you live in New Zealand.
With that said, the New Zealand Education Department shares the following estimated living costs recommended by universities:
- Victoria University: NZ$18,000 – NZ$27,000 per year.
- University of Auckland: NZ$20,000 – NZ$25,000 per year.
- University of Otago: NZ$15,000 – NZ$17,000 per year.
- Massey University: NZ$15,000 – NZ$17,000 each year.
Can you work while studying?
The New Zealand student visa allows you to work for up to 20 hours per week during terms and full-time during holidays. This could help you offset living costs and gain New Zealand work experience.
Note there are no restrictions for PhD and Masters research students.
Working in New Zealand after studying
New Zealand offers a post-study work pathway to international students with a New Zealand qualification. This pathway lets you find a job in New Zealand and gain work experience. It’s an attractive pathway for many students, as it could make it easier to apply for residence.
The pathway is a two-part process:
- Post-study work visa (Open): This visa gives you 12 months to find a job that’s relevant to your studies.
- Post-study work visa (Employer Assisted): Once you have found a job, this visa lets you work in that specific job. You’ll be allowed to work for two years.
Read more about these visas here.
Need help with a student visa?
If it’s your goal to study in New Zealand, let us help you apply for a student visa. The first step is doing an immigration assessment to see if you do qualify for this visa. If you do, our adviser will guide you through the emigration process, from application to submission.
You can call us on +27 (0) 21 202 8200 or simply book your initial assessment online. This initial assessment is free of charge and non-obligatory too. The outcome? Invaluable. You’ll know if you can realise your dream of studying in New Zealand.
- Published in Our very latest posts, Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand: Recent immigration updates
Immigration New Zealand implemented three changes to New Zealand’s immigration procedures and rules in July 2018. It’s important to know about these changes, as they may affect your visa application or eligibility.
1. Minimum income thresholds
On 1 July 2018, the minimum income requirement for Essential Skills and Religious Worker work visa holders with dependent children in New Zealand increased to NZ$42,944.20.
Please note that this threshold is different to the skill-band remuneration rates for Essential Skills work visas. Feel free to contact us should you have questions around these rates and minimum income thresholds.
2. Online visa application for dependents
Partners or dependent children are now able to apply online for a visitor, student, work or resident visa based on the immigration status of the supporting family member.
This means applications can now be submitted as a family group together with the main applicant, i.e. the supporting family members, and applicants can upload documents to a portal instead of sending in original documents.
The main applicant must be either a:
- New Zealand citizen; or
- New Zealand visa holder (resident, work or student); or
- Visa applicant.
3. No more visa labels
Physical visa labels are no longer issued by Immigration New Zealand, unless specifically requested by an applicant.
INZ now only issues eVisas, which visa holders must print and carry with the physical passport for international travelling. eVisas can be used immediately after issue and passports no longer have to be submitted for label endorsement.
The only exception is for students using Provider Direct. INZ will review the use of labels for this students using this online service next year.
Stay up to date with future changes
Sign up for our monthly newsletter – it’s free – or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn to be the first to know about Immigration New Zealand’s changes to New Zealand’s rules, regulations and procedures. We’ll always let you know as soon as anything changes.
- Published in Immigration Advice, Our very latest posts
Your New Zealand visa application: Here’s how to prevent delays
Is this you – you’re eager to lodge your New Zealand visa application, because you want to get to New Zealand as quickly as possible?
Yes, it is?
Then let’s pause and remind you of the saying ‘haste makes waste’ – when you try to do things too quickly, sometimes you get them wrong or have to do them all over again.
Unfortunately it’s all too easy to ‘make waste’ when doing a visa application and the result often is unnecessary delays.
The best strategy is to take the necessary time and precautions to submit a complete and correct application.
Here’s our tips on how to do this:
Plan ahead
You have to start with an assessment to find out if you’re eligible to live in New Zealand. Book one as soon as possible if you haven’t done that yet.
The assessment will show which visa you stand to qualify for, which in turn will highlight the best way forward.
Knowing the emigration route available to you, means knowing which documentation you’ll need in future, whether or not you’ll have to do an English test, if you have to register with a professional body, etc. Essentially, all the parts of your application that you’ll have to submit.
Check that you’ve included all the required documentation
The one thing most applicants are guilty of, is neglecting to submit all the necessary documents. Our advisers often have to request documents a second time because it wasn’t included in the original pack.
The best thing to do is to have a check list, to tick off documents as you go. Mark up also if documents should be photocopies, originals or certified copies.
If you’re working with an adviser, you should get a list of all required documentation. Your adviser should also check all documents once received, to ensure that you’ve sent them everything.
You may of course choose to do your New Zealand visa application on your own, but be aware that the experience might be more stressful, especially if you’re someone who gets stressed easily.
Check your passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your visa expires and have enough free pages for any required visa labels.
When our clients have a passports valid for only a couple of months, our advice is always to apply for a passport before starting any visa applications.
When you have to apply for a new passport in the middle of an application, it could lead to delays.
Apply for your visa in time
Visa application take time to be decided and there’s nothing you, or us, can do once an application is in the hands of Immigration New Zealand.
It is thus important to allow sufficient time for your application when making the rest of your plans.
Need professional help with your New Zealand visa application?
Like we said, you can do your visa application on your own, but if you suspect that it would be a more pleasant experience with a professional by your side, you are more than welcome to contact us.
You can speak to an adviser by calling +27 (0) 21 202 8200 or by emailing us.
We’ll start with an assessment, the important first step, and then we’ll explain the best way forward – so that you can plan ahead and apply for your visa in time.
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- Published in Immigration Advice, Our very latest posts
FAQs: New Zealand Entrepreneur visa
The New Zealand entrepreneur visa, a New Zealand work visa, is ideal for anyone who prefers to run the show instead of reporting to a boss.
That’s because, as the name suggests, this visa enables holders to either buy into or establish a new business in New Zealand.
Sounds like the emigration route for you? Then continue reading, as we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the entrepreneur visa.
Does the entrepreneur visa offer permanent residency?
Yes, it does, in a two-part process:
- Entrepreneur work visa.
- Entrepreneur residency visa.
How long is the entrepreneur work visa valid for?
The entrepreneur work visa is a 3-year visa that’s split into two stages:
- The Start-up Stage: This is an initial 1-year period during which you have to set up or buy into a New Zealand business.
- The Balance Stage: This is a further 2-year period that’s granted, provided you can prove that you’ve established your business.
What are the requirements for an entrepreneur work visa?
You must be able to show four important things to be eligible for a New Zealand entrepreneur work visa:
- Capital: You must have a minimum of NZ$100,000 to invest in your business, which excludes working capital. Should your business be in the IT or science sectors, you may apply for a waiver.
- Business plan: You must submit a comprehensive business plan with your application to Immigration New Zealand that your business can succeed and will add value to New Zealand.
- Good business character: Immigration New Zealand will review any instances of business failure, fraud, and bankruptcy in your past to determine the standard of your business character.
- Points: You must score at least 120 points in your assessment.
Can my family join me in New Zealand?
Yes, accompanying family members, i.e. your partner as well as dependent children, aged 19 and younger, can be included in your New Zealand entrepreneur visa application.
It’s important to note here that everyone included in the application must be able to meet New Zealand’s health, character and English language requirements.
When can I apply for residency?
You can apply for an Entrepreneur residency visa if and when you have:
- Completed 6 months of self-employment in New Zealand; or
- Operated a business for two years on another visa that allows self-employment.
What are the requirements for residency?
You’ll again have to meet capital, business plan, and business character requirements:
- Capital: The capital invested must be at least equal to that stated in your business plan. If you have not completed two years self-employment, the requirement would be a NZ$500,00 investment as well as three jobs created.
- Business plan: You must be able to demonstrate that your submitted business plan has achieved the benefits it outlined.
- Business character: You must have a 25% shareholding in a profitable business, running for at least 6 months, which was set up or purchased by you.
In addition, since you have now been running a business for some time, you must be able to prove that your business has been contributing to New Zealand’s economy in the following ways:
- Introduced or enhanced new technology, management or technical skills.
- Introduced or enhanced new products or services.
- Created or expanded export markets.
- Created at least one full-time job for a New Zealander, or three jobs if you’ve been in business for less than 2 years.
- Provided new skills, networks, management capability and/or capital and, as a result, increased an existing business’s financial performance.
What requirements should my family meet?
You and your family must again be able to meet Immigration New Zealand’s health, character and English language requirements.
How do I know if I qualify for a New Zealand entrepreneur visa?
This is the most important question to ask since you won’t be able to lodge an application without those 120 points we mentioned.
You could do an online assessment yourself, but we suggest working with a licensed immigration adviser – especially for this visa!
Our initial assessment is free of charge as well as non-obligatory and will show whether you stand a chance of being eligible to work in your own business in New Zealand.
To book it is simple! Just book it on our site or give us a call. Either way, you’ll speak to a licensed adviser, complete the assessment and find out what the best way forward is for you. Good luck!
- Published in Investing in New Zealand, Our very latest posts
Emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand
Why are so many people emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand?
We’re guessing it’s because New Zealand has proven to be one of the safest and best countries in the world, with high healthcare and education standards.
It’s certainly also because New Zealand has been found to be the second-most prosperous country world, with cities that offer a high quality of life.
The only downside, it seems, is the regular rain on the South Island. Let’s be honest though – it’s a small price to pay, considering all of the above.
Let’s hear from some South African expats
The best way to get information on any topic is to go straight to the source. What better source on emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand than people who’ve already done it?
The Du Plooy family
Sarahann and Andries du Plooy, who told their story to Oamaru Mail, moved from Johannesburg to Oamaru, a small North Otago town. While they miss their home and loved ones, ‘In South Africa, it’s hard to get what you want. It’s a fight. There is a lot of restrictions and red tape’.
The Du Plooys love their new life. They say, “It’s exciting. There’s a lot of fresh stuff happening in Oamaru.” There are no regrets. The couple now lives a slower lifestyle and is loving it.
Grant Marshall
Grant Marshall moved to New Zealand with his family 15 years ago. In his piece for Stuff New Zealand, Grant writes that New Zealand seemed like paradise for his family. The family was tired of the crime, corruption, and lack of opportunity in South Africa.
Today Grant considers himself a Kiwi. He’s found New Zealand to be ‘a place of great opportunity, beauty, and freedom’, and ‘wouldn’t want to live anywhere else’.
Is emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand your dream too?
If you’re reading this and your heart is set on moving to New Zealand, you should absolutely do these three things first:
1. Find out if you qualify
This is always worth repeating – you have to start your emigration by doing an assessment to find out if you qualify to live and work in Australia.
It’s only after you’ve completed an assessment with a licensed adviser that you’ll know which, if any, migration pathways are open to you.
The benefit of that? You can set yourself up for success and you don’t spend money on an unreachable dream.
2. Decide if you want to go it alone or with the help of an adviser
Immigration assessments should be non-obligatory, giving you the option of shopping around or deciding to apply for your visa on your own.
Our advice is to always choose the adviser route. Ensure it’s a licensed adviser! Such a person does hundreds of applications each month and is well-versed in what’s required as well as up to date on immigration developments. You’ll give yourself the best shot of getting your application correct the first time!
3. Find a job
While emigrating to Australia without a job is possible, it’s near impossible to move to New Zealand without a job offer.
Luckily for you, we’ve written extensively on the job search process for New Zealand:
- How to get a job in New Zealand.
- Tips for applying for a job in New Zealand.
- Ace your New Zealand job interview.
- Interview tips.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on Find a Job New Zealand’s job section too. This is where our recruitment partner regularly posts available positions. However, if you’d like the jobs to come to you, do follow us on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter.
Final thoughts
New Zealand makes regular changes to their immigration laws, so it’s always better to start an emigration sooner rather than later. You don’t want to wait for ages, only to find out that you are now too old or will earn too little for permanent residency. It’s happened to too many people – trust us!
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