[
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-e2f4242cf6be45369500",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Introduction of the Temporary Retirement Category",
  "policyEffect": "From March 29, 2010, the Temporary Retirement Category offered applicants aged 66 or older a visitor permit for up to two years with a multiple-entry visa. Requirements included NZ$750,000 in acceptable investments for two years, NZ$500,000 in additional maintenance funds, annual income of at least NZ$60,000, health and character requirements, and acceptable travel and/or health insurance. Dependent children could not accompany applicants.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-03-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Retirement-category principal applicants aged 66 or older and eligible partners",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From March 29, 2010, the Temporary Retirement Category offered applicants aged 66 or older a visitor permit for up to two years with a multiple-entry visa.; Requirements included NZ$750,000 in acceptable investments for two years, NZ$500,000 in additional maintenance funds, annual income of at least NZ$60,000, health and character requirements, and acceptable travel and/or health insurance.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Government",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual-archive/29447.HTM",
  "preciseCitation": "V3.120 Temporary Retirement Category, effective 29 March 2010; New retirement package to attract investment",
  "evidencePassage": "You are here: cite0†Temporary Entry » cite1†Visitor Visa and Permit » cite2†V3 Special Categories of Visitors » cite3†V3.120 Temporary Retirement Category L1: ##### - This is not current policy - ##### The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to cite4†www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual L6: V3.120 Temporary Retirement Category 1. For an application to be approved under the Temporary Retirement Category the principal applicant must: 1. be aged 66 or over; and 2. nominate funds and/or ass … ets equivalent in value to at least NZ$0.75 million and undertake to invest them in New Zealand for a period of two years; and 3. demonstrate ownership of these funds and/or assets and that they have been legally earned or acquired; and 4. transfer and place the funds and/or assets in an acceptable investment in accordance with the policy in V3.120.30; and 5. nominate NZ$0.5 million of maintenance funds and demonstrate ownership of these funds and/or assets; and 6. demonstrate an annual income of at least NZ$60,000. 2. The principal applicant and any partner included in the application must: 1 … . meet health and character policy requirements (see cite5†A4 and cite6†A5 ); and 2. demonstrate that they hold acceptable travel and/or health insurance. 3. Applicants must not be accompanied by dependent children. V3.120.5 Age requirements Principal applicants under the Temporary Retirement Category must be aged 66 years or over at the time of application. V3.120.5.1 Evidence of age Evidence of age may include, but is not limited to, original or certified copies of: 1. a birth certificate; or 2. a passport or other travel document; or 3. an identity document (from countries which requi … ion of their stay. V3.120.25 Currency and conditions of a Temporary Retirement Category visa and permit 1. Notwithstanding cite8†V2.5 and cite9†V2.15 , a visitor’s permit granted under this policy will be valid for a maximum of two years. 2. Permit holders under this policy will be issued a multiple entry visitor’s visa, valid for the same period as the visitor’s permit, allowing re-entry to New Zealand on any number of occasions. 3. Permits granted under this policy will be subject to the condition that the applicant maintains acceptable travel and/or health insurance (V3.120.20) for th … table investment as set out at V3.120.10.25; and 2. acceptable travel and/or health insurance. Effective 29/03/2010 cite11†Top of Page",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-92abb0829ac038a4a7e1",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Silver Fern Job Search and Practical Experience policy instructions",
  "policyEffect": "Effective March 29, 2010, Silver Fern instructions established Job Search and Practical Experience routes. Job Search visas were limited to 300 annually, with the quota year beginning April 27. Applicants had to be 20 to 35 inclusive, outside New Zealand, meet specified qualification and English requirements, hold at least NZ$4,200 for maintenance, genuinely intend to obtain skilled employment, meet health and character requirements, and not previously have received a Job Search visa. Eligible qualifications included a degree equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree or higher, or a qualifying level-4 trade qualification with two years of relevant work experience; occupational registration requirements applied. The Job Search visa allowed entry within six months, a nine-month work permit on arrival, multiple re-entry during the permit, and work for any employer in any occupation. The Practical Experience route required an existing Job Search or Practical Experience permit and a genuine, full-time skilled job offer lasting at least 12 months, with applicable registration, health, character and generic work requirements. Its permit was tied to the offered occupation, employer and location, lasted for the offered employment up to two years, and could not exceed two years in total across successive permits.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-03-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Highly skilled applicants aged 20 to 35 applying from outside new zealand",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Job Search visas were limited to 300 annually, with the quota year beginning April 27.; Applicants had to be 20 to 35 inclusive, outside New Zealand, meet specified qualification and English requirements, hold at least NZ$4,200 for maintenance, genuinely intend to obtain skilled employment, meet health and character requirements, and not previously have received a Job Search visa.; Eligible qualifications included a degree equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree or higher, or a qualifying level-4 trade qualification with two years of relevant work experience; The Job Search visa allowed entry within six months, a nine-month work permit on arrival, multiple re-entry during the permit, and work for any employer in any occupation.; The Practical Experience route required an existing Job Search or Practical Experience permit and a genuine, full-time skilled job offer lasting at…",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Work visa / permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand archived Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual-archive/29458.HTM",
  "preciseCitation": "Silver Fern Work Policies, archived instructions effective March 29, 2010.",
  "evidencePassage": "WL1.1 Objectives You are here: Temporary Entry » Work Visa and Permit » WL Silver Fern Work Policies » WL1 Objective » WL1.1 Objectives �� - This is not current policy - The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual WL1.1 Objectives The Silver Fern work policies contribute to the overall work policy objective (see W1 ) by; attracting highly skilled young people to New Zealand; and matching these workers to the needs of the economy by providing a pathway for these workers to remain in New Zealand upon gaining skilled employment. Effective 29/03/2010 Top of Page … WL2.1 Annual limit You are here: Temporary Entry » Work Visa and Permit » WL Silver Fern Work Policies » WL2 Silver Fern Job Search » WL2.1 Annual limit �� - This is not current policy - The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual WL2.1 Annual limit A maximum of 300 Silver Fern Job Search visas may be granted annually (year beginning 27 April). Effective 29/03/2010 Top of Page … WL2.10 Determining an application for a Silver Fern Job Search visa You are here: Temporary Entry » Work Visa and Permit » WL Silver Fern Work Policies » WL2 Silver Fern Job Search » WL2.10 Determining an application for a Silver Fern Job Search visa �� - This is not current policy - The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual WL2.10 Determining an application for a Silver Fern Job Search visa In order to be issued with a Silver Fern Job Search visa, applicants must: have been aged between 20 and 35 years inclusive at the time the application was lodged; and be outside of New Zealand; and hold a qualification that meets the Silver Fern Job Search Policy qualification requirements at WL2.15 and the requirements for recognition under Skilled Migrant Policy set out at SM14.10 ; and meet the English language requirements set out at SM5.5 ; and have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds for their maintenance during the period of stay in New Zealand; and be genuine in their intention to gain skilled employment; and meet temporary entry health and character policy requirements ( E6.1 and E6.5 ); and have not previously been issued a Silver Fern Job Search visa. Effective 29/03/2010 Top of Page … WL2.15 Silver Fern Job Search Policy qualification requirements You are here: Temporary Entry » Work Visa and Permit » WL Silver Fern Work Policies » WL2 Silver Fern Job Search » WL2.15 Silver Fern Job Search Policy qualification requirements �� - This is not current policy - The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual WL2.15 Silver Fern Job Search Policy qualification requirements Applicants must: hold a qualification that is equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor’s degree (level 7) or higher; or hold a trade qualification that is equivalent to a New Zealand National Certificate (level 4) and have two years of relevant work experience. Applicants whose recognised qualification is required for employment in one of the occupations where registration is required by law in New Zealand ( SM19.5 ) must show that they: hold full or provisional registration in that occupation in New Zealand; or can meet the necessary New Zealand registration requirements. WL2.15.1 Trade qualifications To be considered a trade qualification, a qualification must be relevant to a job on Part B or C of the List of Skilled Occupations at Appendix 11 . Applicants holding a trade qualification must also show they have a minimum of two years of work experience which: is relevant to their qualification ( SM11.10.5 ); and has been gained in a comparable labour market ( SM11.10.1 ); and meets the additional requirements for recognition of work experience ( SM11.15 ); and has been gained after their qualification (including any work experience required as part of the qualification) was completed. Note : Visa officers must ensure that the qualification is a National Certificate o … WL2.25 Currency and conditions of Silver Fern Job Search visas and permits You are here: Temporary Entry » Work Visa and Permit » WL Silver Fern Work Policies » WL2 Silver Fern Job Search » WL2.25 Currency and conditions of Silver Fern Job Search visas and permits �� - This is not current policy - The policy in this manual ceases to be effective from 29 November 2010. To see the current Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual go to www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual WL2.25 Currency and conditions of Silver Fern Job Search visas and permits A work visa issued under the Silver Fern Job Search policy allows: entry for six months from the date of issue; and the grant of a work permit for nine months upon arrival in New Zealand; and re-entry to New Zealand on multiple occasions for the duration of the work permit. Silver Fern Job Search visas and permits will allow the applicant to work for any employer in any occupation in New Zealand. Effective 29/03/2010 Top of Page",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-b23f9dc6e0b8d60d5795",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Employer work-entitlement verification: statutory information disclosure",
  "policyEffect": "From August 2, 2010, section 477 of the Immigration Act 2009 inserted section 141ABA into the Immigration Act 1987. It authorised the Department of Labour to disclose certain information to an employer so the employer could verify that a person was entitled under the Act to work in that employer’s service.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-08-02",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Employers checking a person’s entitlement to work in their service",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Employer obligations / work authorization verification",
  "policyTool": "Administrative information disclosure / verification compliance",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2010/185/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010",
  "evidencePassage": "Section 477 comes into force on 2 August 2010. This section amends the Immigration Act 1987 by inserting a new section 141ABA into the Act. New section 141ABA authorises the Department of Labour to disclose certain information to an employer to enable the employer to verify that a person is entitled under that Act to undertake employment in the employer's service.",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-cb4c87b18b7e3245d559",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "China Working Holiday Scheme: qualification verification and English evidence tightened",
  "policyEffect": "From October 1, 2010, applicants under New Zealand’s China Working Holiday Scheme had to provide CDGDC verification with their existing required senior-high-school qualification and an IELTS certificate showing an average score of 5.5 across the four test components. The preceding May 4, 2009 instructions already required a senior-high-school qualification based on at least three years of full-time study, but accepted an IELTS average of 4 or specified English-medium education as functional-English evidence. The October instructions replaced those English-evidence options and added qualification verification; they did not introduce the school-qualification requirement itself.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-10-01",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Chinese citizens applying under the china working holiday scheme",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From October 1, 2010, applicants under New Zealand’s China Working Holiday Scheme had to provide CDGDC verification with their existing required senior-high-school qualification and an IELTS certificate showing an average score of 5.5 across the four test components.; The preceding May 4, 2009 instructions already required a senior-high-school qualification based on at least three years of full-time study, but accepted an IELTS average of 4 or specified English-medium education as functional-English evidence.; they did not introduce the school-qualification requirement itself.",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Work visa / permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand archived Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual-archive/37113.HTM",
  "preciseCitation": "WI4.140 China Working Holiday Scheme, effective May 4, 2009 and October 1, 2010.",
  "evidencePassage": "To be eligible for a work visa or permit under this scheme, applicants must: be citizens of China, ordinarily resident in the People's Republic of China and actually resident there at the time of applying, and have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds for their maintenance during the period of stay in New Zealand, and agree to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance that will remain current throughout their stay in New Zealand, and have a senior high school qualification (gao zhong xue li) granted in respect of a minimum of three years' full-time study, and have a level of proficiency in English that is assessed as at least functional. Note: For the purposes of this policy an applicant's proficiency in English is deemed to be at least functional if they can produce evidence of: ~ an International English Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an average level of 4 over the four components of the test; or ~ having completed all primary and at least three years' secondary education where all instruction was in English; or ~ having completed at least five years' secondary education where all instruction was in English; or ~ having gained a post-secondary qualification that required at least two years' full-time study or training where all tuition was in English. … Effective 04/05/2009 … To be eligible for a work visa or permit under this scheme, applicants must: be citizens of China, ordinarily resident in the People's Republic of China and actually resident there at the time of applying, and have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds for their maintenance during the period of stay in New Zealand, and agree to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance that will remain current throughout their stay in New Zealand, and have a senior high school qualification (gao zhong xue li) granted in respect of a minimum of three years' full-time study, and have a level of proficiency in English that is assessed as at least functional. Note : For the purposes of this policy: ~ the evidence required at WI4.140(c)(iv) must be verified by the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre (CDGDC) and such verification provided with the qualification ~ an applicant's proficiency in English is deemed to be at least functional if they can provide a certificate from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an average level of 5.5 over the four components of the test. … Effective 01/10/2010",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-post-six-month-detention-20101129",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Detention beyond six months: conditional renewal and release test",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, section 323 of the Immigration Act 2009 prescribed a renewal test where a further warrant would extend consecutive detention beyond six months, calculated under that section. The judge had to issue a further warrant if the person’s action or inaction prevented departure or deportation and no exceptional circumstances warranted release; otherwise, conditional release was required. The clock ran from initial warrant detention when appeal rights were exhausted or absent, otherwise from the later of conclusion of the relevant appeals or expiry of the appeal period. Relevant appeal rights covered appeals against deportation liability and refugee/protection appeals associated with claims made before the specified deportation notice or arrest. For a refugee or protection claim made only after a deportation liability notice or order, or detention for deportation or turnaround, it ran from final determination; a subsequent claim reset that starting point. Final determination included expiry of the appeal period or determination of an appeal. Escape periods through 96 hours after recapture were excluded. Detention already served and the possibility of continued obstruction by the person were not exceptional circumstances under this test. It did not apply to persons ordered deported under the security power in section 163. Applications required sworn officer evidence and reasons; the judge could require attendance and cross-examination. Section 441 applied the test regardless of whether initial detention preceded the 2010 commencement. By comparison, the former section 60 served-removal-order regime generally prohibited consecutive detention beyond three months, except for specified post-order refugee claimants or cases where action or inaction after service of the removal order directly or indirectly prevented departure, with exceptional-circumstances release provisions. This was not a universal six-month detention cap or a clock starting automatically on arrest.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "People lawfully detained under consecutive immigration warrants to whom section 323 applied, excluding section 163 security deportation orders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: otherwise, conditional release was required.; Relevant appeal rights covered appeals against deportation liability and refugee/protection appeals associated with claims made before the specified deportation notice or arrest.; For a refugee or protection claim made only after a deportation liability notice or order, or detention for deportation or turnaround, it ran from final determination; Escape periods through 96 hours after recapture were excluded.; Applications required sworn officer evidence and reasons; By comparison, the former section 60 served-removal-order regime generally prohibited consecutive detention beyond three months, except for specified post-order refugee claimants or cases where action or inaction after service of the removal order directly or indirectly prevented departure, with exceptional-circumstances release provisions.",
  "policyCategory": "Enforcement and detention",
  "policyTool": "Judicial warrants of commitment and conditional release",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/51/en/2010-11-29",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 2009 detention and transition provisions; Immigration Act 1987 corresponding provisions; Commencement Order 2010 clause 2.",
  "evidencePassage": "323 Decisions on warrants of commitment where detention beyond 6 months (1) This section applies where a person would, upon a successful application for a further warrant of commitment under section 316 , be detained under consecutive warrants of commitment for a continuous period of more than 6 months following— (a) the person’s initial detention under a warrant of commitment, where the person has exhausted all appeal rights under this Act at the time of that initial detention, or had no such appeal rights; or (b) where paragraph (a) does not apply, the later of— (i) the conclusion of any appeal proceedings brought by the person; or (ii) the expiry of any period for bringing such an appeal; or (c) the date when a claim for recognition as a refugee or a protected person is finally determined (within the meaning of section 128 ), if the claim was made only after the person— (i) was served with a deportation liability notice or order; or (ii) was arrested and detained for the purpose of deportation or turnaround. (2) A further warrant of commitment authorising the detention of a person to whom this section applies must be issued if a District Court Judge is satisfied— (a) that the person's deportation or departure is prevented by some action or inaction of the person; and (b) that no exceptional circumstances exist that would warrant release. (3) If the Judge is not so satisfied, the Judge must order the person’s release on conditions under section 320 . (4) An application for a further warrant of commitment in a case to which this section applies— (a) must be supported by evidence under oath by an immigration officer; and (b) must include a statement as to why the further warrant is required; and (c) may include any other supporting evidence. (5) The Judge may require the immigration officer to attend the hearing to give evidence and be subject to cross-examination. (6) The period of 6 months referred to in subsection (1) must be calculated exclusive of any period commencing on the date on which the person to whom the warrant relates escapes from lawful custody and ending 96 hours after the date on which the person is again taken into custody under this Act. (7) This section does not apply to a person whose deportation has been ordered under section 163 . (8) To avoid doubt, if a person to whom subsection (1)(c) applies makes a subsequent claim, the 6-month period must be treated as starting on the date the subsequent claim is finally determined. (9) In subsection (1),— appeal proceedings means the proceedings in respect of which the appeal rights are exercised appeal rights means— (a) the rights of appeal the person has or had against liability for deportation; and (b) the refugee and protection appeals associated with any claim made before the person was served with a deportation liability notice or arrested and detained for the purpose of deportation or turnaround. (10) For the purposes of subsection (2), exceptional circumstances do not … (a) the period of time that a person has already been detained under this Part; or (b) the possibility that the person's deportation or departure may continue to be prevented by some action or inaction of the person. Compare: 1987 No 74 s 60(6)(b) 128 Matter not finally determined until expiry of appeal period or when appeal determined A matter under this Part must not be treated as finally determined until— (a) the expiry of the appeal period for any appeal relating to the matter; or (b) if a person lodges an appeal, the appeal is determined. 441 Detention of person beyond 6 months Section 323 of this Act applies to a person regardless of whether the person was initially detained before or after the commencement of section 404 of this Act. 60 Release or extended detention if craft unavailable, etc, within 72-hour period (1) Where a person is arrested and detained under section 59 and it becomes apparent that— (a) no craft will be available within the 72-hour period specified in that section; or (b) a craft that was available is no longer available; or (c) it is not practicable for the person to be placed on a craft within the 72-hour period; or (d) for some other reason the person is unable to leave New Zealand within the 72-hour period,— then, unless the person is released, an immigration officer must arrange for the person to be brought before a District Court Judge for the purpose of obtaining a warrant of commitment. (2) Subject to any extension of it under subsection (4) or subsection (6A), a warrant of commitment issued under this section authorises the detention of the person named in it for a period of 7 days or such shorter period as the Judge thinks necessary to enable the execution of the removal order. (3) A Judge may issue a warrant of commitment on the application of an immigration officer if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person in custody is the person named in the removal order and that any of the following applies: (a) a craft is likely to be available, within the proposed period of the warrant of commitment, to take the person from New Zealand: (b) the practical difficulties that meant that the person could not be placed on an available craft within 72 hours are continuing and are likely to continue, but not for an unreasonable period: (c) the other reasons the person was not able to leave New Zealand within the 72-hour period are still in existence and are likely to remain in existence, but not for an unreasonable period: (d) in all the circumstances it is in the public interest to make a warrant of commitment. (4) If at the expiry of a warrant of commitment made under this section the person has still not left New Zealand, then, unless released, the person must be again brought before a Judge for an extension of the warrant of commitment, in which case subsections (2) and (3) (and, if appropriate, subsection (6A)) apply. (5) If a person is brought before a Judge under subsection (4) for a second or sub",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-dc3dcc92748ef8dc33ab",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Employer work-entitlement checks: tax-declaration excuse replaced by due diligence",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, section 350 of the Immigration Act 2009 continued offences concerning employment of people not entitled to work, but replaced the former specific tax-code-declaration excuse with a defence requiring both lack of knowledge and reasonable precautions and due diligence to establish work entitlement. Under section 39 of the preceding Act, lack of knowledge combined with a declaration stating entitlement, signed before or when employment began, had provided the specified reasonable excuse. Written notice from an immigration officer within the preceding 12 months continued to establish deemed knowledge. The exception for continued employment during the minimum contractual termination-notice period also continued.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Employers checking employees’ entitlement to work",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Under section 39 of the preceding Act, lack of knowledge combined with a declaration stating entitlement, signed before or when employment began, had provided the specified reasonable excuse.; Written notice from an immigration officer within the preceding 12 months continued to establish deemed knowledge.; The exception for continued employment during the minimum contractual termination-notice period also continued.",
  "policyCategory": "Border and land control",
  "policyTool": "Employer liabilities",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/51/en/2010-11-29",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 1987 (historical); Immigration Act 2009 (historical); Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010",
  "evidencePassage": "350 Offences by employers (1) Every employer commits an offence against this Act who— (a) allows or continues to allow any person to work in that employer’s service, knowing that the person is not entitled under this Act to do that work; or (b) allows a person who is not entitled under this Act to work in the employer’s service to do that work. (2) Subsection (1)(a) applies whether the person commenced work in the employer’s service before or after the commencement of this section. (3) It is a defence to a charge under subsection (1)(b) that the employer— (a) did not know that the person was n … 000) relating to the giving of notice on termination of employment. Compare: 1987 No 74 s 39 … ot entitled to do the work; and (b) took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to ascertain whether the person was entitled to do the work. (4) Except as provided in subsection (3), it is not a defence to a charge under subsection (1)(b) that the employer did not know that the person was not entitled under this Act to do that work. (5) An information alleging an offence against this section may specify any day on which it is alleged the person was working for the employer, and need not state the day on which that work is alleged to have commenced. (6) For the purposes of this sect … 39 Responsibility of employers (1) Every employer commits an offence against this Act who allows or continues to allow any person to undertake employment in that employer's service knowing that the person is not entitled under this Act to undertake that employment. (1A) Every employer commits an offence against this Act who, without reasonable excuse, allows a person who is not entitled under this Act to undertake employment in the employer's service to undertake that employment. (1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A), it is a reasonable excuse for allowing a person who is not entitled under … this Act to undertake employment in an employer's service to undertake that employment that the employer concerned did not know that the person was not entitled to undertake that employment, and holds a tax code declaration— (a) that states that the person is entitled under the Immigration Act 1987 to undertake employment in the employer's service; and (b) that was signed by the person before or when that employment began. (1C) Except as provided in subsection (1B), for the purposes of subsection (1A), it is not a reasonable excuse for allowing a person who is not entitled under this Act to u … ion, an employer is treated as knowing that an employee is not entitled under this Act to do any particular work if, at any time in the preceding 12 months (whether before or after the commencement of this section), the employer has been informed of that fact in writing by an immigration officer. (7) No employer is liable for an offence against this section in respect of any period during which the employer continues to allow any person to work in the employer's service in compliance with the minimum requirements of any employment agreement (within the meaning of the Employment Relations Act 2 … and with the consent of the Executive Council, makes the following order. Show contents Contents Order 1 Title This order is the Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010. 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 (1) Section 477 of the Immigration Act 2009 comes into force on 2 August 2010. (2) The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 that are not in force immediately before 2 am on 29 November 2010, except the following sections, come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010: (a) section 30: (b) section 31: (c) section 60: (d) section 100: (e) section 104: (f) s",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-ordinary-warrant-20101129",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Ordinary detention warrants: up to 28 days with identity-related release restrictions",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, section 317 of the Immigration Act 2009 allowed a District Court Judge to issue a warrant of commitment for up to 28 days, or order conditional release if detention was not warranted. In the preceding removal-order route, sections 59 and 60 of the Immigration Act 1987 provided an ordinary warrant of seven days or less after arrest to execute a served removal order; specified extensions for cases involving late refugee claims or the person’s conduct preventing departure could already last up to 30 days. The new framework covered persons liable for deportation or turnaround and certain identity-related cases; it was not confined to the old served-removal-order cohort. Recognised refugees and protected persons were generally exempt from arrest and detention, subject to the statutory deportation exceptions. Under section 317, the court had to establish that the detainee was the person named in the application and consider the statutory departure-impediment or identity grounds, or the public interest. Unless exceptional circumstances existed, conditional release was barred where identity was unknown or unestablished; where the person’s conduct after a deportation liability notice or arrest for deportation or turnaround prevented departure; or where a refugee or protection claim was made only after a deportation liability notice or order, or such arrest. The change concerns the ordinary section 317 warrant and its release conditions, not a universal 28-day limit on total detention or the separate security and prolonged-detention tests.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Persons subject to ordinary immigration act detention-warrant applications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From November 29, 2010, section 317 of the Immigration Act 2009 allowed a District Court Judge to issue a warrant of commitment for up to 28 days, or order conditional release if detention was not warranted.; In the preceding removal-order route, sections 59 and 60 of the Immigration Act 1987 provided an ordinary warrant of seven days or less after arrest to execute a served removal order; specified extensions for cases involving late refugee claims or the person’s conduct preventing departure could already last up to 30 days.; Recognised refugees and protected persons were generally exempt from arrest and detention, subject to the statutory deportation exceptions.; Unless exceptional circumstances existed, conditional release was barred where identity was unknown or unestablished; where the person’s conduct after a deportation liability notice or arrest for deportation or turnaround…",
  "policyCategory": "Enforcement and detention",
  "policyTool": "Judicial warrants of commitment and conditional release",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/74/en/2010-08-02",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 1987 ss 59–60; Immigration Act 2009 ss 309–310, 315–317, 320; Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010",
  "evidencePassage": "317 Decision on application for warrant of commitment (1) On an application for a warrant of commitment, a District Court Judge— (a) must, if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person is not the person named in the application for the warrant of commitment, order that the person be released from custody immediately: (b) may, in any other case, either— (i) issue a warrant of commitment in the prescribed form authorising the person’s detention, in a place named in the warrant, for a period of up to 28 days, if satisfied of the matters in subsections (2) and (3) (and having taken into account the matters in subsections (4) and (5)); or (ii) order the person’s release from custody on conditions under section 320 , if the Judge is not satisfied that detention is warranted. (2) A Judge may issue a warrant of commitment if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person in custody is the person named in the application and that any 1 or more of the following applies: (a) a craft is likely to be available, within the proposed period of the warrant of commitment, to take the person from New Zealand: (b) the reasons why a craft was not available to take the person from New Zealand are continuing and are likely to continue, but not for an unreasonable period: (c) the other reasons the person was not able to leave New Zealand are still in existence and are likely to remain in existence, but not for an unreasonable period: (d) the person has not supplied satisfactory evidence of his or her identity. (3) If subsection (2) does not apply, the Judge may, nevertheless, make a warrant of commitment if it is, in all the circumstances, in the public interest to do so. (4) In determining whether to issue a warrant of commitment, or whether to order the person’s release on conditions, the Judge must have regard to, among other things, the need to seek an outcome that maximises compliance with this Act. (5) Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the Judge must not release the person on conditions if— (a) the identity of the person is unknown; or (b) the person’s identity has not been established to the satisfaction of the court; or (c) a direct or indirect reason for the person being unable to leave New Zealand is, or was, some action or inaction by the person occurring after the person was— (i) served with a deportation liability notice; or (ii) arrested and detained for the purpose of deportation or turnaround; or (d) the person claimed refugee or protection status only after the person was— (i) served with a deportation liability notice or deportation order; or (ii) arrested and detained for the purposes of deportation or turnaround. Compare: 1987 No 74 s 60 … Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR … | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Amendment secondary legislation Versions (1) Empowering Acts (1) Section view Download Search content Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR 2010/185 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 Explanatory note Administrative information 2010/185 Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, Administrator of the Government Order in Council At Wellington this 28th day of June 2010 Present: Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government in Council Pursuant to section 2 of the Immigration Act 2009, Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council, makes the following order. Show contents Contents Order 1 Title This order is the Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010. 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 (1) Section 477 of the Immigration Act 2009 comes into force on 2 August 2010. (2) The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 that are not in force immediately before 2 am on 29 November 2010, except the following sections, come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010: (a) section 30: (b) section 31: (c) section 60: (d) section 100: (e) section 104: (f) section 111: (g) section 120: (h) section 149(1)(e): (i) section 278: (j) sections 283 to 291: (k) section 312: (l) section 400(l). Rebecca Kitteridge, Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect. This order brings into force most of the provisions of the Immigration Act 2009. Section 477 comes into force on 2 August 2010. This section amends the Immigration Act 1987 by inserting a new section 141ABA into the Act. New section 141ABA authorises the Department of Labour to disclose certain information to an employer to enable the employer to verify that a person is entitled under that Act to undertake employment in the employer's service. The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 (except the sections listed in the order and the 4 sections already in force) come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010. The 2 am commencement time on 29 November is to minimise the risk of operational problems at the New Zealand borders as the new immigration processes under the Act come into effect (and those of the Immigration Act 1987 no longer have effect). The 4 provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 that are already in force are sections 474, 475, 476, and 478 (see section 2(4) and (5) of the Immigration Act 2009). The provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 listed in the order that are not brought into force by the order relate to the collection and use of biometric information u",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-security-warrant-20101129",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Security detention warrants: 28-day periods and conditional release",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, section 318 of the Immigration Act 2009 provided for warrants of up to 28 days for people arrested and detained on suspicion of a threat or risk to security, or whose deportation was ordered under section 163. A judge had to order immediate release if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the detainee was not the person named in the warrant application; otherwise the judge had to issue a warrant or, if satisfied that release would not be contrary to the public interest, order conditional release. The corresponding former section 79 regime for suspected terrorists and persons under security or terrorism deportation orders also allowed public-interest conditional release, but its warrants ran until specified delivery or release events rather than an express 28-day period. Under section 322, suspected-security cases detained under a warrant or released on conditions ceased to be liable to arrest and detention if the Minister declined certification or failed to certify within 14 days of initial arrest. Conditions could include restrictions on specified communications or associations under section 321. The post-six-month test in section 323 excluded persons with section 163 deportation orders. Legacy security-risk-certificate cases remained subject to section 438’s special transition: the former Part 4A continued for those certificates, with specified deportation execution and detention provisions applying under the new Act. Conditional release and security detention were not first created in 2010.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "People detained on suspected security grounds or under section 163 security deportation orders, subject to preserved legacy security-certificate proceedings",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From November 29, 2010, section 318 of the Immigration Act 2009 provided for warrants of up to 28 days for people arrested and detained on suspicion of a threat or risk to security, or whose deportation was ordered under section 163.; The corresponding former section 79 regime for suspected terrorists and persons under security or terrorism deportation orders also allowed public-interest conditional release, but its warrants ran until specified delivery or release events rather than an express 28-day period.; Under section 322, suspected-security cases detained under a warrant or released on conditions ceased to be liable to arrest and detention if the Minister declined certification or failed to certify within 14 days of initial arrest.; Legacy security-risk-certificate cases remained subject to section 438’s special transition: the former Part 4A continued for those certificates,…",
  "policyCategory": "Enforcement and detention",
  "policyTool": "Judicial warrants of commitment and conditional release",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/51/en/2010-11-29",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 2009 detention and transition provisions; Immigration Act 1987 corresponding provisions; Commencement Order 2010 clause 2.",
  "evidencePassage": "318 Decision on application for warrant if threat or risk to security (1) This section applies where an immigration officer applies for a warrant of commitment to authorise the detention of a person— (a) who was arrested and detained under section 313 on the suspicion of an immigration officer or a constable that the person constitutes a threat or risk to security; or (b) whose deportation has been ordered under section 163 . (2) A District Court Judge must, if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person is not the person named in the application for the warrant of commitment, order that the person be released from custody immediately. (3) Except where subsection (2) applies, the Judge must— (a) issue a warrant of commitment in the prescribed form authorising the person’s detention, in a place named in the warrant, for a period of up to 28 days; or (b) if satisfied that the release of the person would not be contrary to the public interest, order that the person be released on conditions under section 320 pending the person’s deportation from New Zealand. 79 Powers of District Court Judge in relation to persons in custody (1) Every person who is taken into custody under section 75 or section 78 of this Act shall be brought before a District Court Judge as soon as possible (and in no case later than 48 hours after the person was taken into custody). (2) Where any person is brought before a District Court Judge under subsection (1) of this section, the following provisions shall apply: (a) the Judge shall, if satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person is not the person named in the deportation order, order that the person be released from custody forthwith: (b) except in a case to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies, the Judge shall— (i) issue a warrant of commitment in the prescribed form for the detention of the person; or (ii) if satisfied that the release of the person would not be contrary to the public interest, order that the person be released on conditions in accordance with subsection (4) of this section, pending the person's deportation from New Zealand or an order of the High Court under section 84 of this Act. (3) Every warrant of commitment issued under this section shall authorise the person to whom it is addressed to detain the person named in it until— (a) required by a member of the Police to deliver up that person in accordance with section 85 of this Act; or (b) ordered by a District Court Judge under subsection (9)(a) of this section to release that person; or (c) ordered by the High Court or a Judge of the High Court to release that person. (4) Any order for the release of any person under subsection (2)(b) of this section shall be conditional upon the person residing at a specified address and reporting to a Police station, at intervals of not more than 7 days, on such days and at such times and in such manner as the Judge may specify, and may be subject to such other conditions as … may think fit to impose. (5) Any condition imposed under subsection (4) of this section may be varied at any time by a District Court Judge on the application of a member of the Police or the person released, after hearing both parties or having allowed such opportunity for both parties to be heard as seems reasonable in all the circumstances, and any such condition shall take effect as so varied. (6) Any conditions imposed on a person under subsection (4) of this section, and any variation of such conditions under subsection (5) of this section, shall be notified in writing to the person on that person's release or, as the case may require, as soon as possible after the variation is made, and the written notice shall— (a) specify the address at which the person is to reside; and (b) set out any reporting or other conditions imposed; and (c) include a warning that, if the person fails to reside at the specified address or breaches any reporting or other condition, the person is liable to be arrested without warrant and placed in custody. (7) A breach of any condition imposed under subsection (4) of this section, or varied under subsection (5) of this section, shall nullify the order for release, and thereafter the person is liable to be arrested by any member of the Police without warrant and placed in custody. (8) Every person who is arrested under subsection (7) of this section shall be brought before a District Court Judge as soon as possible (and in no case later than 48 hours after the person was arrested), and the Judge shall, if satisfied of the breach, issue a warrant of commitment in the prescribed form for the detention of that person in custody pending that person's deportation from New Zealand. (9) Where, in respect of any person arrested under section 75 of this Act and subsequently detained pursuant to a warrant of commitment or released on conditions under this section, the Minister decides not to make a deportation order, or fails to make a deportation order within 14 days after the day of the arrest, an immigration officer shall forthwith inform the Registrar of a District Court, and the following provisions shall apply: (a) if the person is in custody, a District Court Judge (or, where no Judge is available, the Registrar) shall order that person's release from custody forthwith: (b) if the person was released on conditions, the Judge (or Registrar) shall order that the person shall cease to be bound by those conditions, and the Registrar shall forthwith notify the person accordingly. (10) Any conditions imposed on any person in accordance with this section shall lapse, and the person shall cease to be bound by them, when the person leaves New Zealand. 322 Persons detained under warrant of commitment or released on conditions pending making of deportation order (1) This section applies in the case of a person who was arrested and detained on the suspicion of an immigration officer or a constable that the person constitutes",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-1bdc76d3d516dbccff8b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Visa framework replaces permits while retaining separate entry permission",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, the Immigration Act 2009 replaced the former permit-based authority to be in New Zealand with a visa framework and separate entry permission. Non-citizens generally needed a visa to travel, unless a visa waiver applied, and a visa plus entry permission to enter and be in New Zealand. A visa did not itself guarantee entry permission, except for a permanent resident visa or a resident visa granted in New Zealand; a travel-visa waiver did not itself confer entry permission. Transitional provisions converted existing visas and permits into corresponding visas and, where applicable, deemed entry permission, subject to the specified conditions and exceptions. The framework therefore did not make a visa alone unconditional permission to enter.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Non-citizens travelling to, entering or staying in new zealand",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Non-citizens generally needed a visa to travel, unless a visa waiver applied, and a visa plus entry permission to enter and be in New Zealand.; A visa did not itself guarantee entry permission, except for a permanent resident visa or a resident visa granted in New Zealand; Transitional provisions converted existing visas and permits into corresponding visas and, where applicable, deemed entry permission, subject to the specified conditions and exceptions.",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Entry visa / stay permit",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/51/en/2010-11-29",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 1987 (historical); Immigration Act 2009 (historical); Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR 2010/185 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Amendment secondary legislation Versions (1) Empowering Acts (1) Section view Download Search content Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR 2010/185 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 Explanatory note Administrative information 2010/185 Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, Administrator of the Government Order in Council At Wellington this 28th day of June 2010 Present: Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government in Council Pursuant to section 2 of the Immigration Act 2009, Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council, makes the following order. Show contents Contents Order 1 Title This order is the Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010. 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 (1) Section 477 of the Immigration Act 2009 comes into force on 2 August 2010. (2) The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 that are not in force immediately before 2 am on 29 November 2010, except the following sections, come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010: (a) section 30: (b) section 31: (c) section 60: (d) section 100: (e) section 104: (f) section 111: (g) section 120: (h) section 149(1)(e): (i) section 278: (j) sections 283 to 291: (k) section 312: (l) section 400(l). Rebecca Kitteridge, Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect. This order brings into force most of the provisions of the Immigration Act 2009. Section 477 comes into force on 2 August 2010. This section amends the Immigration Act 1987 by inserting a new section 141ABA into the Act. New section 141ABA authorises the Department of Labour to disclose certain information to an employer to enable the employer to verify that a person is entitled under that Act to undertake employment in the employer's service. The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 (except the sections listed in the order and the 4 sections already in force) come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010. The 2 am commencement time on 29 November is to minimise the risk of operational problems at the New Zealand borders as the new immigration processes under the Act come into effect (and those of the Immigration Act 1987 no longer have effect). The 4 provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 that are already in force are sections 474, 475, 476, and 478 (see section 2(4) and (5) of the Immigration Act 2009). The provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 listed in the order that are not brought into force by the order relate to the collection and use of biometric information under the Act, certain powers of search and entry, and a detention power. These are now the only provisions of the Act that await a commencement date. Issued under the authority of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989. Date of notification in Gazette: 1 July 2010. This order is administered by the Department of Labour. Mō About this website Te āheinga kia uru atu Accessibility Ngā tikanga whakamahi Terms of use He manatārua Copyright He tauākī matatapu Privacy statement Whakapā mai Contact us Whakahoki kōrero Feedback … 14 Persons other than New Zealand citizens must hold visa to travel to and be in New Zealand (1) A person who is not a New Zealand citizen may— (a) travel to New Zealand only if the person— (i) is the holder of a visa granted under this Act and the travel is consistent with the conditions of the visa; or (ii) is a person to whom a visa waiver applies (whether authorised by regulation or special direction); and (b) enter and be in New Zealand only if the person is the holder of a visa granted under this Act and he or she has been granted entry permission. (2) To avoid doubt, the fact that an application for a visa has been made by or for any person who is onshore does not— (a) render the person’s presence in New Zealand lawful; or (b) give the person a right to remain in New Zealand while the application is considered; or (c) give the person a right to apply for or be granted any other visa pending determination of the application; or (d) inhibit any deportation procedures under this Act that may apply to the person. (3) This Act applies subject to— (a) sections 90 to 96 of the Extradition Act 1999; and (b) sections 150 to 155 of the International Crimes and International Criminal Court Act 2000. Compare: 1987 No 74 s 4",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-5855f8a7be6f89faba1e",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Visa sponsorship: third-party cost recovery with protection for existing undertakings",
  "policyEffect": "From November 29, 2010, sections 48 and 55 of the Immigration Act 2009 provided for visa sponsorship undertakings and expressly made a sponsor liable for a debt to a third party when that party incurred a cost as a result of the sponsor’s failure to comply, recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction. Crown cost recovery was already provided for temporary-permit sponsorship under section 28 of the Immigration Act 1987; enforceable sponsorship was therefore not wholly new. Under section 55, having the required sponsor and the sponsor meeting the undertaking were visa conditions, and the sponsor’s non-compliance also deemed the visa holder to have breached those conditions. Section 470 carried over qualifying sponsorship undertakings in force immediately before repeal of the former Act into section 55, with necessary modifications, but expressly excluded the third-party-debt provision for those existing undertakings. These consequences applied to required sponsorship undertakings, not every visa holder.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-11-29",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Required visa sponsors, sponsored visa holders, and third parties incurring costs from a sponsor’s non-compliance",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Under section 55, having the required sponsor and the sponsor meeting the undertaking were visa conditions, and the sponsor’s non-compliance also deemed the visa holder to have breached those conditions.; Section 470 carried over qualifying sponsorship undertakings in force immediately before repeal of the former Act into section 55, with necessary modifications, but expressly excluded the third-party-debt provision for those existing undertakings.; These consequences applied to required sponsorship undertakings, not every visa holder.",
  "policyCategory": "Sponsorship obligations",
  "policyTool": "Statutory cost recovery and sponsorship visa conditions",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/74/en/2010-08-02",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 1987, section 28; Immigration Act 2009, sections 48, 55 and 470; Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010, clause 2(2).",
  "evidencePassage": "55 Condition that visa holder have sponsor (1) This section applies to a visa holder who, when applying for the visa concerned, was required to provide a written undertaking from a sponsor in accordance with section 48 . (2) It is a condition of the visa that— (a) the visa holder have a sponsor for the purposes of the specified matter or matters provided for in the written undertaking; and (b) the sponsor meets the obligations in relation to the specified matter or matters provided for in the undertaking. (3) If the sponsor fails to comply with the undertaking— (a) the sponsor owes a debt to the Crown, recoverable by the Crown in a court of competent jurisdiction, if the Crown incurs a cost as a result of the failure; and (b) the sponsor owes a debt to a third party, recoverable by the third party in a court of competent jurisdiction, if a cost has been incurred by the third party as a result of the failure; and (c) the visa holder is deemed to have breached the conditions of his or her visa imposed under subsection (2). … 28 Minister may require applicant for temporary permit to have sponsor (1) Without limiting the Minister's discretion under section 27 of this Act, the Minister may, before granting a temporary permit, require the applicant to supply a written undertaking, in a form approved by the Minister, by any person acceptable to the Minister (in subsection (2) of this section called the sponsor) who is a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a residence permit or is exempt under section 12(1) of this Act from the requirement to hold a permit, relating to the employment, accommodation, maintenance (including the costs of any social services of a kind for which benefits are provided by the State), or repatriation of the applicant and any dependants of the applicant in New Zealand, or to any 2 or more of those matters, or to any other matter or matters specified by the Minister, and otherwise upon such conditions as the Minister may require. (2) In the event of the sponsor failing to comply with the whole or any part of the undertaking, the sponsor shall be liable to pay to the Crown all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Crown in respect of that failure. Section 28(1): amended, on 18 November 1991, by section 15 of the Immigration Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 113). … 470 Sponsorship under former Act (1) This section applies to an undertaking if— (a) a person has supplied a written undertaking relating to the employment, accommodation, maintenance, or repatriation of an applicant for a visa or permit under the former Act (whether under section 28 of that Act or otherwise); and (b) the undertaking is in force immediately before the commencement of section 404 of this Act. (2) The undertaking must be treated as an undertaking to which section 55 of this Act applies, and this Act applies accordingly with any necessary modifications. (3) Despite subsection (2), nothing in section 55(3)(b) applies to an undertaking to which this … … Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR 2010/185 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Amendment secondary legislation Versions (1) Empowering Acts (1) Section view Download Search content Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 28 June 2010 (as made) | SR 2010/185 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 Explanatory note Administrative information 2010/185 Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010 Rt Hon Dame Sian Elias, Administrator of the Government Order in Council At Wellington this 28th day of June 2010 Present: Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government in Council Pursuant to section 2 of the Immigration Act 2009, Her Excellency the Administrator of the Government, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council, makes the following order. Show contents Contents Order 1 Title This order is the Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order 2010. 2 Commencement of certain provisions of Immigration Act 2009 (1) Section 477 of the Immigration Act 2009 comes into force on 2 August 2010. (2) The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 that are not in force immediately before 2 am on 29 November 2010, except the following sections, come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010: (a) section 30: (b) section 31: (c) section 60: (d) section 100: (e) section 104: (f) section 111: (g) section 120: (h) section 149(1)(e): (i) section 278: (j) sections 283 to 291: (k) section 312: (l) section 400(l). Rebecca Kitteridge, Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect. This order brings into force most of the provisions of the Immigration Act 2009. Section 477 comes into force on 2 August 2010. This section amends the Immigration Act 1987 by inserting a new section 141ABA into the Act. New section 141ABA authorises the Department of Labour to disclose certain information to an employer to enable the employer to verify that a person is entitled under that Act to undertake employment in the employer's service. The remaining sections of the Immigration Act 2009 (except the sections listed in the order and the 4 sections already in force) come into force at 2 am on 29 November 2010. The 2 am commencement time on 29 November is to minimise the risk of operational problems at the New Zealand borders as the new immigration processes under the Act come into effect (and those of the Immigration Act 1987 no longer have effect). The 4 provisions of the Immigration Ac",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-3fe65ecbbb8376b40922",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Commencement of refugee/protection biometric collection and general biometric provisions",
  "policyEffect": "On December 20, 2010, the Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order (No 2) 2010 brought sections 30, 31 and 149(1)(e) into force. Section 149(1)(e) authorised biometric collection from people claiming refugee or protected-person status or whose recognition was being investigated; sections 30 and 31 set general provisions for the method of biometric collection and use under the Act. The order did not commence the other biometric collection powers for visa or entry-permission applicants and people arriving in or departing from New Zealand; those provisions still awaited commencement.",
  "operativeDate": "2010-12-20",
  "year": 2010,
  "affectedGroup": "Refugee/protection claimants and people whose refugee/protected-person recognition was being investigated",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border and land control",
  "policyTool": "Surveillance technology / control powers",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2010/410/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Act 2009 Commencement Order (No 2) 2010",
  "evidencePassage": "This order brings into force, on 20 December 2010, 3 further provisions of the Immigration Act 2009. Section 149(1)(e) authorises the collection of biometric information from a person claiming refugee or protected person status under the Act or whose recognition as a refugee or protected person is being investigated. Sections 30 and 31 are general provisions relating to the method of collection and use of biometric information under the Act. The only provisions of the Act that now await a commencement date are sections 60, 100, 104, 111, 120, 278, 283 to 291, 312, and 400(l). These provisions relate to the collection of biometric information in relation to other people (for example, people applying for visas or entry permission and those arriving in and departing from New Zealand), certain powers of search and entry, and a detention power.",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-25b4afd75a353f931588",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Visiting academics: specified short academic activities excluded from work requirements",
  "policyEffect": "From April 4, 2011, New Zealand’s V3.130 instructions permitted qualifying visiting academics to undertake specified activities using the visitor route, and W2.2 expressly excluded visits meeting V3.130 from the definition of employment. The preceding November 29, 2010 W2.2 text did not contain that academic exclusion. Academics from visa-waiver countries could be granted a three-month visitor visa and entry permission on arrival; others had to obtain a visitor visa before travel. A work visa was required before travel for stays exceeding three months, multiple visits totalling more than three months in a calendar year, or work activities outside those specified. Applicants needed an invitation from the relevant New Zealand tertiary education institute identifying them, confirming that they met the academic requirements, and describing the activities and dates or duration. They had to be well-qualified, employed by an overseas academic or research institution or widely experienced in such employment, and undertaking pedagogical, educational, professional-management or research activities. The listed activities included research collaboration and publication with New Zealand academics; one-off seminars or conferences; specialised short-course teaching or tutoring where New Zealand academics lacked the subject knowledge; obtaining research material available only in New Zealand or research possible only there; academic or research planning, management, professional development and resource sourcing; meetings with a co-supervised postgraduate student enrolled for a New Zealand qualification; performance or studio masterclasses; oral or practical assessment panels, including theses; and study tours. The instruction’s tertiary-institute note listed New Zealand universities, institutes of technology and the three named wānanga. This was a bounded visiting-academic exemption, not unrestricted visitor employment.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-04-04",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Qualified visiting academics invited by new zealand tertiary education institutes",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: others had to obtain a visitor visa before travel.; A work visa was required before travel for stays exceeding three months, multiple visits totalling more than three months in a calendar year, or work activities outside those specified.; obtaining research material available only in New Zealand or research possible only there",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Travel visa / permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/40694.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ Operational Manual V3.130 effective4April2011; W2.2 versions29November2010and4April2011",
  "evidencePassage": "V3.130 Visiting academics (04/04/2011) V3.130 Visiting academics (04/04/2011) See also Immigration Act 2009, s 4 See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 Schedule 2 Visiting academics from countries whose nationals are people to whom a visa waiver applies (see E2.1), may be granted a three-month visitor visa and entry permission on arrival in New Zealand. Visiting academics from countries whose nationals are required to hold a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand must apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand. Visiting academics must apply for a work visa prior to travelling to New Zealand if they wish to: stay in New Zealand for longer than three months; or make multiple visits with a total duration of more than three months in any calendar year; or undertake any activity that would fall within the definition of work and is not listed at (f) below. Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the tertiary education institute or institutes where they plan to undertake academic work, confirming: the name of the applicant; and that the applicant is a person specified at (e) below; and the activity or activities the applicant will undertake while in New Zealand; and the dates or duration of the activity or activities to be undertaken. Note: Tertiary education institutes include New Zealand universities, institutes of technology and the three wananga (Te Wananga o Raukawa, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, and Te Wananga o Aotearoa). Visiting academics must be: well-qualified in their field; and either employed by an overseas academic or research institution, or have wide experience in such employment; and undertaking activities of a pedagogical, educational, professional management or research nature. Pedagogical, educational, professional management or research activities are excluded from the definition of work. These include: collaborating on research projects with academics working at New Zealand tertiary education institutes, including publishing work with New Zealand academics; and presenting at one-off seminars or conferences organised by the institution; and providing teaching or tutoring for short courses in specialised areas that New Zealand academics do not have the subject knowledge in; and sourcing research material only available in New Zealand (including literature) or conducting research only able to be undertaken in New Zealand; and planning and management (including designing, developing, implementing and reviewing/auditing academic and research courses, programmes and resources; professional development, including teaching methods and curriculum development; and sourcing resource materials for academic and research programmes); and meeting with a post-graduate student who they co-supervise if the student is enrolled at a New Zealand institution from which they will be receiving their qualification, if successful; and undertaking performance classes (e.g. in … or music) or studio master classes (i.e. recording and mastering music); and participating on assessment panels for oral or practical examinations, including for theses; and study tours. Effective 04/04/2011 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS V3.130 Visiting academics (25/07/2011) W2.2 Definitions (04/04/2011) W2.2 Definitions (04/04/2011) See also Immigration Act 2009, s 4 W2.2.1 Definition of 'employment' Employment means any activity undertaken for gain or reward, but does not include: visits by persons undertaking business activities detailed in V3.5(b); official business in the service of any government, or of any inter-governmental or international organisation that is entitled to any privileges and immunities under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1968 (see H2); study or training under a scholarship or other award recognised by the Minister; visits by guests of government (guest of government status is granted through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet); visits by persons who meet the special requirements under V3.55, V3.85 or V3.130. 'Gain or reward' includes any payment or benefit that can be valued in terms of money, such as board and lodging, goods (eg, food or clothing) and services (eg, transport). Note: ‘Employment in the context of the INZ Operational Manual has the same meaning as ‘work’ as defined in section 4 of the Immigration Act 2009. This definition does not require employment as an 'employee'. It also covers self-employment. W2.2.5 Definition of 'New Zealand' for employment purposes A person is considered to be undertaking employment in New Zealand if at any time they are employed: on or in relation to any artificial island, installation, or structure anywhere within the territorial sea of New Zealand; or on or in relation to any artificial island, installation, or structure anywhere within the exclusive economic zone of New Zealand or on or above the continental shelf of New Zealand; or on board any craft that is registered in New Zealand and is engaged in activities anywhere: within the territorial sea of New Zealand; or within the New Zealand exclusive economic zone; or on or above the New Zealand continental shelf. A person is considered to be undertaking employment in New Zealand whether or not a New Zealand or overseas resident is providing the payment or benefit for the activity. W2.2.10 Definition of 'full-time employment' Unless otherwise specified, full-time employment is considered to be at least 30 hours of work per week for the purpose of all work instructions. W2.2.15 Definition of 'New Zealand market rate' For the purposes of work instructions (with the exception of WH1 Recognised Seasonal Employer instructions), the New Zealand market rate is the rate of pay which would be required to recruit a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder to do equivalent work. When assessing the New Zealand market rate, factors immigration officers may consider, include, but are not lim",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-sse-employer-intention-20110418",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "SSE work visa applicants required to demonstrate genuine intention to work for an approved employer",
  "policyEffect": "From April 18, 2011, Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work-visa applicants had to satisfy an immigration officer that they genuinely intended to work for an SSE-approved employer in horticulture or viticulture. The November 29, 2010 predecessor did not contain this specific requirement or its evidence provision. Evidence could include, without being limited to, an SSE job offer; travel or accommodation arrangements in regions with SSE employers; information about the intended work, employers, crops or regions, or a harvest-trail plan; correspondence with regional seasonal coordinators; or evidence of contact with SSE employers. A job offer was therefore one possible form of evidence, not a mandatory condition for every applicant. Existing eligibility still required applicants to be at least 18, meet health, character and bona fide requirements, hold a return ticket home or funds to buy one, hold a current temporary-entry visa while in New Zealand, never previously have held a TRSE or SSE work visa, and not have held another work visa since their latest entry. Grants also remained dependent on available positions as determined by INZ in consultation with the Ministry of Social Development. SSE visas remained six-month visas without travel conditions, restricted to planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops for an employer with SSE approval in principle or an approval under the former TRSE instructions. The May 13, 2011 VisaPak explains the recently updated evidence requirement; it is not a second policy change.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-04-18",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Onshore temporary-visa holders applying for supplementary seasonal employment work visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The November 29, 2010 predecessor did not contain this specific requirement or its evidence provision.; Evidence could include, without being limited to, an SSE job offer; Existing eligibility still required applicants to be at least 18, meet health, character and bona fide requirements, hold a return ticket home or funds to buy one, hold a current temporary-entry visa while in New Zealand, never previously have held a TRSE or SSE work visa, and not have held another work visa since their latest entry.; The May 13, 2011 VisaPak explains the recently updated evidence requirement",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Work visa / permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/74295.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ WH3.10 effective 18 April 2011 compared with 29 November 2010; WH3.5 effective 29 November 2010; VisaPak 16 dated 13 May 2011.",
  "evidencePassage": "WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (18/04/2011) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (18/04/2011) People holding work visas granted under the Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) instructions may undertake seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries (which is planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops) for any employer who has a current SSE approval in principle. WH3.10.1 Who is eligible for a SSE work visa? Applicants for SSE work visa must: be aged 18 or older; and meet health and character requirements as set out at A4 and A5 ; and meet the requirements for bona fide applicants as set out at E5; and hold a return ticket to their home country, or provide evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket. To be granted a visa under SSE instructions an applicant must: be the holder of a current temporary entry class visa in New Zealand; and not have previously held a TRSE or SSE work visa; and not have held any type of work visa since their most recent entry to New Zealand; and satisfy an immigration officer that they have a genuine intention to work for an SSE-approved employer in the horticulture and viticulture industries. SSE work visas will only be granted where there are available positions of employment, as determined by INZ in consultation with the Ministry of Social Development. Evidence that the applicant meets the requirement in (b)(iv) above may include but is not limited to: a job offer from an SSE employer; arrangements for travel to or accommodation in regions where SSE employers are located; evidence of the horticulture and viticulture work the applicant intends to complete, such as information on SSE employers, crops and regions or a harvest trail plan; correspondence with the relevant region’ s seasonal coordinator(s) to obtain information on SSE employers; or evidence of contact with SSE employer(s) whose details are available on the Immigration New Zealand website. WH3.10.5 Currency and conditions of SSE work visas SSE work visas will be granted for a period of six months. Work visas granted under SSE instructions will be subject to the condition that the holder may undertake work planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture or viticulture industry only, for an employer who holds a SSE approval in principle or an approval in principle granted under the former TRSE instructions. SSE Work visas will not include travel conditions. Note: After the SSE work visa has been granted, it is recommended that workers who want information about the availability of work with employers who hold SSE or TRSE approvals in principle, or assistance with obtaining such work, contact a Seasonal Labour Co-ordinator in the region/s where they want to work. Contact details of Seasonal Labour Co-ordinators are available from INZ. WH3.10.10 Applying for a work visa under SSE instructions Applications for a SSE work visa … made on the form SSE Work Application (INZ 1153) ; and meet all the requirements under Generic Temporary Entry instructions for lodging an application for a temporary entry class visa as set out at E4 ; and meet all the requirements for eligibility under WH3.10.1. Effective 18/04/2011 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (04/04/2022) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (13/03/2022) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (09/06/2021) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (01/12/2020) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (01/10/2020) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (29/11/2010) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (29/11/2010) WH3.10 Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) work visa instructions (29/11/2010) People holding work visas granted under the Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) instructions may undertake seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries (which is planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops) for any employer who has a current SSE approval in principle. WH3.10.1 Who is eligible for a SSE work visa? Applicants for SSE work visa must: be aged 18 or older; and meet health and character requirements as set out at A4 and A5 ; and meet the requirements for bona fide applicants as set out at E5 ; and hold a return ticket to their home country, or provide evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket. To be granted a visa under SSE instructions an applicant must: be the holder of a current temporary entry class visa in New Zealand; and not have previously held a TRSE or SSE work visa; and not have held any type of work visa since their most recent entry to New Zealand. SSE work visa applications will only be granted where there are available positions of employment, as determined by INZ in consultation with the Ministry of Social Development. WH3.10.5 Currency and conditions of a SSE work visa SSE work visa will be granted for a period of six months. Work visas granted under SSE instructions will be subject to the condition that the holder may undertake work planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture or viticulture industry only, for an employer who holds a SSE approval in principle or an approval in principle granted under the former TRSE instructions. SSE Work visas will not include travel conditions. Note: After the SSE work visa has been granted, it is recommended that workers who want information about the availability of work with employers who hold SSE or TRSE approvals in principle, or assistance with obtaining such work, contact a Seasonal Labour Co-ordinator in the region/s where they want to work. Contact details of Seasonal Labour Co-ordinators are available from INZ. WH3.10.10 Applying for a wo",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-investor-acceptable-assets-20110725",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Expansion of acceptable investments for migrant investor categories to include registered bank bonds/equities, residential property developments, and finance-company bonds",
  "policyEffect": "Effective 25/07/2011, the definition of acceptable investments for migrant investor categories was expanded. Previously, direct or indirect investment in residential property development and deposit-taking financial institutions (including banks and finance companies) was prohibited. Under the updated rules, acceptable investments include bonds issued by New Zealand registered banks, equities in New Zealand registered banks, residential property developments, and bonds in finance companies, which a Business Immigration Specialist may consider acceptable where the finance company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of, raises capital solely for, and has all its debt securities unconditionally guaranteed by a New Zealand Stock Exchange listed company or a local authority. Residential property developments are subject to specific conditions: they must be new developments on new or existing sites, cannot include renovation or extension of existing developments, must have gained required regulatory consents and approvals, must aim for a commercial return on the open market, and cannot be resided in by the principal investor's family, relatives, or associated persons. Furthermore, costs associated with obtaining regulatory approval do not count towards acceptable investments. General conditions continue to apply: investments must be capable of a commercial return, not for personal use, invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency, invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds complying with New Zealand law, and have the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy. Managed funds qualify only for the proportion invested in New Zealand companies; international exposure does not count towards that proportion. The investment value is based on net purchase price, excluding accrued interest, commission, brokerage and trade levy, and a business immigration specialist retains case-by-case discretion where a failure to meet requirements was beyond the principal applicant's control.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-07-25",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Investor 1 and investor 2 principal applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Residential property developments are subject to specific conditions: they must be new developments on new or existing sites, cannot include renovation or extension of existing developments, must have gained required regulatory consents and approvals, must aim for a commercial return on the open market, and cannot be resided in by the principal investor's family, relatives, or associated persons.; General conditions continue to apply: investments must be capable of a commercial return, not for personal use, invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency, invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds complying with New Zealand law, and have the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy.; Managed funds qualify only for the proportion invested in New Zealand companies",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Residence conditions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/41451.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ complete dated operational manual provisions, predecessor29November2010 and operative25July2011.",
  "evidencePassage": "BJ3.10 Investment funds (25/07/2011) BJ3.10 Investment funds (25/07/2011) The principal applicant must invest a minimum of NZ$10 million in New Zealand for a period of three years. The principal applicant must: nominate funds and/or assets equivalent in value to NZ$10 million; and demonstrate ownership of these funds and/or assets (see BJ3.10.1); and demonstrate that the nominated funds and/or assets have been earned or acquired legally (see BJ3.10.1 (c) below). All invested funds must meet the conditions of an acceptable investment as set out under BJ3.10.25. BJ3.10.1 Ownership of nominated funds and/or assets Nominated funds and/or assets may be owned either: solely by the principal applicant; or jointly by the principal applicant and partner and/or dependent children who are included in the resident visa application, provided a business immigration specialist is satisfied the principal applicant and partner have been living together for 12 months or more in a partnership that is genuine and stable (see R2.1.15 and R2.1.15.1 (b) and R2.1.15.5 (a)(i)). If so, the principal applicant may claim the full value of such jointly owned funds or assets for assessment purposes. If nominated funds and/or assets are held jointly by the principal applicant and a person other than their partner or dependent child, the principal applicant may only claim the value of that portion of funds and/or assets for which they provide evidence of ownership. The principal applicant may only nominate funds and/or assets that they earned or acquired legally, including funds and/or assets which have been gifted to them unconditionally and in accordance with local law. Where nominated funds and/or assets have been gifted to the principal applicant a business immigration specialist must be satisfied that the funds and/or assets being gifted were earned lawfully by the person/s gifting the funds and/or assets. The nominated funds and/or assets must be unencumbered. The nominated funds and/or assets must not be borrowed. BJ3.10.5 Definition of 'funds earned or acquired legally' Funds and/or assets earned or acquired legally are funds and/or assets earned or acquired in accordance with the laws of the country in which they were earned or acquired. Business immigration specialists have discretion to decline an application if they are satisfied that, had the funds and/or assets been earned or acquired in the same manner in New Zealand, they would have been earned or acquired contrary to the criminal law of New Zealand. BJ3.10.10 Definition of 'unencumbered funds' Unencumbered funds are funds that are not subject to any mortgage, lien, charge and/or encumbrance (whether equitable or otherwise) or any other creditor claims. BJ3.10.15 Funds already held in New Zealand Funds held in New Zealand at the time the application is made may be included in investment funds. However, periods of investment in New Zealand before approval in principle cannot be taken into account when … three-year investment period. Funds held in New Zealand must originally have been transferred to New Zealand through the banking system, or a foreign exchange company that uses the banking system from the country or countries in which they were earned or acquired legally, or have been earned or acquired lawfully in New Zealand (see BJ7.10 ). BJ3.10.20 Evidence of the principal applicant's nominated funds and assets Principal applicants must provide evidence of net funds and/or assets to the value of the required investment funds. Principal applicants must provide evidence to the satisfaction of a business immigration specialist that the nominated funds and/or assets were earned or acquired legally. All documents provided as valuations of assets must be: no more than three months old at the date the resident visa application is made; and produced by a reliable independent agency. A business immigration specialist may seek further evidence if they: are not satisfied that the nominated funds and/or assets were earned or acquired legally; or consider that the nominated funds and/or assets may have been gifted or borrowed without being declared; or are not satisfied with the valuation provided; or consider that the nominated funds and/or assets fail in some other way to meet the rules for investment funds. BJ3.10.25 Definition of 'acceptable investment' An acceptable investment means an investment that: is capable of a commercial return under normal circumstances; and is not for the personal use of the applicant(s) (see BJ5.50.1 below); and is invested in New Zealand in New Zealand currency; and is invested in lawful enterprises or managed funds (see BJ5.50.5) that comply with all relevant laws in force in New Zealand; and has the potential to contribute to New Zealand's economy; and is invested in either one or more of the following: bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities; or bonds issued by New Zealand firms traded on the New Zealand Debt Securities Market (NZDX); or bonds issued by New Zealand firms with at least a BBB- or equivalent rating from internationally recognised credit rating agencies (for example, Standard and Poor's); or equity in New Zealand firms (public or private including managed funds); or bonds issued by New Zealand registered banks; or equities in New Zealand registered banks; or residential property development(s) (see BJ3.10.40); or bonds in finance companies (see BJ3.10.25 (c)). Note: For the purposes of these instructions, convertible notes are considered to be an equity investment. New Zealand registered banks are defined by the New Zealand Reserve Bank Act 1989. Notwithstanding (a) above, where an investment fails to meet one of the acceptable investment requirements, a business immigration specialist may consider, on a case by case basis, whether the failure was beyond the control of the principal applicant and if satisfied that this was the case, may consider the investment acceptable. A Bus",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-investor1-presence-20110725",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Investor 1 annual physical-presence requirement reduced from 73 to 44 days",
  "policyEffect": "From July 25, 2011, BJ8.15 reduced the minimum annual time in New Zealand for the principal applicant under the Investor 1 Category from 20 percent (73 days) to 12 percent (44 days) during the required investment period. The Investor 2 annual requirement remained 40 percent (146 days).",
  "operativeDate": "2011-07-25",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Principal applicant under each category of the migrant investment categories",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From July 25, 2011, BJ8.15 reduced the minimum annual time in New Zealand for the principal applicant under the Investor 1 Category from 20 percent (73 days) to 12 percent (44 days) during the required investment period.; The Investor 2 annual requirement remained 40 percent (146 days).",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Residence conditions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/41454.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ BJ8.15 complete versions effective29November2010,25July2011 and7November2011; narrowly the annual-presence threshold.",
  "evidencePassage": "The time periods are: Investor 1 Category – 12 percent of each year (44 days per year). Investor 2 Category – 40 percent of each year (146 days per year). … Effective 25/07/2011 … the principal applicant under each category of the Migrant Investment Categories … As set out at BJ8.10(a) , the principal applicant under each category of the Migrant Investment Categories must spend a minimum period of time in New Zealand during the required investment period.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-smc-job-search-recent-graduate-bar-20110725",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "SMC job-search visa barred for onshore recent Study-to-Work visa holders",
  "policyEffect": "From July 25, 2011, a principal applicant who is in New Zealand and currently holds, or has held within the previous 24 months, a work visa granted under the WD Study to Work instructions is not eligible for a work visa under the Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Instructions.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-07-25",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Principal applicants who are in new zealand and currently hold, or in the last 24 months have held, a work visa granted under the wd study to work instructions",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From July 25, 2011, a principal applicant who is in New Zealand and currently holds, or has held within the previous 24 months, a work visa granted under the WD Study to Work instructions is not eligible for a work visa under the Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Instructions.",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Residence and work visa eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/66915.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "WR5 Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) Instructions (04/04/2011); WR5 Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Instructions (25/07/2011); SM21.10 Assessment of whether a principal applicant can realise their potential to successfully settle and contribute (04/04/2011); SM21.10 Assessment of whether a principal applicant can realise their potential to successfully settle and contribute (25/07/2011)",
  "evidencePassage": "Effective 25/07/2011 … If the principal applicant is in New Zealand and currently holds, or in the last 24 months has held, a work visa granted under the WD Study to Work instructions … then they are not eligible for a work visa under these instructions. … If the principal applicant is in New Zealand and holds, or in the last 24 months, has held a work visa granted under the WD Study to work instructions then they are not eligible for a work visa under the SMC Job Search Instructions ( WR5 (b) ).",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-smc-nz-study-bonus-points-20110725",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "SMC New Zealand qualification bonus points tied to degree level and duration",
  "policyEffect": "From July 25, 2011, SMC bonus points for New Zealand qualifications used new qualification-level and study-duration criteria. A recognised New Zealand level 7 bachelor degree requiring at least two years of full-time study in New Zealand earned 10 points, with study over four semesters and at least 16 months. A recognised postgraduate level 8, 9 or 10 qualification requiring at least one year of full-time New Zealand study earned 10 points; a postgraduate level 9 or 10 qualification requiring at least two years earned 15. Qualifications gained with New Zealand Aid Programme funding remained ineligible for bonus points. The preceding rule awarded five points for two years of qualifying full-time New Zealand study, five for a recognised basic New Zealand level 4–8 qualification, and ten for a recognised New Zealand postgraduate level 9 or 10 qualification. These preceding bonus provisions remained available where the qualification was gained before July 25, 2011 or the applicant had commenced the course towards the recognised New Zealand qualification on July 24, as worded in the archived instruction; the old provisions allowed bonus points for both a basic and a postgraduate qualification. For the two-year full-time-study assessment, the retained definition covered tertiary undergraduates enrolled in at least three papers per semester, tertiary postgraduates with at least 100 credits per calendar year or a workload of at least 20 hours weekly, and private-training-establishment students with at least 20 hours weekly attendance. This is separate from the ordinary recognised-qualification points scale.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-07-25",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Smc principal applicants claiming bonus points for new zealand qualifications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: A recognised New Zealand level 7 bachelor degree requiring at least two years of full-time study in New Zealand earned 10 points, with study over four semesters and at least 16 months.; A recognised postgraduate level 8, 9 or 10 qualification requiring at least one year of full-time New Zealand study earned 10 points; a postgraduate level 9 or 10 qualification requiring at least two years earned 15.; These preceding bonus provisions remained available where the qualification was gained before July 25, 2011 or the applicant had commenced the course towards the recognised New Zealand qualification on July 24, as worded in the archived instruction; For the two-year full-time-study assessment, the retained definition covered tertiary undergraduates enrolled in at least three papers per semester, tertiary postgraduates with at least 100 credits per calendar year or a workload of at least…",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Residence and work visa eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/41491.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (07/02/2011); SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011)",
  "evidencePassage": "SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011) A recognised New Zealand bachelor degree (level seven on the NZQF) (see SM14.5 ) requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand qualifies for 10 points, providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of one year of full-time study in New Zealand (levels eight, nine, or 10 on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 10 points. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand (level nine or ten on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 15 points. Qualifications gained with New Zealand Aid Programme funding will not qualify for bonus points. Despite (a), (b), and (c) above, the principal applicant will be eligible for New Zealand qualification bonus points under SM15.5.1 if they: gained the qualification before 25 July 2011; or had commenced a course of study towards a recognised New Zealand qualification on 24 July 2011. SM15.5.1 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications commenced in or completed before 25 July 2011 Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification qualifies for five points, providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months. A recognised basic New Zealand qualification from level four up to and including level eight on the NZQF qualifies for five points. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification that is at level nine or ten on the NZQF qualifies for 10 points. Note: Applicants who hold a recognised basic New Zealand qualification and a recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification are entitled to claim bonus points for both qualifications. SM15.5.5 Definition of 'full-time study' for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant Category For the purposes of awarding bonus points for two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification under the SMC, study undertaken in New Zealand is defined as full-time where: an undergraduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in at least three papers per semester; or a post-graduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in either a course of study: that resulted in at least 100 credits per calendar year; or with a workload of at least 20 hours per week; or a student at a private training establishment was enrolled in a course of study that required attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Effective 25/07/2011 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (26/03/2012) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (07/11/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (07/02/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (29/11/2010) … Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (25/07/2011) A recognised New Zealand bachelor degree (level seven on the NZQF) (see SM14.5 ) requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand qualifies for 10 points, providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of one year of full-time study in New Zealand (levels eight, nine, or 10 on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 10 points. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification requiring a minimum of two years of full-time study in New Zealand (level nine or ten on the NZQF) (see SM14.5) qualifies for 15 points. Qualifications gained with New Zealand Aid Programme funding will not qualify for bonus points. Despite (a), (b), and (c) above, the principal applicant will be eligible for New Zealand qualification bonus points under SM15.5.1 if they: gained the qualification before 25 July 2011; or had commenced a course of study towards a recognised New Zealand qualification on 24 July 2011. SM15.5.1 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications commenced in or completed before 25 July 2011 Two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification qualifies for five points, providing the full-time study was over four semesters during a period of at least 16 months. A recognised basic New Zealand qualification from level four up to and including level eight on the NZQF qualifies for five points. A recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification that is at level nine or ten on the NZQF qualifies for 10 points. Note: Applicants who hold a recognised basic New Zealand qualification and a recognised post-graduate New Zealand qualification are entitled to claim bonus points for both qualifications. SM15.5.5 Definition of 'full-time study' for the purpose of the Skilled Migrant Category For the purposes of awarding bonus points for two years of full-time study in New Zealand towards a recognised New Zealand qualification under the SMC, study undertaken in New Zealand is defined as full-time where: an undergraduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in at least three papers per semester; or a post-graduate student at a tertiary education institution was enrolled in either a course of study: that resulted in at least 100 credits per calendar year; or with a workload of at least 20 hours per week; or a student at a private training establishment was enrolled in a course of study that required attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Effective 25/07/2011 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (26/03/2012) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (07/11/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (07/02/2011) SM15.5 Bonus points for New Zealand qualifications (29/11/2010) SM15.5 B",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-smc-qualification-points-20110725",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "SMC recognised-qualification points redistributed by qualification level",
  "policyEffect": "From July 25, 2011, SMC points for recognised qualifications at NZQF levels 9 and 10 increased from 55 to 60, while levels 5 and 6 decreased from 50 to 40; levels 7 and 8 remained at 50. Eligible level 4 qualifications and level 3 qualifications recognised as an exception decreased from 50 to 40. Level 4 qualifications still had to qualify through the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment or through NZQA assessment, relevance to a listed skilled occupation and the exclusion rules; listed level 3 qualifications still had to meet the exception-list requirements. Points were not cumulative: they applied to one qualification or to qualifications assessed in combination, with a maximum of the applicable 40, 50 or 60 points. The July rule retained non-recognition of qualifications gained while unlawfully resident or without required study authority and added ESOL qualifications to the exclusion list. A qualifying New Zealand qualification at levels 3–6 retained 50 points if it would have qualified under the SMC rules in force on July 24, 2011 and was completed before July 25, or the applicant had commenced the course leading to the qualification on July 24, as worded in the archived instruction. This component concerns recognised-qualification points, not separate New Zealand-study bonus points.",
  "operativeDate": "2011-07-25",
  "year": 2011,
  "affectedGroup": "Smc principal applicants claiming points for recognised qualifications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Eligible level 4 qualifications and level 3 qualifications recognised as an exception decreased from 50 to 40.; Level 4 qualifications still had to qualify through the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment or through NZQA assessment, relevance to a listed skilled occupation and the exclusion rules; listed level 3 qualifications still had to meet the exception-list requirements.; Points were not cumulative: they applied to one qualification or to qualifications assessed in combination, with a maximum of the applicable 40, 50 or 60 points.; The July rule retained non-recognition of qualifications gained while unlawfully resident or without required study authority and added ESOL qualifications to the exclusion list.; A qualifying New Zealand qualification at levels 3–6 retained 50 points if it would have qualified under the SMC rules in force on July 24, 2011 and was completed…",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Residence and work visa eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/41490.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (04/04/2011); SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (25/07/2011)",
  "evidencePassage": "SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (25/07/2011) SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (25/07/2011) Qualifications are recognised and qualify for points as follows: Qualifications assessed as occupying levels nine and ten on the NZQF qualify for 60 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels seven, or eight on the NZQF qualify for 50 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying level five or six on the NZQF qualify for 40 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 40 points by inclusion in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (see Appendix 3 ) if they meet the requirements specified in that list. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 40 points if they are assessed by the NZQA and are: relevant to an occupation listed at part B or part C of the List of Skilled Occupations (see Appendix 6 ); and not included on the list of Excluded Qualifications (see SM14.10.5). Qualifications assessed as occupying level three on the NZQF that are included on the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception (see SM14.10.10), and meet the requirements specified in that list, qualify for 40 points. Points are provided for: one qualification only; or two or more qualifications assessed in combination. Note: Points for recognised qualifications are not cumulative. A principal applicant may qualify for only 40, 50, or 60 points. For example, if an applicant has two level nine qualifications on the NZQF they may still only qualify for 60 points. Note: A qualification will not be recognised if gained while in a country where the principal applicant was either an unlawful resident or required authority to study, but did not have such authority. SM14.10.1 New Zealand qualifications Despite SM14.10, SM14.10.5 and SM14.10.10, a New Zealand qualification at levels three, four, five or six on the NZQF qualifies for 50 points if: it would have met the requirements for the award of points under the Skilled Migrant Category that was in effect on 24 July 2011; and the principal applicant completed the qualification before 25 July 2011 or the principal applicant had commenced a course of study, resulting in the qualification for which they are claiming points, on 24 July 2011. SM14.10.5 Excluded qualifications The qualifications listed below are excluded from recognition under the Skilled Migrant Category and do not qualify for points. This list may be amended by the deletion or addition of qualifications from time to time, as approved by the Minister of Immigration. Level four qualifications that are not a New Zealand National Certificate (or compared to a New Zealand National Certificate by the NZQA). Any English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualification. Note: Immigration officers must ensure that the qualification is a National Certificate or comparable to a National Certificate and may refer to the following for confirmation: ~ the www.nzqf.govt.nz … ~ written confirmation provided by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to the Tertiary Education Provider confirming the qualification is a National Certificate, ~ a NZQA International Qualification Assessment (IQA); or ~ a NZQA Qualifications Assessment Report (QAR). SM14.10.10 Qualifications recognised as an exception The qualifications included in the list held at Appendix 8 are recognised for the award of points as an exception under the Skilled Migrant Category. Qualifications in this list, awarded by an institution included in this list, do not require assessment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Effective 25/07/2011 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (04/04/2011) SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (29/11/2010) SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (25/07/2011) SM14.10 Points for recognised qualifications (25/07/2011) Qualifications are recognised and qualify for points as follows: Qualifications assessed as occupying levels nine and ten on the NZQF qualify for 60 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying levels seven, or eight on the NZQF qualify for 50 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying level five or six on the NZQF qualify for 40 points. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 40 points by inclusion in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (see Appendix 3 ) if they meet the requirements specified in that list. Qualifications assessed as occupying level four on the NZQF qualify for 40 points if they are assessed by the NZQA and are: relevant to an occupation listed at part B or part C of the List of Skilled Occupations (see Appendix 6 ); and not included on the list of Excluded Qualifications (see SM14.10.5). Qualifications assessed as occupying level three on the NZQF that are included on the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception (see SM14.10.10), and meet the requirements specified in that list, qualify for 40 points. Points are provided for: one qualification only; or two or more qualifications assessed in combination. Note: Points for recognised qualifications are not cumulative. A principal applicant may qualify for only 40, 50, or 60 points. For example, if an applicant has two level nine qualifications on the NZQF they may still only qualify for 60 points. Note: A qualification will not be recognised if gained while in a country where the principal applicant was either an unlawful resident or required authority to study, but did not have such authority. SM14.10.1 New Zealand qualifications Despite SM14.10, SM14.10.5 and SM14.10.10, a New Zealand qualification at levels three, four, five or six on the NZQF qualifies for 50 points if: it would have met the requirements for the award of points under the Skilled Migrant Category that was in effect on 24 July 2011; and the principal applicant completed the qualification before 25 July 2011 or the principal applicant had commenced a c",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-975008b6b5d7b54acc75",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Study-to-Work qualification levels and minimum New Zealand study periods tightened",
  "policyEffect": "From April 2, 2012, applicants under the Graduate Work Experience and Graduate Job Search work-visa instructions became subject to the qualification requirements in WD1.10. The preceding November 2011 instructions required successful completion in New Zealand of a qualification qualifying for Skilled Migrant Category points but did not contain these additional level-and-duration thresholds. WD1.10 retained the points-qualifying New Zealand qualification requirement and added three alternatives: a level 7 or higher qualification studied in New Zealand for at least one academic year; a two-year level 4–6 qualification studied in New Zealand for at least two academic years; or two level 4–6 qualifications each requiring at least one academic year of study in New Zealand, with the second at a higher level and two years of New Zealand study in total. An academic year meant at least two semesters over at least eight months of study. WD1.10(c) exempted qualifying New Zealand qualifications gained before April 2, 2012 and included a study-commencement exemption: the archived April text says the programme had commenced “on 1 April 2012”, while the July successor and December official explanation say “on or before 1 April 2012”. This record preserves that source wording discrepancy and does not resolve how the earlier wording was administered. Other requirements of the respective work-visa routes continued to apply.",
  "operativeDate": "2012-04-02",
  "year": 2012,
  "affectedGroup": "New zealand qualification holders seeking graduate work experience or graduate job search work visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From April 2, 2012, applicants under the Graduate Work Experience and Graduate Job Search work-visa instructions became subject to the qualification requirements in WD1.10.; The preceding November 2011 instructions required successful completion in New Zealand of a qualification qualifying for Skilled Migrant Category points but did not contain these additional level-and-duration thresholds.; WD1.10 retained the points-qualifying New Zealand qualification requirement and added three alternatives: a level 7 or higher qualification studied in New Zealand for at least one academic year; a two-year level 4–6 qualification studied in New Zealand for at least two academic years; or two level 4–6 qualifications each requiring at least one academic year of study in New Zealand, with the second at a higher level and two years of New Zealand study in total.; An academic year meant at least two…",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Work visa / permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/43659.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "WD1, WD2 and WD1.10 effective 2 April 2012; WD1/WD2 predecessor 7 November 2011; WD1.10 successor 30 July 2012; VisaPak 95 dated 14 December 2012.",
  "evidencePassage": "WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (02/04/2012) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (02/04/2012) To be eligible for a work visa under these instructions, applicants must: meet the qualification requirements as set out in WD1.10 ; and hold an offer of full-time employment relevant to their course or qualification (see WD1.5); and if they were an New Zealand Aid Programme-supported student, meet requirements set out at U11.1(d) . A work visa may be granted for a maximum of 2 years to obtain practical work experience suitable to the applicant's course or qualification, unless (c) below applies. A work visa may be granted for a maximum period of 3 years if: the applicant is working towards membership or registration with a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of practical work experience; and such membership or registration is a requirement for the person to fully perform their professional duties; and the applicant provides evidence the employment is considered relevant practical experience by the professional association, including but not limited to documentation from the professional association, or from the employer, stating how the employment meets the requirements set by the professional association; and the applicant has completed a New Zealand qualification which meets the requirements for registration or membership of the professional association. To be granted a work visa under these instructions, applicants must: apply no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that course or qualification or, if the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, no later than 6 months after the end date of their student visa; or hold a 'graduate job search work visa’ (see WD2 ). Note: A person must have successfully completed the qualification stated as a condition on their student visa in order to meet the requirements of WD1(d)i. Applicants must provide: a completed work application form and fee; and evidence of an offer of full-time employment relevant to their course or qualification (see WD1.5); and evidence that they meet the requirements in WD1(a); and an Employer Supplementary Form Work Visa Application (INZ 1113) completed by their employer. Applicants must also provide: evidence that the work visa application is being made no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that course or qualification; or evidence that they hold a 'graduate job search work visa’ (see WD2). A work visa will only be granted where an immigration officer is satisfied that the offer of full-time employment is one which will provide practical experience relevant to the applicant's course or qualification. Any work visas granted under these instructions may be subject to any or all of the conditions as listed at W2.25 . Effective 02/04/2012 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS WD1.5 Relevance of qualification(s) to employment (to 25/11/2018) WD1.10 Qualification requirements (to 25/11/2018) WD1 Post-study … visa – employer assisted (07/12/2015) WD1 Post-study work visa – employer assisted (24/03/2014) WD1 Post-study work visa – employer assisted (02/12/2013) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (26/11/2012) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (07/11/2011) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (25/07/2011) WD1 Work on completion of a course of study, with an offer of employment (07/02/2011) WD1 Work on completion of a course of study, with an offer of employment (29/11/2010) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (07/11/2011) WD1 Graduate Work Experience Visa (25/07/2011) WD1 Work on completion of a course of study, with an offer of employment (07/02/2011) WD1 Work on completion of a course of study, with an offer of employment (29/11/2010) WD2 Graduate job search work visa (02/04/2012) WD2 Graduate job search work visa (02/04/2012) People may be granted a work visa for a maximum of 12 months who: meet the qualification requirements as set out at WD1.10 ; and apply no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that course or qualification or, if the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, no later than 6 months after the end date of their student visa; and have met requirements set out in U11.1(d) if their studies have been supported under the New Zealand Aid Programme. Note: A person must have successfully completed the qualification stated as a condition on their student visa in order to meet the requirements of WD2(a)ii. To be eligible for a work visa, applicants must not previously have been granted a visa under these instructions unless they have undertaken and completed a second higher New Zealand qualification at bachelor degree or post-graduate degree level. Evidence of an offer of employment is not required. Applicants must provide: a completed work visa application form and fee; and evidence that they have completed a qualification in New Zealand that would qualify for points under Skilled Migrant Category (see SM14 ); and evidence that they have a minimum of $4,200 in funds available to maintain themselves during their 12 month stay in New Zealand (travellers' cheques or bank documents in the applicant's name are acceptable); and evidence that the work visa application is being made no later than 3 months after the end date of their student visa for that qualification. Any work visas granted under these instructions may be subject to conditions that allow work for any employer. Effective 02/04/2012 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS WD2 Lodging an application under Post-Study work visa instructions (07/09/2022) WD2 Lodging an application under Post-Study work visa instructions (31/07/2022) WD2 Lodging an application under Post-Study work visa instructions (26/11/2018) WD2 Post-study work visa – open (to 25/11/2018) WD2 Post-study work visa – open (07/12/2015) WD2 Post-study work visa – open (06/07/2015) WD2 Post-study work visa – open (02/12/2013) WD2 Graduate job search work visa (26/11/2012) WD2 Graduate job search work visa (07/1",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-09a81b9796491590ec3a",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Sibling and Adult Child Category closed to new applications",
  "policyEffect": "The Sibling and Adult Child Category ceased to be effective for new applications from May 16, 2012. This category had provided a residence route for qualifying siblings and adult children of New Zealand citizens or residents. Applications lodged before May 16, 2012 remained subject to assessment.",
  "operativeDate": "2012-05-16",
  "year": 2012,
  "affectedGroup": "Prospective sibling and adult child category applicants; earlier applications retained for assessment",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Applications lodged before May 16, 2012 remained subject to assessment.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/30901.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "F6 closure instruction; archived F6.1; Visa Pak 176",
  "evidencePassage": "# F6 Sibling and Adult Child Category (to 16/05/2012) Note: The instructions contained in this section cease to be effective from 16 May 2012. Effective 16/05/2012 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONScite0†F6.1 How do siblings and adult children qualify for a resident visa? (29/11/2010) cite1†F6.5 Definitions (29/11/2010) cite2†F6.10 Evidence (29/11/2010) cite3†F6.15 Verification (29/11/2010) cite4†F6.20 Confirmation of offer of employment (29/11/2010) cite5†F6.25 Deferring the final decision (15/12/2010) cite6†F6.30 Undertakings of sponsors (15/12/2010) cite7†F6.35 English … | F6.1 How do siblings and adult children qualify for a resident visa? (29/11/2010) 1. Siblings and adult children of New Zealand citizens or residents meet Sibling and Adult Child Category if: 1. they have no other immediate family who are lawfully and permanently in the same country in which the principal applicant is lawfully and permanently; and 2. they have an acceptable offer of employment in New Zealand. 2. In each case the adult child or sibling must be sponsored by an adult sibling or parent who is an acceptable sponsor (Refer R4.5). 3. Principal applicants with dependent children mus",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-62851fe0ee0b0c4d85b1",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Parent residence applications moved to a two-tier expression-of-interest selection system",
  "policyEffect": "From July 30, 2012, the Parent Category used a two-tier expression-of-interest (EOI) pool and invitation process. The preceding March 2012 instructions described direct qualification through family-location criteria and sponsorship; the July rules required an unrevoked invitation and an application within four months of the invitation letter. A person could have only one EOI in the pool. Tier 1 EOIs were selected first in date order, followed by Parent and Sibling and Adult Child applications lodged before May 16, 2012; Tier 2 EOIs were selected last in date order, only when neither earlier group remained. Selection was periodic and limited by available Capped Family Sponsored stream places; selection did not guarantee an invitation or residence. Tier 1 qualification could rest on the prescribed sponsor-income, guaranteed-lifetime-income or settlement-funds route. Tier 2 required the prescribed sponsor income and that the applicants’ other adult children live lawfully and permanently outside the country where the applicants lived lawfully and permanently; a sponsor receiving a New Zealand Government benefit from Work and Income was ineligible for Tier 2. The July category also required health and character eligibility, English proficiency or ESOL pre-purchase, an acceptable adult-child sponsor and no dependent children. The July provisions required five years of sponsorship undertakings, not ten. EOIs could move between tiers when eligibility changed while retaining their original pool date; an EOI no longer meeting either tier was withdrawn. An invitation under Tier 1 led to assessment under Tier 1 only, whereas an applicant invited under Tier 2 could qualify under either tier. Applications received before May 16, 2012 remained assessed under the instructions applicable when accepted. Those applicants could instead submit a new EOI; a resulting Tier 1 application had its application fee waived and the earlier application lapsed when that waiver applied, whereas a resulting Tier 2 application did not receive that fee waiver.",
  "operativeDate": "2012-07-30",
  "year": 2012,
  "affectedGroup": "Parents seeking new zealand residence through the parent category eoi process, including applicants with pre-16 may 2012 applications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: the July rules required an unrevoked invitation and an application within four months of the invitation letter.; A person could have only one EOI in the pool.; Tier 1 EOIs were selected first in date order, followed by Parent and Sibling and Adult Child applications lodged before May 16, 2012; Tier 2 EOIs were selected last in date order, only when neither earlier group remained.; Selection was periodic and limited by available Capped Family Sponsored stream places; Tier 2 required the prescribed sponsor income and that the applicants’ other adult children live lawfully and permanently outside the country where the applicants lived lawfully and permanently; The July category also required health and character eligibility, English proficiency or ESOL pre-purchase, an acceptable adult-child sponsor and no dependent children.; The July provisions required five years of sponsorship…",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Entry visa / stay permit",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/44879.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ Parent Category F4 provisions effective30July2012 compared with F4.1 effective26March2012; especially F4.10 selection and F4.13 transitional provisions.",
  "evidencePassage": "F4.10 Expressions of interest and applications under the Parent Category (30/07/2012) F4.10 Expressions of interest and applications under the Parent Category (30/07/2012) F4.10.1 Expressing interest in being invited to apply for residence under the Parent Category A person notifies that they are interested in being invited to apply for a resident visa under the Parent Category by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in the prescribed manner. In order to submit an EOI in the prescribed manner, a person must submit to an immigration officer: a completed prescribed Parent Category EOI form; and the appropriate fee (if any). By completing an EOI, a person provides a declaration about their and any potential secondary applicant’s: identity, health and character; and English language ability or an intention to agree to pre-purchase English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tuition (see F4.15 ); and relationship to their sponsoring adult child and any other children the applicants have (see F4.20 ); and adult child’s eligibility to sponsor them for New Zealand residence under the Parent Category (see F4.25 ); and guaranteed lifetime minimum income, settlement funds, or the income of their sponsor, or of their sponsor and their sponsor’s partner (see F4.30 and F4.35 ). It is the responsibility of the person submitting the EOI to ensure that the information given is correct in all material respects. Note: For the purposes of F4.10.1(b)(v), people submitting EOIs under tier two will only be required to declare their sponsor and/or their sponsor’s partner’s income. F4.10.5 Implications of providing false or misleading information See Immigration Act 2009, ss 93 and 158 The Immigration Act 2009 provides that there is sufficient grounds to decline an application for a resident visa and for the holder of a resident visa granted under the Parent Category to become liable for deportation in cases of: the provision of false or misleading information as part of an EOI or associated submission; or the withholding of relevant potentially prejudicial information from an EOI or associated submission; or failure to advise an immigration officer of any fact or material change in circumstances that occurs after an EOI is submitted that may affect a decision to invite the person to apply for a resident visa or to grant a resident visa. Information relating to a claim made in an EOI that is factually inaccurate and is relevant to the issuing of an invitation to apply or the assessment of a resident visa application will be considered misleading unless the principal applicant can demonstrate that there is a reasonable basis for making that claim. F4.10.10 Submission of Expressions of Interest to the Pool EOIs submitted in the prescribed manner may be entered into a pool of Expressions of Interest (the Pool). A person may only have one EOI in the Pool at any time (regardless of the tier of the EOI). Each EOI will be entered … Pool in either tier one or tier two as indicated in the EOI form. Despite (c) above, if permission is given by the person expressing interest, an EOI may be entered into the alternative tier of the Pool (see F4.10.10(e) and (f)). If a person with an EOI in the Pool under tier two updates their information and becomes eligible to be entered into the Pool under tier one, their EOI will be entered into the Pool under tier one based on the original date the EOI was previously entered under tier two. If a person with an EOI in the Pool under tier one updates their information and is no longer eligible under tier one, but is eligible under tier two, their EOI will be entered into the Pool under tier two based on the original date the EOI was previously entered under tier one. Where a person with an EOI already entered into the Pool updates their information and no longer meets the requirements of the Parent Category under either tier, their EOI will be withdrawn from the Pool and lapsed. F4.10.15 Selection of Expressions of Interest EOIs will be selected from the pool in the following order: Tier one EOIs will be selected first and in order based on the date the EOIs were entered into the Pool; and Residence applications lodged under the Parent and Sibling and Adult Child categories before 16 May 2012 will be selected second, in date order; and Tier two EOIs will be selected third and in order based on the date the EOIs were entered into the Pool, only if there are no tier one EOIs and no applications that were lodged before 16 May 2012. The ranking of EOIs will change as EOIs enter, or are selected from, the Pool or any given tier of the Pool. EOIs will be selected in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements of the Capped Family Sponsored stream of the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) at the time of selection (subject to any adjustment to the number or distribution of places in the NZRP determined by the Government) (see R6 ). EOIs are selected from the Pool periodically on the Government's behalf by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. F4.10.20 Invitation to apply for a resident visa under the Parent Category People whose EOIs have been selected from the Pool may be issued an invitation to apply for a resident visa under the Parent Category. An immigration officer may decline an EOI if they are not satisfied claims made within the EOI are: credible, or sufficient to meet the requirements of the Parent Category. An immigration officer may, but is not required to, seek further evidence, information and submissions from a person whose EOI has been selected from the Pool, for the purpose of determining whether their claims are credible and whether there are any health or character issues that may adversely affect their ability to be granted a resident visa under the Parent Category. If an immigration officer is not satisfied the claims made in an EOI selected from the Pool under tier one would be sufficient to meet the require",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-b7e35bf11dba87777dae",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Temporary visa condition-variation fee expanded beyond travel conditions",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 February 2013, regulation 26AA(c) and its Schedule 4 fee description were expanded from variation of travel conditions to applications to vary conditions imposed on any type of temporary entry class visa. The existing NZ$165 schedule amount was unchanged. The general prescribed-fee exemptions continued to apply, including reciprocal fee-waiver agreements, Schedule 5 diplomatic and official classes. This was a change to the fee’s coverage, not a general right to vary visa conditions.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-02-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for variation of conditions on temporary entry class visas, subject to applicable fee exemptions",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 19 February 2013, regulation 26AA(c) and its Schedule 4 fee description were expanded from variation of travel conditions to applications to vary conditions imposed on any type of temporary entry class visa.; The general prescribed-fee exemptions continued to apply, including reciprocal fee-waiver agreements, Schedule 5 diplomatic and official classes.; This was a change to the fee’s coverage, not a general right to vary visa conditions.",
  "policyCategory": "Legal entry and stay",
  "policyTool": "Fees",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2013/6/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "SR2013/6 regulations2,4,5; SR2010/241 fee provisions and Schedules4–5 as at24August2012 and19February2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Secondary legislation In force Latest version as at 18 February 2013 (as made) | SR 2013/6 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2013 Amendment secondary legislation Versions (1) Empowering Acts (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal regulations 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) 5 Schedule 4 amended Explanatory note Administrative information 2013/6 Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2013 Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General Order in Council At Wellington this 18th day of February 2013 Present: His Excellency the Governor-General in Council Pursuant to sections 400 to 402 of the Immigration Act 2009, His Excellency the Governor-General, acting on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council, makes the following regulations. Show contents Contents Regulations 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2013. 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 19 February 2013. 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the principal regulations). 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) Replace regulation 26AA(c) with: “(c) an application for variation of conditions imposed on any type of temporary entry class visa:”. 5 Schedule 4 amended In Schedule 4, item relating to regulation 26AA(c), replace “Application for variation of travel conditions imposed by immigration instructions on temporary entry class visa” with “Application for variation of conditions imposed on any type of temporary entry class visa”. Michael Webster, for Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect. These regulations, which come into force on 19 February 2013, amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010. The amendment, in effect, prescribes a fee of $165 for an application for the variation of conditions imposed on any type of temporary entry class visa. Issued under the authority of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989. Date of notification in Gazette: 19 February 2013. These regulations are administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. Mō About this website Te āheinga kia uru atu Accessibility Ngā tikanga whakamahi Terms of use He manatārua Copyright He tauākī matatapu Privacy statement Whakapā mai Contact us Whakahoki kōrero Feedback … application—work visa under any other category of immigration instruction (physical) 270 230 270 Temporary visa application—work visa under any other category of immigration instruction (electronic) 230 230 230 Temporary visa application—Long-term Business Visa 3,200 2,700 3,200 Temporary visa application— group visitor visa per person (made offshore only): Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei 80 Temporary visa application— group visitor visa per person (made offshore only): Bangkok (Thai citizens only) 80 Temporary visa application— group visitor visa per person (made offshore only): approved destination status (China) 50 Temporary visa application— group visitor visa per person (made offshore only): other 80 80 80 Temporary visa application— Retirement Category visitor visa 3,200 3,200 3,200 10(1)(a), 12(1) and (3)(g) Temporary visa application—work visa under working holiday scheme described in Schedule 1 140 140 14(1)(c)(iii) Application for reconsideration of decision to decline further temporary visa 185 15(1)(d)(iia) Transit visa application 140 140 140 Transit visa application—group Chinese nationals per person 80 80 26AA(a) Request for special direction 185 185 185 26AA(b) Residence class visa granted under section 61 of Act 835 26AA(b) Temporary entry class visa granted under section 61 of Act 350 26AA(c) Application for variation of travel conditions imposed by immigration instructions on temporary entry class visa 165 26AA(d) Request under immigration instructions by employer for approval in principle to recruit overseas workers 250 26AA(da) Request under immigration instructions by an employer for approval in principle to recruit overseas workers under foreign charter fishing vessels instructions 4,900 26AA(e) Request under immigration instructions for supplementary seasonal employment approval in principle 250 26AA(f) Call-out fee where office is opened outside normal working hours in order to process immigration matter 280 280 280 26AA(g) Registration under Refugee Family Support Category 85 26AA(h) Employer accreditation (under talent work immigration instructions)—first year of accreditation 1,700 Employer accreditation (under talent work immigration instructions)—subsequent year accreditation 480 26AA(i) Reconsideration of application from employer for talent employer accreditation 185 26AA(ia) Entertainment industry accreditation (under specific purpose or events immigration instructions)—first year of accreditation 1,700 Entertainment industry accreditation (under specific purpose or events immigration instructions)—subsequent year accreditation 480 26AA(j) Recognised Seasonal Employer status 835 26AA(k) Agreement to recruit under Recognised Seasonal Employer work immigration instructions 220 26AA(l) First or subsequent, or change of, business plan-investor category 900 875 875 32(1)(a) Confirmation of immigration status 105 32(1)(b) Transfer fee where visa stamp or label transferred from one passport or certificate of identity to a",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-6d71b589a5e7a44aa69f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Generic Temporary Entry Instructions: Variation of Conditions Rules (IAC 13/03 & Operational Manual Section E3.25.1)",
  "policyEffect": "Relocated and amended rules governing Variations of Conditions (VoC) across all temporary entry class visas (migrating provisions from the Work chapter to Generic Temporary Entry instructions at E3.25.1). Introduced a mandatory rule under E3.25.1(c) barring approval of any VoC unless the proposed conditions continue to meet the underlying objectives of the instructions under which the original visa was granted (e.g., student, work, visitor). Specifically restricted Essential Skills VoC approvals without new labour market testing solely to cases where the employer is the only condition changing or the new occupation appears on the Essential Skills in Demand lists. Phase scope: System-wide application for all temporary visa holders applying for variations of visa conditions.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-04-08",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary visa holders seeking variation of conditions",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Introduced a mandatory rule under E3.25.1(c) barring approval of any VoC unless the proposed conditions continue to meet the underlying objectives of the instructions under which the original visa was granted (e.g., student, work, visitor).; Specifically restricted Essential Skills VoC approvals without new labour market testing solely to cases where the employer is the only condition changing or the new occupation appears on the Essential Skills in Demand lists.",
  "policyCategory": "Temporary entry / work / study / visitor",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility criteria / post-entry conditions / labour market testing",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Internal Administration Circular No. 13/03",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/internal-administration-circulars/iac-2013-03.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Internal Administration Circular No. 13/03 (Varying the conditions of temporary work visas), 19 April 2013.",
  "evidencePassage": "clarity as to the N circumstances where someone can or cannot vary the conditions of their temporary entry class visa. This circular supersedes the instructions regarding variations of conditions in IAC 09/05 Work Policy and Changes in the Labour Market dated 17 July 2009. O N Varying the conditions of temporary visas from 8 April 2013 IS 2. Holders of temporary visas are able to make a request for a Variation of Conditions (VoC) (see E3.25.1 Varying the conditions of temporary entry class visas) to change E the conditions of their visa. These instructions were previously in the work chapter of … C the Operational Manual and have been moved to the generic temporary entry chapter to reflect that these instructions are applicable to any type of temporary entry class VI visa. AD 3. A new provision has been added at E3.25.1(c) that a VoC application must not be approved unless the new conditions will continue to meet the objectives of the instructions that the original visa was granted under, i.e. work, student or visitor IS visa. For example, an applicant who holds a work visa granted under the Graduate TH Work Experience work instructions will need to satisfy an immigration officer that … their new offer of employment is relevant to the qualification they provided to obtain their initial work visa. If the varied conditions will not meet the objectives of the original instructions a new work visa application is required. Varying the conditions of work visas 4. Immigration instructions now allow work visa holders to request to change their employer and/or their occupation and/or their place of employment. The place of employment is usually defined as the region/area where their employer is located e.g. Auckland or Wellington provided that E3.25.1(c) is met. 5. However in the case of Essential Skills work visa holders (E3.25.1 (d)), a variation of conditions can only be granted if: T • R the applicant’s employer is the only condition being varied or R • EN the new occupation is on one of the Essential Skills in Demand lists and the applicant meets the requirements of the list (in this case multiple visa conditions can be varied) CU 6. In all other Essential Skills cases, the applicant must submit an application for a new work visa and meet labour market testing requirements. See the examples below for further guidance. Example 1: ER An applicant who holds an Essential",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-aiding-unlawful-entry-20130619",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Aiding unlawful-entry offence expressly includes fraudulent visa and entry-permission cases",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 June 2013, the definition of unlawful entry for section 343(1)(b)’s aiding-and-abetting offence was expanded beyond the prior specified cases of section103-noncompliant arrival and arrival without a required visa. It expressly includes arrival using a visa granted in a false identity or procured through fraud, forgery, false or misleading representation, or concealment of relevant information; a visa granted on arrival on those bases; entry permission based on a false-identity visa or procured through those deceptive means; and other entry that fails to comply with the Act. The offence still requires aiding, abetting, inciting, counselling or procuring entry while knowing that the other person’s entry is or would be unlawful, or being reckless as to that unlawfulness; it applies inside or outside New Zealand and does not require that the other person actually enter. The definition applies whether or not action has already been taken concerning the visa or entry permission, such as a fraud conviction or revocation. Other existing aiding/false-document offences are not presented as new, and no new penalty amount is claimed.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-06-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Persons knowingly or recklessly aiding, abetting, inciting, counselling or procuring another person’s unlawful entry",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 19 June 2013, the definition of unlawful entry for section 343(1)(b)’s aiding-and-abetting offence was expanded beyond the prior specified cases of section103-noncompliant arrival and arrival without a required visa.",
  "policyCategory": "Border controls and enforcement",
  "policyTool": "Immigration offences",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/39/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Amendment Act2013 No39; complete principalAct section343 immediately before/after19June2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Act In force Latest version as at 18 June 2013 (as enacted) | 2013 No 39 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Act Versions (1) Related Bill (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal Act Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) 10 Section 249 amended (Restriction on review) 11 Section 307 amended (Purpose of Part) 12 New sections 317A to 317E inserted 13 Section 324 amended (Review of warrant of commitment or release on conditions) 14 New section 324A inserted (Review of mass arrival warrant) 15 Section 343 amended (Aiding and abetting) 16 Section 403 amended (Regulations in respect of refugee and protection matters) Part 2 Consequential amendments 17 Consequential amendments to principal Act 18 Consequential amendments to Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010 Schedule 1 Consequential amendments to principal Act Schedule 2 Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010—new form 5 Contents Legislative history Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Public Act 2013 No 39 Date of assent 18 June 2013 Commencement see section 2 Show contents Contents The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Immigration Amendment Act 2013. 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Immigration Act 2009 (the principal Act). Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) (1) In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: “mass arrival group has the meaning given to it by section 9A”. (2) In section 4, replace the definition of warrant of commitment with: “warrant of commitment— “(a) means a warrant of commitment issued under section 317, 318, or 323; and “(b) includes— “(i) a mass arrival warrant issued under section 317B (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group); and “(ii) a further warrant of commitment issued under section 317E(1)(a) (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group)”. 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) After section 9, insert: “9A Meaning of mass arrival group “(1) In this Act, mass arrival group means a group of more than 30 people, each of whom falls within 1 or more of the classes of person described in paragraphs … (f) of section 115(1), who arrive in New Zealand— “(a) on board the same craft; or “(b) on board the same group of craft at the same time; or “(c) on board the same group of craft and within such a time period or in such circumstances that each person arrived, or intended to arrive, in New Zealand as part of the group. “(2) In subsection (1), craft does not include a craft travelling to New Zealand in the course of a scheduled international service (within the meaning of section 96(4)).” 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) (1) After section 26(3), insert: “(3A) Subsection (3) applies unless regulations made under section 400 require otherwise.” (2) In section 26(10)(b), after “transit visas”, insert “; or”. (3) After section 26(10)(b), insert: “(c) regulations made under section 400.” 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) After section 135, insert: “135A Suspension of determination of claim “(1) This section applies to a claim if the processing of the claim is suspended in accordance with regulations made under section 400. “(2) For the duration of the suspension, a refugee and protection officer must not— “(a) determine the claim in accordance with sections 136 and 137; or “(b) make a decision on the claim in accordance with section 138.” 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) (1) In section 140(1), after “as a refugee”, insert “or a protected person”. (2) In section 140(1)(b)(ii), replace “section 129” with “any of sections 129 to 131”. (3) Replace section 140(3)(b) with: “(b) repeats any claim previously made (including a subsequent claim).” 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) Replace section 233 with: “233 When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing “(1) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal against liability for deportation by a resident or permanent resident. “(2) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in any other appeal against liability for deportation. “(3) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appellant or affected person currently or previously recognised as a refugee or a protected person, or a claimant for such recognition, unless— “(a) the person was interviewed by a refugee and protection officer (or a refugee status officer under the former Act) in the course of determining the relevant issue at first instance or, having been given an opportunity to be interviewed, failed to take that opportunity; and “(b) the Tribunal considers that the appeal or other contention of the person— “(i) is prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive; or “(ii) relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status. “(4) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal that relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status.” 10 Section 249 amended (Restric",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-judicial-review-20130619",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Judicial review restricted to final Tribunal outcomes and court leave",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 June 2013, section 249 replaced its bar on judicial review of decisions appealable to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal with an express route requiring an appeal and final Tribunal determinations on all aspects. Judicial review of any matter before the Tribunal is likewise barred until its final determinations. Review then requires High Court leave or, if the High Court refuses, Court of Appeal leave. The leave court must consider whether review would raise issues not adequately dealt with in an appeal against the Tribunal’s final determination and, if so, whether their general or public importance or another reason warrants High Court review. Other statutory restrictions on review remain applicable. This describes the altered statutory review route without claiming that every judicial-review application became more restrictive than under the prior bar.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-06-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Persons seeking judicial review of immigration decisions appealable to the tribunal or matters before the tribunal",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Judicial review of any matter before the Tribunal is likewise barred until its final determinations.; The leave court must consider whether review would raise issues not adequately dealt with in an appeal against the Tribunal’s final determination and, if so, whether their general or public importance or another reason warrants High Court review.",
  "policyCategory": "Protection and immigration procedure",
  "policyTool": "Judicial review",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/39/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Amendment Act2013 No39; complete principalAct section249 immediately before/after19June2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Act In force Latest version as at 18 June 2013 (as enacted) | 2013 No 39 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Act Versions (1) Related Bill (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal Act Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) 10 Section 249 amended (Restriction on review) 11 Section 307 amended (Purpose of Part) 12 New sections 317A to 317E inserted 13 Section 324 amended (Review of warrant of commitment or release on conditions) 14 New section 324A inserted (Review of mass arrival warrant) 15 Section 343 amended (Aiding and abetting) 16 Section 403 amended (Regulations in respect of refugee and protection matters) Part 2 Consequential amendments 17 Consequential amendments to principal Act 18 Consequential amendments to Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010 Schedule 1 Consequential amendments to principal Act Schedule 2 Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010—new form 5 Contents Legislative history Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Public Act 2013 No 39 Date of assent 18 June 2013 Commencement see section 2 Show contents Contents The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Immigration Amendment Act 2013. 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Immigration Act 2009 (the principal Act). Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) (1) In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: “mass arrival group has the meaning given to it by section 9A”. (2) In section 4, replace the definition of warrant of commitment with: “warrant of commitment— “(a) means a warrant of commitment issued under section 317, 318, or 323; and “(b) includes— “(i) a mass arrival warrant issued under section 317B (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group); and “(ii) a further warrant of commitment issued under section 317E(1)(a) (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group)”. 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) After section 9, insert: “9A Meaning of mass arrival group “(1) In this Act, mass arrival group means a group of more than 30 people, each of whom falls within 1 or more of the classes of person described in paragraphs … (f) of section 115(1), who arrive in New Zealand— “(a) on board the same craft; or “(b) on board the same group of craft at the same time; or “(c) on board the same group of craft and within such a time period or in such circumstances that each person arrived, or intended to arrive, in New Zealand as part of the group. “(2) In subsection (1), craft does not include a craft travelling to New Zealand in the course of a scheduled international service (within the meaning of section 96(4)).” 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) (1) After section 26(3), insert: “(3A) Subsection (3) applies unless regulations made under section 400 require otherwise.” (2) In section 26(10)(b), after “transit visas”, insert “; or”. (3) After section 26(10)(b), insert: “(c) regulations made under section 400.” 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) After section 135, insert: “135A Suspension of determination of claim “(1) This section applies to a claim if the processing of the claim is suspended in accordance with regulations made under section 400. “(2) For the duration of the suspension, a refugee and protection officer must not— “(a) determine the claim in accordance with sections 136 and 137; or “(b) make a decision on the claim in accordance with section 138.” 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) (1) In section 140(1), after “as a refugee”, insert “or a protected person”. (2) In section 140(1)(b)(ii), replace “section 129” with “any of sections 129 to 131”. (3) Replace section 140(3)(b) with: “(b) repeats any claim previously made (including a subsequent claim).” 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) Replace section 233 with: “233 When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing “(1) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal against liability for deportation by a resident or permanent resident. “(2) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in any other appeal against liability for deportation. “(3) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appellant or affected person currently or previously recognised as a refugee or a protected person, or a claimant for such recognition, unless— “(a) the person was interviewed by a refugee and protection officer (or a refugee status officer under the former Act) in the course of determining the relevant issue at first instance or, having been given an opportunity to be interviewed, failed to take that opportunity; and “(b) the Tribunal considers that the appeal or other contention of the person— “(i) is prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive; or “(ii) relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status. “(4) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal that relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status.” 10 Section 249 amended (Restric",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-mass-arrival-detention-20130619",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "New Zealand introduces judicial mass-arrival detention warrants",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 June 2013, immigration officers could apply on oath to a District Court Judge for an initial mass-arrival warrant of up to six months, rather than individual 28-day warrants. A mass-arrival group comprises more than 30 people within the section 115(1)(a)–(f) arrival classes, arriving on the same craft or linked group of craft; scheduled international services are excluded. Members must already be detained under Part 9, and each must meet an anticipated section 316(1)(a)–(d) ground: unavailable outward transport, inadequate identity evidence, an outstanding security-certification decision, or another inability to leave New Zealand. The warrant must be necessary to manage the group or security/public risks, uphold immigration-system integrity or efficiency, or avoid disrupting the District Court. The sworn application must identify the persons and arrival circumstances and explain necessity and each person’s detention ground. The judge must verify these prerequisites and issue the warrant for the period sought, or a shorter period if satisfied that, after that shorter period, the necessity reasons or the individual section 316(1)(a)–(d) grounds will no longer apply; an unsuccessful group application is treated as individual warrant applications. A person under 18 may be included only with a parent, guardian or relative in the group. Later inclusion of previously unknown members cannot extend the warrant. The judge may require reports on continuing necessity, no more frequently than every 28 days, and after receiving a report may shorten detention if satisfied the necessity reasons will no longer apply after the shorter period. Further group warrants are limited to 28 days per application and retain the statutory prerequisites. Group warrants use section 324A instead of section 324. On an officer’s sworn application with the warrant and reasons, the judge must shorten the warrant to the period sought or a shorter period supported by the same necessity-or-detention-ground cessation findings; a change-of-location order may change only the places of detention. For a particular member, the officer may instead apply for an individual warrant under section 316, conditional release considered having regard to sections 317, 318 or 323 as appropriate, or release. A member dealt with individually leaves the group regime, and the judge must remove that member from the group warrant. Section 319 retains the earliest applicable termination of custody and excludes escape periods plus 96 hours after recapture from warrant-period calculation. This component does not claim that everyone arriving irregularly is detained for six months.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-06-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Members of qualifying mass-arrival groups already detained under part9 and meeting individual statutory detention grounds; limited inclusion of accompanied minors",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 19 June 2013, immigration officers could apply on oath to a District Court Judge for an initial mass-arrival warrant of up to six months, rather than individual 28-day warrants.; A mass-arrival group comprises more than 30 people within the section 115(1)(a)–(f) arrival classes, arriving on the same craft or linked group of craft; Members must already be detained under Part 9, and each must meet an anticipated section 316(1)(a)–(d) ground: unavailable outward transport, inadequate identity evidence, an outstanding security-certification decision, or another inability to leave New Zealand.; The warrant must be necessary to manage the group or security/public risks, uphold immigration-system integrity or efficiency, or avoid disrupting the District Court.; The sworn application must identify the persons and arrival circumstances and explain necessity and each person’s detention…",
  "policyCategory": "Border controls and enforcement",
  "policyTool": "Detention",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/39/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "2013No39 sections2,5,11–14,17–18 and schedules; principal2009Act sections96,115,307–332 immediately before and after19June2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Act In force Latest version as at 18 June 2013 (as enacted) | 2013 No 39 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Act Versions (1) Related Bill (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal Act Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) 10 Section 249 amended (Restriction on review) 11 Section 307 amended (Purpose of Part) 12 New sections 317A to 317E inserted 13 Section 324 amended (Review of warrant of commitment or release on conditions) 14 New section 324A inserted (Review of mass arrival warrant) 15 Section 343 amended (Aiding and abetting) 16 Section 403 amended (Regulations in respect of refugee and protection matters) Part 2 Consequential amendments 17 Consequential amendments to principal Act 18 Consequential amendments to Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010 Schedule 1 Consequential amendments to principal Act Schedule 2 Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010—new form 5 Contents Legislative history Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Public Act 2013 No 39 Date of assent 18 June 2013 Commencement see section 2 Show contents Contents The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Immigration Amendment Act 2013. 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Immigration Act 2009 (the principal Act). Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) (1) In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: “mass arrival group has the meaning given to it by section 9A”. (2) In section 4, replace the definition of warrant of commitment with: “warrant of commitment— “(a) means a warrant of commitment issued under section 317, 318, or 323; and “(b) includes— “(i) a mass arrival warrant issued under section 317B (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group); and “(ii) a further warrant of commitment issued under section 317E(1)(a) (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group)”. 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) After section 9, insert: “9A Meaning of mass arrival group “(1) In this Act, mass arrival group means a group of more than 30 people, each of whom falls within 1 or more of the classes of person described in paragraphs … (f) of section 115(1), who arrive in New Zealand— “(a) on board the same craft; or “(b) on board the same group of craft at the same time; or “(c) on board the same group of craft and within such a time period or in such circumstances that each person arrived, or intended to arrive, in New Zealand as part of the group. “(2) In subsection (1), craft does not include a craft travelling to New Zealand in the course of a scheduled international service (within the meaning of section 96(4)).” 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) (1) After section 26(3), insert: “(3A) Subsection (3) applies unless regulations made under section 400 require otherwise.” (2) In section 26(10)(b), after “transit visas”, insert “; or”. (3) After section 26(10)(b), insert: “(c) regulations made under section 400.” 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) After section 135, insert: “135A Suspension of determination of claim “(1) This section applies to a claim if the processing of the claim is suspended in accordance with regulations made under section 400. “(2) For the duration of the suspension, a refugee and protection officer must not— “(a) determine the claim in accordance with sections 136 and 137; or “(b) make a decision on the claim in accordance with section 138.” 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) (1) In section 140(1), after “as a refugee”, insert “or a protected person”. (2) In section 140(1)(b)(ii), replace “section 129” with “any of sections 129 to 131”. (3) Replace section 140(3)(b) with: “(b) repeats any claim previously made (including a subsequent claim).” 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) Replace section 233 with: “233 When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing “(1) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal against liability for deportation by a resident or permanent resident. “(2) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in any other appeal against liability for deportation. “(3) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appellant or affected person currently or previously recognised as a refugee or a protected person, or a claimant for such recognition, unless— “(a) the person was interviewed by a refugee and protection officer (or a refugee status officer under the former Act) in the course of determining the relevant issue at first instance or, having been given an opportunity to be interviewed, failed to take that opportunity; and “(b) the Tribunal considers that the appeal or other contention of the person— “(i) is prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive; or “(ii) relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status. “(4) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal that relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status.” 10 Section 249 amended (Restric",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-subsequent-claim-hearings-20130619",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Oral-hearing exception broadened for subsequent refugee and protection appeals",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 June 2013, section 233 allowed the Immigration and Protection Tribunal to dispense with an otherwise mandatory oral hearing where a refugee/protection appellant or affected person had been interviewed at first instance, or failed to take an offered interview opportunity, and the appeal or contention related to a subsequent refugee or protection claim. Previously this limb required that the contention repeat a previous claim. The alternative exception for a prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive contention remains subject to the same interview prerequisite. The Tribunal may nevertheless provide an oral hearing for a subsequent-claim appeal in its absolute discretion. Resident and permanent-resident appeals against deportation liability retain their mandatory oral hearing, and other deportation appeals retain discretionary hearings.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-06-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Refugee and protection appellants or affected persons whose appeals or contentions relate to subsequent claims, subject to the statutory interview prerequisite",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Previously this limb required that the contention repeat a previous claim.; The alternative exception for a prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive contention remains subject to the same interview prerequisite.",
  "policyCategory": "Protection and immigration procedure",
  "policyTool": "Appeal hearing procedure",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/39/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Amendment Act2013 No39; complete principalAct section233 immediately before/after19June2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Act In force Latest version as at 18 June 2013 (as enacted) | 2013 No 39 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Act Versions (1) Related Bill (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal Act Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) 10 Section 249 amended (Restriction on review) 11 Section 307 amended (Purpose of Part) 12 New sections 317A to 317E inserted 13 Section 324 amended (Review of warrant of commitment or release on conditions) 14 New section 324A inserted (Review of mass arrival warrant) 15 Section 343 amended (Aiding and abetting) 16 Section 403 amended (Regulations in respect of refugee and protection matters) Part 2 Consequential amendments 17 Consequential amendments to principal Act 18 Consequential amendments to Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010 Schedule 1 Consequential amendments to principal Act Schedule 2 Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010—new form 5 Contents Legislative history Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Public Act 2013 No 39 Date of assent 18 June 2013 Commencement see section 2 Show contents Contents The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Immigration Amendment Act 2013. 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Immigration Act 2009 (the principal Act). Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) (1) In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: “mass arrival group has the meaning given to it by section 9A”. (2) In section 4, replace the definition of warrant of commitment with: “warrant of commitment— “(a) means a warrant of commitment issued under section 317, 318, or 323; and “(b) includes— “(i) a mass arrival warrant issued under section 317B (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group); and “(ii) a further warrant of commitment issued under section 317E(1)(a) (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group)”. 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) After section 9, insert: “9A Meaning of mass arrival group “(1) In this Act, mass arrival group means a group of more than 30 people, each of whom falls within 1 or more of the classes of person described in paragraphs … (f) of section 115(1), who arrive in New Zealand— “(a) on board the same craft; or “(b) on board the same group of craft at the same time; or “(c) on board the same group of craft and within such a time period or in such circumstances that each person arrived, or intended to arrive, in New Zealand as part of the group. “(2) In subsection (1), craft does not include a craft travelling to New Zealand in the course of a scheduled international service (within the meaning of section 96(4)).” 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) (1) After section 26(3), insert: “(3A) Subsection (3) applies unless regulations made under section 400 require otherwise.” (2) In section 26(10)(b), after “transit visas”, insert “; or”. (3) After section 26(10)(b), insert: “(c) regulations made under section 400.” 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) After section 135, insert: “135A Suspension of determination of claim “(1) This section applies to a claim if the processing of the claim is suspended in accordance with regulations made under section 400. “(2) For the duration of the suspension, a refugee and protection officer must not— “(a) determine the claim in accordance with sections 136 and 137; or “(b) make a decision on the claim in accordance with section 138.” 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) (1) In section 140(1), after “as a refugee”, insert “or a protected person”. (2) In section 140(1)(b)(ii), replace “section 129” with “any of sections 129 to 131”. (3) Replace section 140(3)(b) with: “(b) repeats any claim previously made (including a subsequent claim).” 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) Replace section 233 with: “233 When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing “(1) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal against liability for deportation by a resident or permanent resident. “(2) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in any other appeal against liability for deportation. “(3) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appellant or affected person currently or previously recognised as a refugee or a protected person, or a claimant for such recognition, unless— “(a) the person was interviewed by a refugee and protection officer (or a refugee status officer under the former Act) in the course of determining the relevant issue at first instance or, having been given an opportunity to be interviewed, failed to take that opportunity; and “(b) the Tribunal considers that the appeal or other contention of the person— “(i) is prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive; or “(ii) relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status. “(4) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal that relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status.” 10 Section 249 amended (Restric",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-subsequent-protection-claims-20130619",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Significant-change threshold extended to subsequent protected-person claims",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 June 2013, section 140(1)’s threshold for considering a subsequent refugee claim was extended to subsequent claims for recognition as a protected person. The officer must be satisfied that circumstances material to the claim changed significantly after the previous determination, and that the change was not brought about by the claimant acting otherwise than in good faith for the purpose of creating recognition grounds under sections 129–131. Both bad faith and that purpose are required for this disqualification; other persons’ actions cannot be treated as mitigating factors in this assessment. The existing discretion to refuse manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive subsequent refugee or protection claims remains. The repeated-claim ground now expressly covers any claim previously made, including an earlier subsequent claim; that textual clarification is not counted separately.",
  "operativeDate": "2013-06-19",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants making subsequent claims for protected-person recognition; associated section140 rules also cover subsequent refugee claims",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 19 June 2013, section 140(1)’s threshold for considering a subsequent refugee claim was extended to subsequent claims for recognition as a protected person.; The officer must be satisfied that circumstances material to the claim changed significantly after the previous determination, and that the change was not brought about by the claimant acting otherwise than in good faith for the purpose of creating recognition grounds under sections 129–131.; Both bad faith and that purpose are required for this disqualification",
  "policyCategory": "Protection and immigration procedure",
  "policyTool": "Protection procedures",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/39/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration Amendment Act2013 No39; complete principalAct section140 immediately before/after19June2013",
  "evidencePassage": "Skip to main content Kāinga Home Tirohia i ngā tari kāwanatanga Browse agencies Ako atu anō Learn more Advanced search Any legislation In force Bills Not in force Title contains Content contains Act In force Latest version as at 18 June 2013 (as enacted) | 2013 No 39 | Administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Act Versions (1) Related Bill (1) Section view Download Search content Hide navigation Contents 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal Act Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) 10 Section 249 amended (Restriction on review) 11 Section 307 amended (Purpose of Part) 12 New sections 317A to 317E inserted 13 Section 324 amended (Review of warrant of commitment or release on conditions) 14 New section 324A inserted (Review of mass arrival warrant) 15 Section 343 amended (Aiding and abetting) 16 Section 403 amended (Regulations in respect of refugee and protection matters) Part 2 Consequential amendments 17 Consequential amendments to principal Act 18 Consequential amendments to Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010 Schedule 1 Consequential amendments to principal Act Schedule 2 Immigration (Certificate and Warrant Forms) Regulations 2010—new form 5 Contents Legislative history Immigration Amendment Act 2013 Public Act 2013 No 39 Date of assent 18 June 2013 Commencement see section 2 Show contents Contents The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Immigration Amendment Act 2013. 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. 3 Principal Act This Act amends the Immigration Act 2009 (the principal Act). Part 1 Substantive amendments 4 Section 4 amended (Interpretation) (1) In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: “mass arrival group has the meaning given to it by section 9A”. (2) In section 4, replace the definition of warrant of commitment with: “warrant of commitment— “(a) means a warrant of commitment issued under section 317, 318, or 323; and “(b) includes— “(i) a mass arrival warrant issued under section 317B (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group); and “(ii) a further warrant of commitment issued under section 317E(1)(a) (in respect of all or specified members of a mass arrival group)”. 5 New section 9A inserted (Meaning of mass arrival group) After section 9, insert: “9A Meaning of mass arrival group “(1) In this Act, mass arrival group means a group of more than 30 people, each of whom falls within 1 or more of the classes of person described in paragraphs … (f) of section 115(1), who arrive in New Zealand— “(a) on board the same craft; or “(b) on board the same group of craft at the same time; or “(c) on board the same group of craft and within such a time period or in such circumstances that each person arrived, or intended to arrive, in New Zealand as part of the group. “(2) In subsection (1), craft does not include a craft travelling to New Zealand in the course of a scheduled international service (within the meaning of section 96(4)).” 6 Section 26 amended (How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed) (1) After section 26(3), insert: “(3A) Subsection (3) applies unless regulations made under section 400 require otherwise.” (2) In section 26(10)(b), after “transit visas”, insert “; or”. (3) After section 26(10)(b), insert: “(c) regulations made under section 400.” 7 New section 135A inserted (Suspension of determination of claim) After section 135, insert: “135A Suspension of determination of claim “(1) This section applies to a claim if the processing of the claim is suspended in accordance with regulations made under section 400. “(2) For the duration of the suspension, a refugee and protection officer must not— “(a) determine the claim in accordance with sections 136 and 137; or “(b) make a decision on the claim in accordance with section 138.” 8 Section 140 amended (Limitation on subsequent claims) (1) In section 140(1), after “as a refugee”, insert “or a protected person”. (2) In section 140(1)(b)(ii), replace “section 129” with “any of sections 129 to 131”. (3) Replace section 140(3)(b) with: “(b) repeats any claim previously made (including a subsequent claim).” 9 Section 233 replaced (When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing) Replace section 233 with: “233 When Tribunal must or may provide oral hearing “(1) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal against liability for deportation by a resident or permanent resident. “(2) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in any other appeal against liability for deportation. “(3) The Tribunal must provide an oral hearing in the case of an appellant or affected person currently or previously recognised as a refugee or a protected person, or a claimant for such recognition, unless— “(a) the person was interviewed by a refugee and protection officer (or a refugee status officer under the former Act) in the course of determining the relevant issue at first instance or, having been given an opportunity to be interviewed, failed to take that opportunity; and “(b) the Tribunal considers that the appeal or other contention of the person— “(i) is prima facie manifestly unfounded or clearly abusive; or “(ii) relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status. “(4) The Tribunal may, in its absolute discretion, provide an oral hearing in the case of an appeal that relates to a subsequent claim for refugee or protection status.” 10 Section 249 amended (Restric",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-c188a1d89da9a03108a0",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Visa Pak 137: Parent Category Sponsor Income Assessment Standards",
  "policyEffect": "Issued operational instructions standardizing the assessment of a sponsor’s gross personal income under the Parent Category (operational manual section F4.30.1) across paid employment, regular self-employment, and investment income. Clarified that commission income can be recognized if sustained/regular, required gross annual income to be counted before taxes and deductions (including business drawings and hours worked over 40 hours per week), and specified acceptable evidentiary documentation. Phase scope: National system-wide adjudications under Parent Category residence applications",
  "operativeDate": "2013-11-15",
  "year": 2013,
  "affectedGroup": "Family sponsors",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Clarified that commission income can be recognized if sustained/regular, required gross annual income to be counted before taxes and deductions (including business drawings and hours worked over 40 hours per week), and specified acceptable evidentiary documentation.",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification",
  "policyTool": "Adjudication guidance",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/visa-paks/2013-nov-15-parent-category-2013-sponsor2019s-income",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Visa Pak 137 - Clarification about parent Category how to assess Sponsor’s income whether on paid employment or self employed, 15 November 2013.",
  "evidencePassage": "2013-Nov 15: Parent Category – Sponsor’s income | Immigration New Zealand Skip to main content Skip to footer 2013-Nov 15: Parent Category – Sponsor’s income Visa Pak 137 - Clarification about parent Category how to assess Sponsor’s income whether on paid employment or self employed. 15 November 2013 Operations Support has received a number of queries about how to determine a sponsor’s self-employed or investment income under the Parent Category as described at F4.30.1 Sponsor’s income. A sponsor must meet the gross minimum income requirement by obtaining personal income from one or any combination of the following: Sustained paid employment; Regular self-employment; Regular investment income. Note: Gross annual income is an individual’s total personal income before taxes or deductions are taken into account. e.g. rental income before tax, mortgage payments, rates etc. Personal income must be payment made directly to the sponsor and/or their partner in the form of regular wages or regular drawings (monies withdrawn by an owner or partner’s business for personal use). All of an individual’s annual personal income must be taken into account, including for hours worked in excess of 40 … hours per week. Income received on a commission basis may also be included if that income is determined as sustained/regular income. i.e. the income is received at regular intervals over a period of time (normally on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly basis). Evidence of salary/wages or drawings may include (but is not limited to) original or certified copies of: Summary of Earnings Personal Tax Summary Individual Tax Return (IR3) Return Acknowledgment Wage Slips Current employment contract Bank statements Documents from other financial institutions An original or certified copy of a letter from",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-entrepreneur-support-points-20141127",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Entrepreneur Work Visa local-agency support bonus points removed",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective November 27, 2014 removed the 20-point Entrepreneur Work Visa bonus for qualifying formal local-agency support. The earlier points table covered specified support from a local council, Economic Development Agency, chamber of commerce, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise or MBIE. The 20-point bonus for a business based outside Auckland remained in the table.",
  "operativeDate": "2014-11-27",
  "year": 2014,
  "affectedGroup": "Entrepreneur work visa applicants relying on local-agency support points",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/58597.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (27/11/2014); BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (24/03/2014)",
  "evidencePassage": "to New Zealand, or to a particular region. 30 Points for capital investment (excluding working capital) $1,000,000 + 80 $750,000 + 60 $500,000 + 50 $400,000 + 30 $300,000 + 20 $200,000 + 10 under $200,000 0 Points for age of prospective applicant (at date of lodging application) 24 and under 15 25-29 20 30-39 20 40-49 20 50-59 10 60 and over 0 Bonus points Business based outside Auckland as defined in BB6.1.35. 20 Note: For definitions of terms for the purposes of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and Entrepreneur Residence Visa Categories, please see the Definitions section at BB6. BB3.10.1 Change t … BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (27/11/2014) BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (27/11/2014) Applications must meet a minimum score of 120 or more points, in order to be granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa. Applications not meeting the minimum score of 120 points will be declined. Applicants must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of a business immigration specialist why they should be awarded the points they have claimed. Business immigration specialists must give written reasons for declining the application and not awarding any points claimed. The foll … owing table outlines the points that can be awarded for an Entrepreneur Work Visa application: Points for business experience (can be awarded in only one category) Relevant self employment 10 years + 40 5 years + 30 3 years + 20 Other self employment 10 years + 20 5 years + 15 3 years + 5 Relevant senior management experience 10 years + 10 5 years + 5 Points for benefit to New Zealand (can be awarded in up to two categories) New full time employment creation 10+ new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents 80 5 or more new full time positions for New Zealand citizens or reside … o points scale and pass mark for Entrepreneur Work Visa The Minister of Immigration, in consultation with the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister for Small Business, may amend the bonus points that can be awarded in the points scale at BB3.10. Any changes to the points scale, categories or the pass mark will be effected through changes to immigration instructions and advertised on the INZ website. Effective 27/11/2014 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (01/11/2015) BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa (24/03/2014)",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-rse-fiji-20141208",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Fiji added to the RSE eligible Pacific-country recruitment list",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective December 8, 2014 added Fiji to the eligible Pacific-country list for Recognised Seasonal Employer Agreements to Recruit. The ordinary rule covers citizens of listed countries who are also normally resident in a listed country. The earlier separate provision for citizens of eligible countries normally resident in Fiji was absorbed by this list change. Existing exceptions for recruiting citizens of other countries and the other RSE requirements remained applicable.",
  "operativeDate": "2014-12-08",
  "year": 2014,
  "affectedGroup": "Recognised seasonal employers and eligible pacific-country workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Instructions effective December 8, 2014 added Fiji to the eligible Pacific-country list for Recognised Seasonal Employer Agreements to Recruit.; The earlier separate provision for citizens of eligible countries normally resident in Fiji was absorbed by this list change.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/59475.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (08/12/2014); WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (25/08/2014)",
  "evidencePassage": "s the forecast labour shortage for the region and period requested, INZ may approve the recruitment of a lesser number of workers, or for a lesser period of work than requested. INZ will take into consideration the needs of the horticulture industry and viticulture industry as a whole when determining an ATR application and the number of workers that may be approved, to ensure that no particular region, crop or season is disadvantaged. Any supporting documentation to verify a regional labour shortage will be considered. WH1.10.10 Pacific countries eligible for the recruitment of workers ATRs w … ill only be granted for recruitment of citizens from the following eligible Pacific countries who are also normally resident in one of those countries, unless (b) below applies: Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Nauru Palau Papua New Guinea Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu. ATRs will only be granted for recruitment of citizens other than those listed above where INZ is satisfied that: reasonable attempts to recruit from the eligible Pacific countries have not been successful (see WH1.10.15 ); or the RSE has pre-established relationships with wo … WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (08/12/2014) WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (08/12/2014) An Agreement to Recruit (ATR) is an approval for a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) to offer employment (in planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packing crops) to non-New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers. This approval will only be given at times where demand for such workers in the horticulture and viticulture industries cannot be met from the available New Zealand workforce. The availability of suitable New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers will be asse … reconsider a declined application for an ATR where new information is promptly provided. WH1.10.30 Applying for an ATR An application for an ATR must be: made in New Zealand; and made on the Application for an Agreement to Recruit (INZ 1141) form; and accompanied by the prescribed fee; and supported by evidence that demonstrates the employer meets the requirements set out at WH1.10.1 and WH1.10.10. Effective 08/12/2014 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (28/04/2025) WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (02/09/2024) WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) (11/04/2024) WH",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-47baf69b67c718903645",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Standardized Definitions for Essential Skills Labour Market Test and Skill Level 5 Rule",
  "policyEffect": "Implemented binding mutual definitions agreed between the Minister of Immigration and Minister for Social Development for 'Available', 'Suitable New Zealand citizens or residents who can take up the work on offer', and 'Suitable New Zealand citizens or residents who can readily be trained to do the work on offer' across Essential Skills work visa applications, establishing that qualifications and work experience are not relevant for ANZSCO Skill Level 5 positions. Phase scope: Full operational application across Essential Skills work visa applications requiring a labour market test",
  "operativeDate": "2015-03-27",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Temporary work migration",
  "policyTool": "Labour market test",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/visa-paks/2015-mar-27-definitions-to-key-terms-to-support-the-labour-market-test-for-essential-skills-work-visas",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Visa Pak 204: Definitions to key terms to support the labour market test for essential skills work visas (27 March 2015)",
  "evidencePassage": "Definitions on key terms under the Essential Skills Work Visa category to support labour market tests. 27 March 2015 Definitions to key terms to support the labour market test for essential skills work visas The Minister of Immigration and the Minister for Social Development have recently agreed to mutual definitions for the following terms, which are used for labour market tests: ‘Available’, ‘Suitable New Zealand citizens or residents who can take up the work on offer’ and ‘Suitable New Zealand citizens or residents who can readily be trained to do the work on offer’. Defining these terms will improve the clarity and consistency of the advice Work and Income (W&I) provides to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and make the process for approving or declining visa applications more transparent.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-aa1006e5324d853f536f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Immigration Amendment Act (No. 2)",
  "policyEffect": "The Immigration Amendment Act (No. 2) expanded deportation liability for residence class visa holders convicted of migrant exploitation or who provided fraudulent information, and modified visa cancellation procedures upon deportation liability.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-05-08",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Existing holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Removal or readmission",
  "policyTool": "Enforcement",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/visa-paks/2015-may-08-immigration-amendment-bill-no-2",
  "preciseCitation": "immigration.govt.nz. Immigration Amendment Act (No. 2).",
  "evidencePassage": ", that person is not, or is no longer, subject to a period of prohibition on entry. Sponsorship - Act now allows sponsorship for up to 10 years. No current change as conditions are still set in instructions at 5 years. Cancellation of visas – a new section 64(1)(ab) now provides that if a person holds a visa, this is cancelled on the day after the first date a deportation order may be served. The person must be advised of this in their deportation order. If a new visa is issued to a person whose visa has been cancelled, this does not affect their deportation liability. Compliance officers are … responsible for cancelling the visa in AMS on the applicable date. Deportation Liability - Section 158 states that a residence class visa holder is liable for deportation where it is established that any of the information provided in relation to their application for a residence class visa, entry permission, or any previous visa that led to residence was fraudulent, forged, false, or misleading, or any relevant information was concealed. Liability arises whether or not it was the visa holder who provided the information. Staff should continue to process residence class visa applications as per normal including the usual character process. A case only needs to be referred to Resolutions where it is identified after the grant of a visa that there was fraud etc. Suspension of visa processing - section 169 has been amended to clarify that the suspension of visa processing while liable for deportation does not apply to applications referred back by IPT for further consideration. Migrant Exploitation - section 161 now states that a residence class visa holder is liable for deportation where convicted of an offence against section 350(1)(a) (knowingly employing a person who is not entitled",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "record-measure-b12f7a3e29b8b1fd9e2effff",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "A designated person must not enter New Zealand or transit through New Zealand.",
  "policyEffect": "A designated person must not enter New Zealand or transit through New Zealand.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-08-06",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Designated person",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: A designated person must not enter New Zealand or transit through New Zealand.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "classic.legislation.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2015/0172/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "to [regulation 4](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2015/0172/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6094222#DLM6094222) with \"“**Prohibition on designated persons entering or transiting through New Zealand**”\". (2) Replace [regulation 4(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2015/0172/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6094222#DLM6094222) with: (1) A designated person must not enter New Zealand or transit through New Zealand. ##### 6 Regulations 5 to 7 and cross-heading replaced Replace [regulations 5 to 7](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2015/0172/latest/link",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-entrepreneur-regional-points-20151101",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Entrepreneur Work Visa regional bonus increased from 20 to 40 points",
  "policyEffect": "From November 1, 2015, Entrepreneur Work Visa applicants intending to establish a business outside Auckland could receive 40 regional bonus points, increased from 20. This is the Entrepreneur Work Visa points change, separate from the Skilled Migrant Category employment bonus in the same circular.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-11-01",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Entrepreneur work visa applicants establishing a business outside auckland",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201508.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/08; BB3.10",
  "evidencePassage": "ork Visa Category:  Increased points available to SMC applicants with a job offer outside of Auckland from 10 to 30  Requirement that SMC migrants who have been in a job for less than three months and were awarded bonus points for a job offer outside of Auckland remain employed outside of Auckland for 12 months  Increased points available to Entrepreneur Work Visa applicants who intend to establish a business outside of Auckland from 20 to 40. BB2.1 - Entrepreneur Work Visas BB3.1 - Summary of requirements for the grant of an Entrepreneur Work Visa BB3.5 - Requirement for capital investment … 0 Points for unique or new products or services to New Zealand A credible business proposal that provides unique or new products/ services to New Zealand, or to a particular region. 30 Points for capital investment $1,000,000 + 80 $750,000 + 60 $500,000 + 50 $400,000 + 30 $300,000 + 20 13 $200,000 + 10 under $200,000 0 Points for age of prospective applicant (at date of lodging application) 24 and under 15 25-29 20 30-39 20 40-49 20 50-59 10 60 and over 0 Bonus points Business based outside Auckland as defined in BB6.1.35. 40 Note: For definitions of terms for the purposes of the Entrepreneur … 16 October 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/08 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 1 November 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. Any … enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to immigration instructions effective on and after 1 November 2015 BB3.10 - Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa SM4.30 - Resident visa subject to conditions SM6 - Summary of points for employability and capacity building factors SM9.5 - Bonus points for employment outside the Auckland region To help maximise the contribution of immigration to the regions, the following changes have been made to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Entrepreneur W … submitted A13.1 - The form in which documents must be submitted Removed requirement for copied documents to be provided in colour. WK2.10 Determining the availability of New Zealand citizens or residents Removed expired Queenstown labour market test instructions. WI13 China Skilled Workers Instructions Removed note referring to validity of listed occupations. 2 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 1 November 2015 3 BH2.1 Successful establishment and operation of a business that benefits New Zealand significantly Principal applicants in the Entrepreneur Residence",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-c12aa4333f5bd258cb35",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Skilled Migrant Category Bonus Points Increase for Regional Employment Outside Auckland",
  "policyEffect": "Increased bonus points under the Skilled Migrant Category for skilled employment or job offers outside Auckland from 10 to 30 points, while introducing Section 49(1) visa conditions restricting successful applicants from moving to a job in Auckland for at least 12 months if employed in that position for less than three months. Phase scope: Applies to Expressions of Interest updated or selected and applications tendered on or after 1 November 2015",
  "operativeDate": "2015-11-01",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Increased bonus points under the Skilled Migrant Category for skilled employment or job offers outside Auckland from 10 to 30 points, while introducing Section 49(1) visa conditions restricting successful applicants from moving to a job in Auckland for at least 12 months if employed in that position for less than three months.; Phase scope: Applies to Expressions of Interest updated or selected and applications tendered on or after 1 November 2015",
  "policyCategory": "Permanent economic migration",
  "policyTool": "Points system",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/visa-paks/2015-oct-30-smc-points-increase-for-skilled-employment-outside-auckland",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Visa Pak 234: SMC points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland (30 October 2015)",
  "evidencePassage": "2015-Oct 30: SMC points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland | Immigration New Zealand Skip to main content Skip to footer 2015-Oct 30: SMC points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland Visa Pak 234 - Information about SMC bonus points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland effective 1 November 2015 and relevant conditions applicable. 30 October 2016 SMC points increase for skilled employment outside Auckland As outlined in Amendment Circular 2015-08, effective 1 November 2015, bonus points awarded under the Skilled Migrant Category for skilled employment outside the Auckland region will increase from 10 to 30 points. To ensure applicants remain outside of Auckland, Section 49(1) conditions will apply to applicants who are awarded points for a job offer or current employment outside of Auckland and have been in that job for less than three months. These applicants will be restricted from changing to a job in Auckland for at least 12 months. They would, however, be able to change jobs and regions outside of Auckland. These new conditions will become operational through amendments to instructions SM4.30, effective on 1 November 2015. Please note: Existing",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-filipino-dairy-character-20151103",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Character exception for qualifying Filipino dairy workers with earlier false visa evidence",
  "policyEffect": "Effective November 3, 2015, instruction WK1.11 permits a further Essential Skills work visa despite the A5.45(b) character requirement for qualifying Philippine nationals in New Zealand who previously supplied false, misleading or forged visa evidence. They must hold an Essential Skills work visa, or an interim visa based on that visa, have been granted an Essential Skills dairy-farm work visa before September 1, 2015, and be applying for another dairy-farm Essential Skills visa. They must not subsequently have withheld information or supplied further false information, and must meet all other Essential Skills visa criteria.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-11-03",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Qualifying philippine nationals working on new zealand dairy farms under essential skills visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Effective November 3, 2015, instruction WK1.11 permits a further Essential Skills work visa despite the A5.45(b) character requirement for qualifying Philippine nationals in New Zealand who previously supplied false, misleading or forged visa evidence.; They must hold an Essential Skills work visa, or an interim visa based on that visa, have been granted an Essential Skills dairy-farm work visa before September 1, 2015, and be applying for another dairy-farm Essential Skills visa.; They must not subsequently have withheld information or supplied further false information, and must meet all other Essential Skills visa criteria.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201509.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/09; WK1.11",
  "evidencePassage": "e course. Changes to temporary entry instructions effective on and after 3 November 2015 WK1.11 Essential skills visas for Filipino dairy workers who have provided false documents A new section of immigration instructions has been added to Essential Skills work visa instructions. The new section applies only to Filipino dairy workers who have provided false documents with a previous visa application. It allows for the grant of an Essential Skills work visa to these workers despite normal character requirements, provided they have not subsequently provided false information or withheld relevant … information, and that they meet other Essential Skills criteria. 2 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 3 NOVEMBER 2015 3 WK1.11 Essential skills visas for Filipino dairy workers who have provided false documents a. The intent of this section of Essential Skills instructions is: i. to recognise that the dairy industry is of particular importance to the New Zealand economy, particularly in regional and rural New Zealand; ii. to acknowledge significant levels of false and misleading information have been identified in previous work visa applications to work in the … dairy industry; and iii. to acknowledge that declining a large number of work visa applications for failing to meet the requirement to be of good character would have a detrimental effect on the dairy industry. b. These instructions apply to people who: i. are nationals of the Philippines; ii. are in New Zealand holding an Essential Skills work visa (or an interim visa based on holding an Essential Skills work visa at the time they made an application); iii. are subject to A5.45(b) as an immigration officer has established that, on the balance of probabilities, in the course of applying for a … New Zealand visa they provided any statement, information, evidence or submission that was false, misleading or forged; iv. were granted an Essential Skills work visa to work on a dairy farm before 1 September 2015; and v. are applying for a further Essential Skills work visa to work on a dairy farm. c. Despite the character requirement set out at A5.45(b) a person to whom (b) above applies may be granted an Essential Skills work visa if they: i. have not subsequently withheld information or provided further false information to INZ, in particular with regard to the application in which they … originally supplied false information; and ii. meet all other criteria for the grant of an Essential Skills visa. 4 … 4 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/09 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached at Appendix 1. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 3 November 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in du",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-visitor-partner-declaration-20151207",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Joint declaration permitted as partnership evidence for a partner included in a visitor visa application",
  "policyEffect": "From December 7, 2015, where a visitor visa application included a partner as a secondary applicant, an immigration officer could accept a declaration from both parties as evidence that they were living together in a genuine and stable partnership. The instruction provided discretion to accept this evidence; it did not remove the partnership eligibility requirements.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-07",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Partners included as secondary applicants in visitor visa applications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: it did not remove the partnership eligibility requirements.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201510.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/10; E4.5.20(c)",
  "evidencePassage": "nd Pacific Access Category schemes will be referred to the appropriate guide, rather than form, for detailed information about registration requirements. Changes to temporary entry instructions effective on and after 7 December 2015 BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa A reference to Cabinet processes has been removed. E4.5 Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children Instructions have been amended to allow an immigration officer to accept a partner included in an application for a visitor visa as living with the principal applicant in a genuine and stable partne … porary entry class visa holder, a New Zealand citizen, or residence class visa holder, the following must be provided: i. evidence of their relationship, and ii. evidence that demonstrates they are living together with that partner in a genuine and stable relationship (E4.5.35 sets out the types of evidence that are required). b. Where a person is applying for a temporary entry class visa on the basis of partnership, their partner must provide a completed Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146). c. Despite (a) above for the purposes of visitor vis … a instructions, where an application includes a partner as a secondary applicant, a declaration from both parties may be accepted as evidence that they are living together in a genuine and stable partnership (see E4.5.35(b)). E4.5.25 Definition of ‘genuine and stable’ partnership A partnership is genuine and stable if an immigration officer is satisfied that it: a. is genuine, because it has been entered into with the intention of being maintained on a long-term and exclusive basis; and b. is stable, because it is likely to endure. E4.5.30 Definition of ‘living together’ For the purposes of th … 30 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/10 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 7 December 2015. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 2 and operate in",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-pathway-student-pilot-20151207",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pathway Student Visa pilot launched for consecutive study programmes",
  "policyEffect": "On December 7, 2015, New Zealand started an 18-month Pathway Student Visa pilot. It allowed eligible international students to undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study with selected education providers on a single visa valid for up to five years. A pathway could be offered by one provider or a group of providers. This record describes the pilot’s launch, not its later extensions or permanent operation.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-07",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible international students studying consecutive programmes with selected pathway education providers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: It allowed eligible international students to undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study with selected education providers on a single visa valid for up to five years.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Education New Zealand; Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.enz.govt.nz/news-and-research/ed-news/pathway-visa-announced",
  "preciseCitation": "Education New Zealand, Pathway visa announced, 9 December 2015; Amendment Circular 2015/10, U14",
  "evidencePassage": "rship based on a declaration made by both parties. WD1.10 Qualification requirements Instructions have been amended to ensure students on a study to work pathway are not disadvantaged by changes made by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to level 4 programmes of study. WH1.10.1 Requirements for an ATR A requirement has been added that recognised seasonal employers ensure migrant workers have access to legal and reputable remittance services as part of their pastoral care. 2 U14 Pathway student visas pilot An 18 month pathway student visa pilot has been implemented that will enable intern … ational students to undertake a pathway of up to three consecutive programmes of study on a single visa. U15 Multiple short-term English language programmes of study Applicants may be granted a student visa to undertake multiple short–term English language programmes of study for a maximum period of six months. Appendix 9 - Foreign Charter Vessels - Crew Employment Agreements To provide for the direct contact of crew by the Labour Inspectorate, the Foreign Charter Vessel Crew employment agreement must include a crew member’s contact details. Changes to residence and temporary entry instruction … y offered by tertiary providers other than universities, full-time work rights may not be granted. Note: An academic year means a programme of study of a minimum of 120 credits during a period of at least eight months (minimum of two semesters) U13.15.15 Work conditions for masters by research or doctoral students A student visa may be granted with conditions to allow the holder unlimited work rights if: a. the student is undertaking a Masters by Research or Doctoral degree, and 105 b. the qualification is awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution. 106 U14 Pathway student visas pilot a. Fo … r the purposes of these instructions, a pathway is defined as a progression of up to three consecutive programmes of study, offered by qualifying education providers, either within their institution or in conjunction with other qualifying education providers. b. Pathway study can be undertaken on a single student visa. c. A pathway student visa cannot be granted after 7 June 2017, and any application for a pathway student visa made after this date must be declined. 107 U14.5 Requirements to be granted a pathway student visa To be granted a pathway student visa, an applicant must: a. be offered … an eligible study pathway from a qualifying provider (U14.20); b. meet the general requirements to be granted a student visa as set out at U3.1; c. meet the additional evidential requirements for pathway student visa set out at U14.5.1; d. make an application for a student visa before 7 June 2015. U14.5.1 Evidence of meeting requirements a. In addition to meeting the general requirements to be granted a student visa as set out at U3.1, when applying for a pathway student visa an applicant must provide: i. A joint covering letter from pathway education providers setting out the pathway program … 30 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/10 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 7 December 2015. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 2 and operate in",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-rse-remittance-access-20151207",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Recognised Seasonal Employers required to provide access to lawful remittance services",
  "policyEffect": "From December 7, 2015, the Recognised Seasonal Employer instructions added access to lawful and reputable remittance services to the pastoral-care requirements for migrant workers. When seeking an agreement to recruit, employers had to provide details of how they would meet this requirement as part of their pastoral-care arrangements.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-07",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Recognised seasonal employers and the migrant workers they recruit",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: When seeking an agreement to recruit, employers had to provide details of how they would meet this requirement as part of their pastoral-care arrangements.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201510.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/10; WH1.10.1",
  "evidencePassage": "rship based on a declaration made by both parties. WD1.10 Qualification requirements Instructions have been amended to ensure students on a study to work pathway are not disadvantaged by changes made by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to level 4 programmes of study. WH1.10.1 Requirements for an ATR A requirement has been added that recognised seasonal employers ensure migrant workers have access to legal and reputable remittance services as part of their pastoral care. 2 U14 Pathway student visas pilot An 18 month pathway student visa pilot has been implemented that will enable intern … ine months in any 11 month period for citizens of Tuvalu or Kiribati who are normally resident in Tuvalu or Kiribati) must be adhered to. f. INZ must be satisfied that the employer will make available appropriate pastoral care to workers. Employers must provide full details of how they plan to address the following pastoral care, and health and safety requirements: i. transportation to and from the port of arrival and departure; and ii. an induction programme; and iii. suitable accommodation; and iv. transportation to and from the worksite(s); and v. access to personal banking; and vi. access … r Recognised Seasonal Employer Status (INZ 1140) form; and c. accompanied by the prescribed fee; and d. supported by evidence that demonstrates the employer meets the requirements set out at WH1.5.5. 77 WH1.10 Agreement to Recruit (ATR) a. An Agreement to Recruit (ATR) is an approval for a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) to offer employment (in planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packing crops) to non-New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers. This approval will only be given at times where demand for such workers in the horticulture and viticulture industries cannot be … met from the available New Zealand workforce. b. The availability of suitable New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers will be assessed in consultation with the Ministry of Social Development. WH1.10.1 Requirements for an ATR a. An application for an ATR will only be approved where the employer holds RSE status (WH1.5). b. INZ must be satisfied that the employer has taken all reasonable steps to recruit and train New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders for available positions before seeking an ATR to recruit workers who are not New Zealand citizens or residence c … 30 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/10 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 7 December 2015. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 2 and operate in … roval in principle (AIP) apply to an individual Essential Skills application lodged for the positions covered by the AIP, regardless of whether the AIP has lapsed or is still valid. 4 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 7 DECEMBER 2015 5 A6 Fees and Immigration levy A6.1 Application fees and immigration levy for holders of diplomatic and official passports Holders of diplomatic or official passports who are listed below are exempt from the requirement to pay a visa fee and immigration levy. A6.1.1 Fee and immigration levy exempt Applicants listed below are exemp",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-afghan-interpreter-family-sponsorship-20151207",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Refugee Family Support Category sponsorship extended to qualifying Afghan interpreters and accompanying family",
  "policyEffect": "From December 7, 2015, Refugee Family Support Category sponsor eligibility included New Zealand citizens or residents granted residence as Afghan interpreters, or as partners or dependent children who accompanied those interpreters to New Zealand, subject to the other sponsorship requirements. The interpreter provision covered people who had worked with the New Zealand Defence Force, Police or Special Air Service in Afghanistan and received residence from the Minister as an exception to instructions under section 72(3) of the Immigration Act 2009.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-07",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Qualifying afghan interpreters and accompanying partners or dependent children granted new zealand residence",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From December 7, 2015, Refugee Family Support Category sponsor eligibility included New Zealand citizens or residents granted residence as Afghan interpreters, or as partners or dependent children who accompanied those interpreters to New Zealand, subject to the other sponsorship requirements.; The interpreter provision covered people who had worked with the New Zealand Defence Force, Police or Special Air Service in Afghanistan and received residence from the Minister as an exception to instructions under section 72(3) of the Immigration Act 2009.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201510.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/10; S4.10.15",
  "evidencePassage": "accordance with the amended instructions on and after 1 January 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to residence instructions effective on and after 7 December 2015 S4.10 Refugee Family Support Category Afghan interpreters, their partners and dependent children are now eligible sponsors under these instructions SM3.15 Selection of Expressions of Intere … eted General Medical Certificate (INZ 1007); and ii. a completed Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096) (except for pregnant women and children under the age of 11). e. Unless A4.20(d) applies, the General Medical Certificate (INZ 1007) and Chest X-Ray Certificate (INZ 1096) must have been issued less than three months before the date they are received by an immigration officer. S4.10.15 Eligible sponsors under RFSC See also Immigration Act 2009, s 48 a. For the purpose of RFSC, an 'eligible sponsor' is a New Zealand citizen or resident who: i. was granted a residence class visa in New Zealand on … the basis of their status as a refugee or protected person or as an Afghan interpreter, or as a partner or dependent child of an Afghan interpreter who accompanied them to New Zealand; and ii. has not sponsored any other principal applicant who has obtained a resident visa in New Zealand under RFSC (or Refugee Family Quota); and iii. is in New Zealand; and iv. is aged 18 years or over; and v. be an acceptable sponsor as set out at R4.5, except for the requirements at R4.5(d)(ii) and (iii). b. Sponsors aged 18 to 24 must be able to satisfy an immigration officer that they are able to meet the u … ndertakings given in the sponsorship form. c. For the purposes of these instructions, people granted residence on the basis of being an Afghan interpreter are people who have worked with the New Zealand Defence Force, the New Zealand Police or the New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) in Afghanistan and were granted a residence class visa by the Minister of Immigration as an exception to instructions under section 72(3) of the Immigration Act 2009. S4.10.20 Two tier registration system for sponsors a. Registrations from tier one sponsors (see (e) below) will be given first access to available … 30 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/10 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 7 December 2015. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 2 and operate in",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-multiple-english-courses-20151207",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Student visa provision for multiple short-term English language programmes",
  "policyEffect": "From December 7, 2015, U15 allowed a student visa for multiple short-term English language programmes for up to six months. Applicants needed a joint letter from eligible pathway education providers specifying at least 14 weeks of English study, an offer of place for each programme, sufficient maintenance funds and compliance with general student-visa requirements. The route was unavailable to applicants previously granted a visa under U15; work conditions depended on the specified part-time work requirements.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-07",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible international students undertaking multiple short-term english language programmes",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From December 7, 2015, U15 allowed a student visa for multiple short-term English language programmes for up to six months.; Applicants needed a joint letter from eligible pathway education providers specifying at least 14 weeks of English study, an offer of place for each programme, sufficient maintenance funds and compliance with general student-visa requirements.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201510.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/10; U15",
  "evidencePassage": "ational students to undertake a pathway of up to three consecutive programmes of study on a single visa. U15 Multiple short-term English language programmes of study Applicants may be granted a student visa to undertake multiple short–term English language programmes of study for a maximum period of six months. Appendix 9 - Foreign Charter Vessels - Crew Employment Agreements To provide for the direct contact of crew by the Labour Inspectorate, the Foreign Charter Vessel Crew employment agreement must include a crew member’s contact details. Changes to residence and temporary entry instruction … ent visa holders becoming liable for deportation. Note: INZ may rely on the advice of the Ministry of Education and/or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in determining whether resolution has been reached or satisfactory progress has been made towards resolution. 112 U15 Multiple short-term English language programmes of study a. Applicants may be granted a student visa to undertake multiple short–term English language programmes of study for a maximum period of six months if they: i. submit a joint covering letter from eligible pathway education providers (U14.20.1) setting out the Engl … ish language programmes of study and start and end dates of each programme of study showing at least 14 weeks of English language study in total; ii. submit an offer of place (or joint offer) for each programme of study that meets the requirements set out at U3.5; iii. meet the general requirements to be granted a student visa as set out at U3.1; iv. can demonstrate they have sufficient funds for maintenance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand (U3.20); v. have not previously been granted a visa under these instructions. b. Work conditions will not be granted unless the part –time wor … 30 November 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/10 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 7 December 2015. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 2 and operate in … nd Pacific Access Category schemes will be referred to the appropriate guide, rather than form, for detailed information about registration requirements. Changes to temporary entry instructions effective on and after 7 December 2015 BB3.10 Points scale for an Entrepreneur Work Visa A reference to Cabinet processes has been removed. E4.5 Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children Instructions have been amended to allow an immigration officer to accept a partner included in an application for a visitor visa as living with the principal applicant in a genuine and stable partne",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-korea-working-holiday-cap-20151220",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Korea Working Holiday Scheme annual places increased from 1,800 to 3,000",
  "policyEffect": "Effective December 20, 2015, the Korea Working Holiday Scheme annual allocation increased from 1,800 to 3,000 places for eligible citizens of the Republic of Korea.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-20",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible republic of korea citizens applying under the korea working holiday scheme",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Effective December 20, 2015, the Korea Working Holiday Scheme annual allocation increased from 1,800 to 3,000 places for eligible citizens of the Republic of Korea.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201511.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/11; WI2.85",
  "evidencePassage": "countries WI18.20 Conditions of work visa Republic of Korea has been added to the qualifying countries under the Primary Sector Trainees instructions, allowing up to 50 Korean nationals to be granted a work visa to undertake vocational programmes of study and work placements. WI2.85 Korea Working Holiday Scheme The number of available places has been increased from 1,800 to 3,000 each year. The restriction on working for the same employer for no more than three months has been removed. 2 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 20 DECEMBER 2015 3 E9 Trade commitment … 11 Thai chefs  WI12 China Special Work Instructions  WI13 China Skilled Workers Instructions  WI14 Philippines Special Work Instructions  WI15 Vietnam Special Work Instructions  WI17 Indonesia Special Work Instructions  WI18 Primary sector trainees  WI19 Korea Special Work Instructions 4 WI2.85 Korea Working Holiday Scheme a. This scheme is available to 3000 young citizens of the Republic of Korea annually. b. To be eligible for a work visa under this scheme, applicants must: i. be citizens of the Republic of Korea; and ii. have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds for their maintenanc … 11 December 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/11 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 20 December 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. An … y enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to temporary entry instructions effective on and after 20 December 2015 E9 Trade commitments WI19 Republic of Korea Special Work Instructions WI19.1 Objective WI19.5 Generic Requirements WI19.10 Occupations list New special work instructions are being added for the Republic of Korea which will allow qualified and/or experienced Korean nationals to be granted work visas for up to three years in certain occupations. WI18.5 Requirements WI18.15 Qualifying",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-korea-working-holiday-employer-limit-20151220",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Korea Working Holiday Scheme three-month limit with one employer removed",
  "policyEffect": "Effective December 20, 2015, the Korea Working Holiday Scheme removed its restriction on working for the same employer for more than three months. This records the employment-condition change separately from the increase in annual places.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-20",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Republic of korea citizens working under the korea working holiday scheme",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Effective December 20, 2015, the Korea Working Holiday Scheme removed its restriction on working for the same employer for more than three months.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201511.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/11; WI2.85",
  "evidencePassage": "countries WI18.20 Conditions of work visa Republic of Korea has been added to the qualifying countries under the Primary Sector Trainees instructions, allowing up to 50 Korean nationals to be granted a work visa to undertake vocational programmes of study and work placements. WI2.85 Korea Working Holiday Scheme The number of available places has been increased from 1,800 to 3,000 each year. The restriction on working for the same employer for no more than three months has been removed. 2 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 20 DECEMBER 2015 3 E9 Trade commitment … 11 Thai chefs  WI12 China Special Work Instructions  WI13 China Skilled Workers Instructions  WI14 Philippines Special Work Instructions  WI15 Vietnam Special Work Instructions  WI17 Indonesia Special Work Instructions  WI18 Primary sector trainees  WI19 Korea Special Work Instructions 4 WI2.85 Korea Working Holiday Scheme a. This scheme is available to 3000 young citizens of the Republic of Korea annually. b. To be eligible for a work visa under this scheme, applicants must: i. be citizens of the Republic of Korea; and ii. have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds for their maintenanc … 11 December 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/11 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 20 December 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. An",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-korea-primary-trainees-20151220",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Republic of Korea added to the Primary Sector Trainees route with 50 places",
  "policyEffect": "From December 20, 2015, the Republic of Korea became a qualifying country under the Primary Sector Trainees instructions, with 50 places. Eligible government-funded or supported trainees could receive a visa for up to 12 months, including at least 12 weeks of study followed by a related work placement of up to nine months, subject to the route’s study, placement, insurance and general eligibility requirements.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-20",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible government-funded or supported primary-sector trainees from the republic of korea",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Eligible government-funded or supported trainees could receive a visa for up to 12 months, including at least 12 weeks of study followed by a related work placement of up to nine months, subject to the route’s study, placement, insurance and general eligibility requirements.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201511.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/11; WI18",
  "evidencePassage": "countries WI18.20 Conditions of work visa Republic of Korea has been added to the qualifying countries under the Primary Sector Trainees instructions, allowing up to 50 Korean nationals to be granted a work visa to undertake vocational programmes of study and work placements. WI2.85 Korea Working Holiday Scheme The number of available places has been increased from 1,800 to 3,000 each year. The restriction on working for the same employer for no more than three months has been removed. 2 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 20 DECEMBER 2015 3 E9 Trade commitment … work and multiple entry to New Zealand for 12 months. d. Applicants under this scheme must lodge their application in the prescribed manner (E4.50). 5 WI18.5 Requirements a. A work visa may be granted to a primary sector trainee to undertake vocational programmes of study and subsequent work placements, provided that: i. the applicant is funded or supported by the government of a qualifying country (WI18.15); ii. there is a place available under that country’s quota for primary sector trainees; iii. the study requirements are met; iv. the work placement requirements are met; v. the applicant … agrees to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance that will remain current throughout their stay in New Zealand; vi. the applicant meets health and character requirements set out in A4 and A5; and vii. the applicant meets the requirements for bona fide applicants set out in E5. b. Trainees will not be granted a further work visa in New Zealand for two years following the expiry of their work visa under these instructions. WI18.5.1 Requirements for study a. Trainees must study in New Zealand for a minimum of 12 weeks before they can undertake a work placement. b. The study must … be undertaken at a high quality education provider (universities or education providers assessed as Category One by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the External Evaluation Review quality assurance system). WI18.5.5 Requirements for work placements a. Trainees may undertake work placements related to their study up to a maximum of nine months’ duration. b. The education provider with whom study was undertaken is responsible for: i. arranging, monitoring and maintaining records of all work placements, and ii. arranging suitable alternative work placements should they be required, … and iii. notifying Immigration New Zealand should any breach of visa conditions or the employment agreement occur. c. Trainees must have employment agreements that comply with all relevant New Zealand employment law and be paid at least the New Zealand minimum statutory hourly wage. d. No work placements can be undertaken in the forestry sector. e. If an immigration officer is not satisfied an education provider is able to meet its work placement responsibilities, work visa applications may be declined under these instructions. 6 WI18.15 Qualifying countries Qualifying countries Number of ava … ilable places Chile 60 Republic of Korea 50 7 WI18.20 Conditions of work visa Successful applicants will be granted a work visa and entry permission with the following conditions: a. the work visa will be valid for multiple entries to New Zealand for a maximum of 12 months; and b. the work visa will allow study at a specified education provider; and c. the work visa will only allow a maximum of nine months’ work for a primary sector employer. Note: These instructions reflect New Zealand's international trade commitments (see E9). 8 WI19 Republic of Korea Special Work Instructions 9 WI19.1 Obje … 11 December 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/11 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 20 December 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. An",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-korea-special-work-20151220",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Special work route introduced for qualifying Korean citizens in specified occupations",
  "policyEffect": "From December 20, 2015, the new Republic of Korea Special Work Instructions allowed qualifying Korean citizens with a full-time New Zealand job offer in a listed occupation to obtain an employer- and occupation-specific work visa for up to three years, depending on the job offer. Applicants had to meet the occupation-specific and general eligibility requirements, normally be resident in Korea when applying, and did not require a labour market check. The instructions limited visa holders to 50 per listed occupation and 200 in total at any one time.",
  "operativeDate": "2015-12-20",
  "year": 2015,
  "affectedGroup": "Qualifying republic of korea citizens with full-time job offers in the wi19 occupations",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From December 20, 2015, the new Republic of Korea Special Work Instructions allowed qualifying Korean citizens with a full-time New Zealand job offer in a listed occupation to obtain an employer- and occupation-specific work visa for up to three years, depending on the job offer.; Applicants had to meet the occupation-specific and general eligibility requirements, normally be resident in Korea when applying, and did not require a labour market check.; The instructions limited visa holders to 50 per listed occupation and 200 in total at any one time.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201511.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2015/11; WI19",
  "evidencePassage": "y enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to temporary entry instructions effective on and after 20 December 2015 E9 Trade commitments WI19 Republic of Korea Special Work Instructions WI19.1 Objective WI19.5 Generic Requirements WI19.10 Occupations list New special work instructions are being added for the Republic of Korea which will allow qualified and/or experienced Korean nationals to be granted work visas for up to three years in certain occupations. WI18.5 Requirements WI18.15 Qualifying … agrees to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance that will remain current throughout their stay in New Zealand; vi. the applicant meets health and character requirements set out in A4 and A5; and vii. the applicant meets the requirements for bona fide applicants set out in E5. b. Trainees will not be granted a further work visa in New Zealand for two years following the expiry of their work visa under these instructions. WI18.5.1 Requirements for study a. Trainees must study in New Zealand for a minimum of 12 weeks before they can undertake a work placement. b. The study must … ctive These instructions allow a limited number of citizens of the Republic of Korea who are qualified and/or experienced in certain occupations, and who hold a full-time New Zealand job offer in that occupation, to be granted a work visa and entry permission. 10 WI19.5 Generic Requirements a. To be granted a work visa under these instructions, applicants must: i. provide a completed work visa application form, fee and immigration levy; and ii. have a full-time New Zealand job offer in one of the occupations listed in WI19.10, which meets the requirements set out in W2.10; and iii. meet the sp … ecific requirements relating to registration, qualifications and/or experience for their occupation as set out in WI19.10; and iv. meet health and character requirements set out in A4 and A5; and v. meet the requirements for bona fide applicants set out in E5; and vi. be ordinarily and actually resident in the Republic of Korea at the time of application unless WI19.5(d) below applies. b. A labour market check is not required. c. Successful applicants will be granted a work visa and entry permission with the following conditions: i. first entry to New Zealand must be made within six months; an … d ii. the work visa will be valid for multiple entries to New Zealand for a maximum of three years, depending on the length of their job offer. d. If the initial visa is valid for less than three years, a further visa may be granted for the balance of the three-year period, as long as the applicant still meets all the requirements of these instructions. e. Work visas granted under these instructions must be endorsed with conditions that allow work only for a specified employer in a specified occupation. f. On completion of the three-year period, applicants must remain outside New Zealand for t … hree years before applying for a further visa under these instructions. Note: These instructions reflect New Zealand's international trade commitments (see E9). 11 WI19.10 Occupations list a. To be granted a work visa under these instructions, citizens of the Republic of Korea must have a full-time New Zealand job offer in one of the occupations listed below and meet the requirements for the relevant occupation. b. At any one time, the number of citizens from the Republic of Korea granted a work visa under these instructions must not: i. exceed 50 in respect of any of the occupations listed be … low; and ii. exceed 200 in total. Occupation Requirements Biomedical Engineer One of the following qualifications:  Relevant Washington Accord accredited undergraduate engineering degree  Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent Food Technologist Bachelor of Food Science or equivalent and a minimum of three years’ relevant post-qualification work experience in the industry Forest Scientist Bachelor of Forestry Science or equivalent Korean Language Instructor Certificate of Korean Language Teaching issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Korean Tour Guide Valid Tour Guide Licence i … ssued by and registered with either the Korea Tourism Organization or the Korea Tourism Association (entrusted by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism) Multimedia Designer (Film Minimum three years’ specialist work experience in film animation Animator) Taekwondo Instructor Taekwondo Grade 4 and above certificate recognised by Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) Traditional Korean Medicine Korean Medicine Doctor license issued by the Minister of Health and Welfare Doctor Software Engineer Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent Veterinarian Bachelor of Veterinary Science or equivalent … 11 December 2015 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2015/11 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 20 December 2015. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. An",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-pathway-english-duration-20160204",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pathway English-course 16-week limit narrowed to specified applicants",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective February 4, 2016 limited the requirement to complete the initial English-language programme within 16 weeks to first-time Pathway Student Visa students who had submitted the English test required by U14.5.1(c): applicants from countries with a student-visa decline rate greater than 20 percent on an English-to-NZQF-level-5–8 pathway. The corresponding breach provision was narrowed to that group. The separate requirement to begin a subsequent pathway programme within 16 weeks of completing the earlier programme remained.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-02-04",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Pathway student visa holders beginning with an english-language programme",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Instructions effective February 4, 2016 limited the requirement to complete the initial English-language programme within 16 weeks to first-time Pathway Student Visa students who had submitted the English test required by U14.5.1(c): applicants from countries with a student-visa decline rate greater than 20 percent on an English-to-NZQF-level-5–8 pathway.; The separate requirement to begin a subsequent pathway programme within 16 weeks of completing the earlier programme remained.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201601.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016-01",
  "evidencePassage": "o 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework no longer need to submit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (or equivalent), unless they are from a country that has a decline rate of more than 20 per cent for student visa applications. The annual decline rates for all countries are published on the Immigration New Zealand website. The 16 week course length restriction for English language courses will also only apply to first time pathway student visa students from countries with a student visa application decline rate that is greater than 20 per cent. The range of p … ess on the pathway by: i. meeting the conditional pre-requisites for enrolment into a second or subsequent programme of study (E3.20(d); and ii. commencing the second or subsequent programme of study on a pathway within a 16 week period of completing an earlier programme of study. g. Where a first time student has submitted an IELTS test (or equivalent) as set out at U14.5.1 (c) and been granted a pathway student visa to undertake an English language programme of study culminating in a qualification at Levels 5 to 8 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, the English Language programme of … study must be completed within a 16 week period. U14.15 Changing and complying with pathway student visa conditions See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 49, 52, 56 a. If a student holding a pathway student visa wishes to move to a different education provider or lower level programme of study than those specified in their visa conditions, they must apply for a new student visa and meet the requirements set out at U3.40. b. A variation of conditions, for the purpose of changing a programme of study at the same education provider will only be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied that: i. … any scholarship continues. U14.15.5 Breaching visa conditions a. A student on an pathway student visa will be considered to be in breach of visa conditions where: i. they fail to meet conditional pre-requisites for enrolment into a second or subsequent programme of study (E3.20(d); or ii. the time between the completion of one programme of study and the start of a second or subsequent programme of study on a pathway exceeds 16 weeks; or iii. they have submitted an IELTS test (or equivalent) as set out at U14.5.1 (c) and their intended pathway is an English language programme of study culminati … e course. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to temporary instructions effective on and after 4 February 2016 U14.5 Requirements to be granted a pathway student visa U14.10 Currency and conditions of pathway student visas U14.15 Changing and complying with pathway student visa conditions U14.20 Provider requirements First time pathway student visa applicants seeking to undertake a study pathway that begins with an English language course and leads to a programme of study at levels 5 t … out in U3.20 for the first year of study on the intended pathway have been met and satisfy an immigration officer that they have the ability to fund any remaining balance of the first programme of study and subsequent programmes of study on the intended pathway. b. Despite (a)(ii), second and subsequent offers of place for a pathway can be conditional on meeting pre- requisite programme of study entry criteria. c. First time pathway student visa applicants from a country with a student visa decline rate of more than 20 per cent who intend a study pathway commencing with an English language pro … gramme of study and culminating in a qualification at Levels 5 to 8 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework must: i. submit an International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) (or equivalent internationally recognised test) at the time of application; and ii. demonstrate that they only require an improvement of 0.5 of an IELTS overall band score (or equivalent) to meet the English language prerequisite for entry into the intended level 5 to 8 programme of study. Note: The student visa decline rate for a country is based on statistics, generated over a calendar year (12 months), b … 4 February 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/01 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 4 February 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in du … rogrammes that require an applicant to provide an IELTS (or equivalent) test have also been increased from levels 5 - 7 to levels 5 - 8. WH1.1 Objectives and overview – RSE Instructions WH1.1.15 Annual limit to number of visas available under RSE instructions The annual Recognised Seasonal Employer visa cap has been increased from 9,000 to 9,500. APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 4 FEBRUARY 2016 U14.5 Requirements to be granted a pathway student visa To be granted a pathway student visa, an applicant must: a. be offered an eligible study pathway from a qualify",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-pathway-english-test-20160204",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pathway Student Visa English-test requirement narrowed by country decline rate",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective February 4, 2016 limited the specific initial English-test requirement to first-time Pathway Student Visa applicants from countries with a student-visa decline rate greater than 20 percent whose pathway began with English study and culminated in an NZQF level 5–8 qualification. These applicants had to submit IELTS or an accepted equivalent and show they needed an improvement of no more than 0.5 IELTS overall band to meet the subsequent programme prerequisite. The rule previously covered pathways to levels 5–7 without that country-rate limitation. Other student-visa and programme-entry requirements remained applicable.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-02-04",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "First-time pathway student visa applicants beginning with english study",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Instructions effective February 4, 2016 limited the specific initial English-test requirement to first-time Pathway Student Visa applicants from countries with a student-visa decline rate greater than 20 percent whose pathway began with English study and culminated in an NZQF level 5–8 qualification.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendmentcircular201601.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016-01",
  "evidencePassage": "e course. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to temporary instructions effective on and after 4 February 2016 U14.5 Requirements to be granted a pathway student visa U14.10 Currency and conditions of pathway student visas U14.15 Changing and complying with pathway student visa conditions U14.20 Provider requirements First time pathway student visa applicants seeking to undertake a study pathway that begins with an English language course and leads to a programme of study at levels 5 t … o 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework no longer need to submit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (or equivalent), unless they are from a country that has a decline rate of more than 20 per cent for student visa applications. The annual decline rates for all countries are published on the Immigration New Zealand website. The 16 week course length restriction for English language courses will also only apply to first time pathway student visa students from countries with a student visa application decline rate that is greater than 20 per cent. The range of p … rogrammes that require an applicant to provide an IELTS (or equivalent) test have also been increased from levels 5 - 7 to levels 5 - 8. WH1.1 Objectives and overview – RSE Instructions WH1.1.15 Annual limit to number of visas available under RSE instructions The annual Recognised Seasonal Employer visa cap has been increased from 9,000 to 9,500. APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 4 FEBRUARY 2016 U14.5 Requirements to be granted a pathway student visa To be granted a pathway student visa, an applicant must: a. be offered an eligible study pathway from a qualify … out in U3.20 for the first year of study on the intended pathway have been met and satisfy an immigration officer that they have the ability to fund any remaining balance of the first programme of study and subsequent programmes of study on the intended pathway. b. Despite (a)(ii), second and subsequent offers of place for a pathway can be conditional on meeting pre- requisite programme of study entry criteria. c. First time pathway student visa applicants from a country with a student visa decline rate of more than 20 per cent who intend a study pathway commencing with an English language pro … gramme of study and culminating in a qualification at Levels 5 to 8 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework must: i. submit an International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) (or equivalent internationally recognised test) at the time of application; and ii. demonstrate that they only require an improvement of 0.5 of an IELTS overall band score (or equivalent) to meet the English language prerequisite for entry into the intended level 5 to 8 programme of study. Note: The student visa decline rate for a country is based on statistics, generated over a calendar year (12 months), b … 4 February 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/01 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 4 February 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in du",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-92d157a4b00a28d1ae34",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Capped Family allocation set at 4,000 places for the two-year residence programme",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective October 12, 2016 allocated 4,000 Capped Family approval places within the New Zealand Residence Programme for July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018. This covered Parent, Sibling and Adult Child applications lodged on or before May 16, 2012, and Parent Category applications lodged after that date. The circular described this as a reduction to 2,000 places per year. The separate suspension of Parent Category EOI selections is represented by its existing record and is not counted again here.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-10-12",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants within the capped family allocation",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Instructions effective October 12, 2016 allocated 4,000 Capped Family approval places within the New Zealand Residence Programme for July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018.; This covered Parent, Sibling and Adult Child applications lodged on or before May 16, 2012, and Parent Category applications lodged after that date.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2016-06.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016/06; operative Appendix 1",
  "evidencePassage": "n amendment to these instructions. c. The NZRP for the two year period is 85,000 to 95,000 approved places. Note: Permanent resident visas granted to holders of resident visas or second or subsequent resident visas granted to former holders of resident visas are not counted towards the NZRP. 6 R6.5 Allocation of places within the New Zealand Residence Programme a. There are three streams within the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP): i. The Skilled/Business stream; ii. The Family stream; iii. The International/Humanitarian stream. b. The Government may, from time to time, reallocate places … for approvals within the three streams and/or add places to the three streams. c. The allocation of places for each stream across the two-year NZRP period is as follows: i. The Skilled/Business stream is allocated approximately 50,500 to 57,500 places. ii. The Family stream is allocated approximately 27,000 to 29,000 places. iii. The International/Humanitarian stream is allocated approximately 7,500 to 8,500 places. d. For the places available under the Family stream, 4,000 places in total are available for approvals under the Capped Family categories. e. These places for Capped Family catego … ry approvals include places for approvals under the Parent, Sibling and Adult Child categories for applications lodged on or before 16 May 2012 and approvals under the Parent Category for applications lodged after 16 May 2012. 7 SM2 Overview of Skilled Migrant Category a. A person who is interested in applying for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form in the prescribed manner. b. EOIs which meet prerequisites for health, character, English language and age, and have a point score of 100 or more points are entered into the Pool of … 11 October 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/06 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 12 October 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational on 12 Octobe … apply to the Parent Category, instead of referring to SMC provisions. This does not represent a change to Parent Category English language requirements. 4 APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 12 OCTOBER 2016 5 R6.1 New Zealand Residence Programme a. The New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) consists of all persons approved for residence class visas in the two years beginning 1 July 2016 and ending 30 June 2018. b. The NZRP is set for the duration of the two year period, unless a review is directed by the Minister of Immigration. Any changes will be advised by a",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-347e920e42fb22b3f696",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand updated its operational manual to suspend selections of Expressions of Interest for the Parent Category resident visa.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-10-12",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "New applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Residence",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/46715.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "immigration.govt.nz. Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual.",
  "evidencePassage": "requirements of the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) at the time of selection (subject to any adjustment to the number or distribution of places in the NZRP determined by the Government) (see R6). EOIs are selected from the Pool periodically on the Government's behalf by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Despite F4.10.15 (a) above, with effect from 12 October 2016, no selections will be made from the Pool. F4.10.20 Invitation to apply for a resident visa under the Parent Category People whose EOIs have been selected from the Pool may be issued an invitation to apply for",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-f98eb27e5f62044ab258",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Skilled Migrant automatic EOI selection threshold set at 160 points",
  "policyEffect": "Instructions effective October 12, 2016 set automatic selection from the Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest pool at 160 points. The previous route for selecting EOIs with more than 100 but fewer than 140 points and New Zealand employment was removed. Entry to the pool still required at least 100 points and the health, character, English-language and age prerequisites. Selection did not guarantee an invitation to apply or residence. The Minister could adjust the automatic-selection mark by certifying amended residence instructions.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-10-12",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled migrant category expression of interest applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Entry to the pool still required at least 100 points and the health, character, English-language and age prerequisites.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2016-06.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016/06; operative Appendix 1",
  "evidencePassage": "to 2,000 per year. F4.10.15 Selection of Expressions of Interest From 12 October 2016, no further selections will be made from the Parent Category Pool. F4.10.5 has been amended to advise that selections will cease from that date. SM2 Overview of Skilled Migrant Category SM3.15 Selection of Expressions of Interest SM3.25 Invitation to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category SM4.5 Approval of applications under the Skilled Migrant Category SM4.15 Employability and capacity building requirements Amendments have been made to SM2 and SM3.15 to raise the automatic selection mar … k for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be drawn from the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Pool to 160 points. Provision SM2(e)(ii) and SM3.15(c)(ii) allowing for selection of EOIs that have total points of more than 100 and less than 140 with points, where the submitter also has employment in New Zealand, have been removed. Provisions at SM3.15(d) and SM3.15.1 Additional selection criteria have also been removed, as these additional selection criteria expired on 31 August this year and are not currently required to meet the New Zealand Residence Programme. As the additional selection criteria h … ave been removed, consequential amendments have been made to SM2(m)(iii), SM3.25(a)(ii), SM4.5(b) and (c), and SM4.15(a) to remove references to the additional selection criteria. New provisions have been inserted at SM2(f) and SM3.15(d) to allow for the adjustment of the automatic selection mark where this is necessary to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Residence Programme. References to selections being made ‘periodically’ have been removed from both SM2(d) and SM3.15(b). 2 SM5.5 Minimum standard of English language for principal applicants SM5.5.1 Transitional provisions for princi … ry approvals include places for approvals under the Parent, Sibling and Adult Child categories for applications lodged on or before 16 May 2012 and approvals under the Parent Category for applications lodged after 16 May 2012. 7 SM2 Overview of Skilled Migrant Category a. A person who is interested in applying for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form in the prescribed manner. b. EOIs which meet prerequisites for health, character, English language and age, and have a point score of 100 or more points are entered into the Pool of … 11 October 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/06 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 12 October 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational on 12 Octobe … r 2016. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to residence instructions effective on and after 12 October 2016 R6.1 New Zealand Residence Programme R6.5 Allocation of places within the New Zealand Residence Programme These provisions have been amended to give effect to the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) for the 2016/17 to 2017/18 years. The planning range of the NZRP for this two-year period is 85,000 to 95,000 and includes a reduction in the cap for the Capped Family categories",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-smc-english-evidence-20161012",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Skilled Migrant English-language evidence alternatives tightened",
  "policyEffect": "From October 12, 2016, Skilled Migrant English-evidence alternatives were restricted to specified citizenship and qualification routes. Citizenship of Canada, Ireland, the UK or the US required at least five years of work or education in those countries, Australia or New Zealand. A recognised level-7 bachelor-equivalent qualification required at least two academic years of study in those six countries; a recognised level-8-or-higher qualification required at least one academic year. Officers could still require IELTS: at least 6.5 overall for principal applicants and 5 for relevant non-principal applicants, with results no more than two years old when the application was lodged. Relevant partners and dependent children aged 16 or older could instead pre-purchase ESOL, except where the higher partner-points requirements applied. Specified earlier evidence remained available case by case for applications invited on or before October 11. The Parent Category English standards were unchanged.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-10-12",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled migrant principal applicants and relevant accompanying partners and dependent children",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Citizenship of Canada, Ireland, the UK or the US required at least five years of work or education in those countries, Australia or New Zealand.; A recognised level-7 bachelor-equivalent qualification required at least two academic years of study in those six countries; a recognised level-8-or-higher qualification required at least one academic year.; Officers could still require IELTS: at least 6.5 overall for principal applicants and 5 for relevant non-principal applicants, with results no more than two years old when the application was lodged.; Relevant partners and dependent children aged 16 or older could instead pre-purchase ESOL, except where the higher partner-points requirements applied.; Specified earlier evidence remained available case by case for applications invited on or before October 11.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2016-06.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016/06; operative Appendix 1",
  "evidencePassage": "pal applicants invited to apply on or before 11 October 2016 SM5.10 English language requirements for non-principal applicants SM5.10.1 Transitional provisions for non-principal applicants included in applications for which the invitation to apply was issued on or before 11 October 2016 Instructions for SMC applicants at SM5.5 Minimum standard of English for principal applicants and SM5.10 English language requirements for non-principal applicants have been amended to give effect to new English language requirements. Under the new English language requirements, evidence of English language tha … t will be accepted in place of an English language test includes:  citizenship of Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom (U) or the United States of America (USA), provided the applicant has spent at least five years in work or education in one or more of those countries or Australia or New Zealand  a recognised qualification comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree, gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the UK or the USA as a result of study undertaken for at least two academic years in one or more of those countries, or  a recognised … qualification comparable to a New Zealand qualification at level 8 or above, gained in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the UK or the USA as a result of study undertaken for at least one academic year in one or more of those countries. Instructions under which applicants can be considered to have an English-speaking background if they have been lawfully employed full-time in an occupation in New Zealand for a minimum of 12 months, that allow for a wide range of qualifications undertaken in English to be considered as evidence of meeting English language requirements, an … d that provide for immigration officers to otherwise be satisfied through other evidence that an applicant is a competent user of English have been removed. Transitional provisions have been inserted to allow applicants invited to apply on or before 11 October 2016 to also meet the minimum English language requirements in place at the time they were invited to apply. Cross references to SM5.5 have been amended in SM5.15 and SM17.5 as necessitated by these transitional provisions. F4.10 Expressions of interest and applications under the Parent Category F4.10.15 has been amended to state that, d … an IELTS certificate in terms of paragraph SM5.5 (b). In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the principal applicant meets the minimum standard of English. 14 Note: Full consideration must be given to all evidence of English language ability provided before a decision to request an IELTS certificate under SM5.5.1(d) is made. If an IELTS certificate is requested the reason(s) behind the decision must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant. 15 SM5.10 English language requirements for non-principal applicants a. Unless SM5.15 applies, partners and dep … endent children aged 16 and older, who are included in Skilled Migrant Category applications, must: i. show that they meet a minimum standard of English to enable successful settlement in New Zealand; or ii. pre-purchase ESOL training. b. Non-principal applicants meet the minimum standard of English if they provide a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged) from IELTS, showing they achieved an overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS General or Academic Module. c. Other evidence that a non-principal applicant meets the minimum standard of English i … 11 October 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/06 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 12 October 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational on 12 Octobe … r 2016. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to residence instructions effective on and after 12 October 2016 R6.1 New Zealand Residence Programme R6.5 Allocation of places within the New Zealand Residence Programme These provisions have been amended to give effect to the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) for the 2016/17 to 2017/18 years. The planning range of the NZRP for this two-year period is 85,000 to 95,000 and includes a reduction in the cap for the Capped Family categories",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-146051a83976701fc01c",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Establishment of the Global Impact Visa (GIVs) Pilot Programme",
  "policyEffect": "Establishes a four-year pilot programme capped at 400 visas offering a work-to-residence pathway for entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders in partnership with the Edmund Hillary Fellowship. Successful candidates are eligible for a 36-month Global Impact Work Visa, leading to potential eligibility for a Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa after 30 months. Phase scope: Whole-pilot implementation effective 21 November 2016; candidate intake opened via partner fellowship cohorts from early 2017.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-11-21",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Successful candidates are eligible for a 36-month Global Impact Work Visa, leading to potential eligibility for a Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa after 30 months.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "New visa category",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/76969.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, BG1.5 Overview (21/11/2016)",
  "evidencePassage": "BG1.5 Overview (21/11/2016) BG1.5 Overview (21/11/2016) The Global Impact Visa pilot is a partnership between Immigration New Zealand and a private sector partner. Note: Immigration New Zealand has contracted the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (the provider) as the private sector partner for the duration of the pilot. The Global Impact Visa programme is operating as a pilot for four years between 2017 and 2021. During the four year pilot, up to 400 Global impact work visas may be granted. The Global Impact Visa programme operates in the following way: The provider identifies and selects candidates … who meet the objective of the programme. Selected candidates may apply for a Global Impact work visa with the support of the provider. Immigration New Zealand assesses applicants against immigration instructions and if all criteria are met, grants 36 month work visa to participate in the programme. The provider supports programme participants in innovation-based ventures in New Zealand during the 36 month work visa duration. After 30 months, programme participants may apply for a Global Impact permanent resident visa with the support of the provider. The Global Impact work visa is a work-to-residence visa and the Global Impact permanent resident visa is a residence-from-work visa. The provider will deliver and manage the programme, including: Attracting candidates from around the world. Identifying the best candidates for the programme. Integrating and supporting selected participants s into business, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout New Zealand. Note: Selection as a candidate by the provider does not guarantee the grant of a visa. Immigration New Zealand is responsible for processing and making decisions on visas and may decline any application for a visa that … fails to meet all relevant immigration instructions. Effective 21/11/2016",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-south-africa-waiver-removal-20161121",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "South African citizenship-based visitor travel visa waiver removed",
  "policyEffect": "From November 21, 2016, South Africa was removed from the citizenship-based visa-waiver list for travel to New Zealand. South African citizenship no longer provided that exemption from holding a visa permitting travel for a qualifying short visit. A person who qualified under another waiver category could still rely on that separate category.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-11-21",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "South african citizens relying on the citizenship-based visitor travel waiver",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation; Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "2016/237 regulations 2 and 4; E2.1 effective 21 November 2016",
  "evidencePassage": "016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100#DLM3148100) (the **principal regulations)**. ##### 4 Schedule 2 amended (1) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162), after item 8(32), insert: ##### (32A) Mauritius, Republic of: (2) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162), after item 8(43), insert: ##### (43A) Seychelles, Republic of: (3) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM … 3148162#DLM3148162), revoke item 8(47). ##### 5 Schedule 4 amended (1) In [Schedule 4](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3463818#DLM3463818), under the heading \"“*Temporary visa—visitor visa*”\", item relating to Temporary visa application—visitor visa (hard copy),— ##### (a) replace \"“151”\" with \"“170”\" in each place; and ##### (b) replace \"“116”\" with \"“135”\". (2) In [Schedule 4](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3463818#DLM3463818), under the heading \"“*Temporary visa—visitor visa*”\", it … gulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162) and [4](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3463818#DLM3463818) of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the **principal regulations**). Schedule 2 of the principal regulations identifies certain people for whom the requirement to obtain a transit visa, or to hold a visa permitting travel to New Zealand, is waived. The amendments to item 8 of Schedule 2 add citizens of the Republic of Mauritius and citizens of the Republic of Seychell … es, and delete citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Schedule 4 of the principal regulations sets out the fees for various matters. The amendments simplify the description of 2 of the matters, and adjust several fees. ### Regulatory impact statement The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment produced a regulatory impact statement on 2 September 2015 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the fees content of this instrument. A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at— - http://www.mbie.govt.nz/publications-research/publications/immigration … [Schedule 2 amended](#DLM6970521) | | | | [5](#DLM6970522) | [Schedule 4 amended](#DLM6970522) | | | | | [Explanatory note](#DLM6970524) | | | | | [Administrative Information](#d56e320) | | | ## Regulations ##### 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2016. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 21 November 2016. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-094babfd8db719cc8ed3",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Visa waiver extended to citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles",
  "policyEffect": "From November 21, 2016, citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles were added to the visa-waiver list for travel to New Zealand when seeking a visitor visa for no more than three months and not visiting for medical consultation or treatment. This waived the requirement to hold a visa permitting travel; it did not itself grant a visa or guarantee entry.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-11-21",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Citizens of mauritius and seychelles seeking qualifying short visits",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: This waived the requirement to hold a visa permitting travel",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation; Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "2016/237 regulations 2 and 4; E2.1 effective 21 November 2016",
  "evidencePassage": "[Schedule 2 amended](#DLM6970521) | | | | [5](#DLM6970522) | [Schedule 4 amended](#DLM6970522) | | | | | [Explanatory note](#DLM6970524) | | | | | [Administrative Information](#d56e320) | | | ## Regulations ##### 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2016. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 21 November 2016. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2 … 016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100#DLM3148100) (the **principal regulations)**. ##### 4 Schedule 2 amended (1) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162), after item 8(32), insert: ##### (32A) Mauritius, Republic of: (2) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162), after item 8(43), insert: ##### (43A) Seychelles, Republic of: (3) In [Schedule 2](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM … gulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148162#DLM3148162) and [4](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2016/0237/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3463818#DLM3463818) of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the **principal regulations**). Schedule 2 of the principal regulations identifies certain people for whom the requirement to obtain a transit visa, or to hold a visa permitting travel to New Zealand, is waived. The amendments to item 8 of Schedule 2 add citizens of the Republic of Mauritius and citizens of the Republic of Seychell … es, and delete citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Schedule 4 of the principal regulations sets out the fees for various matters. The amendments simplify the description of 2 of the matters, and adjust several fees. ### Regulatory impact statement The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment produced a regulatory impact statement on 2 September 2015 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the fees content of this instrument. A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at— - http://www.mbie.govt.nz/publications-research/publications/immigration … ent for not more than three months; and any other class of persons specified in the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010; and citizens of the following countries, but only if the person concerned is seeking a visitor visa current for not more than three months and the purposes of the visit is not for medical consultation or treatment: Andorra Argentina Austria Bahrain Belgium Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia1 Finland France Germany Greece 2 Hong Kong 3 Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea (South) … Kuwait Latvia 1 Liechtenstein Lithuania 1 Luxembourg Macau 4 Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Monaco Netherlands Norway Oman Poland Portugal 5 Qatar Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan 6 United Arab Emirates United States of America 7 Uruguay Vatican City 1 Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien's (non-citizen's) passports issued by these countries. 2 Greek passport holders whose passports were issued on and after 1 January 2006. (Greek passports issued before 1 January 2006 are not acceptable for trave",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-nzqa-student-status-20161209",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Student visa provision introduced for qualifications delayed by NZQA intervention",
  "policyEffect": "From December 9, 2016, students whose qualification could not be awarded because their education provider was under NZQA statutory intervention could receive a student visa for up to six months, with multiple-entry travel and work of up to 20 hours in any week. Applicants had to have submitted all assessment material, await NZQA confirmation, meet health and character requirements, provide the application and fee, and show at least NZ$1,250 per month for maintenance. Evidence of completed assessment submissions could come from NZQA if provider confirmation was unavailable. Visa conditions named the programme, provider and location when the provider continued operating; these could be omitted if it had ceased operating.",
  "operativeDate": "2016-12-09",
  "year": 2016,
  "affectedGroup": "Students awaiting qualifications prevented by nzqa statutory intervention",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From December 9, 2016, students whose qualification could not be awarded because their education provider was under NZQA statutory intervention could receive a student visa for up to six months, with multiple-entry travel and work of up to 20 hours in any week.; Applicants had to have submitted all assessment material, await NZQA confirmation, meet health and character requirements, provide the application and fee, and show at least NZ$1,250 per month for maintenance.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2016-11.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Amendment Circular 2016-11",
  "evidencePassage": "e course. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 or 09 914 4100 (Auckland only). Changes to immigration instructions effective on and after 9 December 2016 NZQA Statutory Intervention processes U16 Students affected by New Zealand Qualifications Authority Compliance notification U16.1 Application and evidence U16.5 Currency and conditions A new provision has been added to student visa instructions to ensure students who have finished their study but have not been awarded their qualification as a result of a New Zealand Qualific … ations Authority statutory intervention process, are able to maintain lawful status along with the ability to work part-time and study if and when required. APPENDIX 1: AMENDED IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS EFFECTIVE ON AND AFTER 9 DECEMBER 2016 U16 Students affected by New Zealand Qualifications Authority Compliance notification a. The intent of these instructions is to allow people whose education provider is subject to statutory intervention by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to maintain their status as student visa holders while awaiting a determination of whether their qualific … ation can be awarded. b. Student visas may be granted under these instructions where the applicant: i. has submitted all required material for the assessment of their qualification; ii. is or has been enrolled at an education provider that is subject to statutory intervention by NZQA which prevents the awarding of their qualification; iii. is awaiting NZQA’s confirmation that their qualification can be awarded; and iv. meets health and character requirements as set out at A4 and A5. U16.1 Application and evidence a. Applicants must provide: i. a completed student visa application form and fee; … and ii. evidence that they have a minimum of $1,250 per month in funds available to maintain themselves during their intended stay in New Zealand; and iii. confirmation from their education provider that they have submitted all required material for the assessment of their qualification. b. If an applicant is unable to obtain confirmation from their education provider required for (a)(iii) (for example if the education provider has ceased to operate), confirmation from NZQA that they have submitted all required material for assessment can be provided instead. U16.5 Currency and conditions a. … Despite U13.15, a student visa holder may be granted under these instructions with conditions allowing work for up to 20 hours in any given week during the validity of the visa. b. Visas can be granted up to a maximum period of six months with multiple entry travel conditions. c. Where the education provider is continuing to operate the original programme of study, education provider and location must be specified on the visa. d. In the event the education provider has ceased to operate, the visa can be granted without a specified programme of study, education provider, or location. … 9 December 2016 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2016/11 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments in Appendix 1 and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 9 December 2016. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in du",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-195e731b0606b48fc2fe",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Application of Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Scheme to Character Checks for Supporting Partners in Partnership Category Applications",
  "policyEffect": "Establishes that immigration officers assessing the character requirement for partners supporting Partnership Category applications must not request, require, or use information regarding a supporting partner's New Zealand convictions if covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, unless the partner voluntarily discloses them. Phase scope: Operative from 8 May 2017 across all partnership residence category applications.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-05-08",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "Family reunification",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Establishes that immigration officers assessing the character requirement for partners supporting Partnership Category applications must not request, require, or use information regarding a supporting partner's New Zealand convictions if covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, unless the partner voluntarily discloses them.",
  "policyCategory": "Residence",
  "policyTool": "Adjudication rules",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/40512.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, Residence Instructions, R5.95.10 (effective 08/05/2017)",
  "evidencePassage": "Category applications is met When assessing whether the supporting partner meets the character requirements of R5.95(a), an immigration officer must be aware that a supporting partner’s New Zealand convictions may be covered by the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 (Clean Slate Scheme) and that, if so, the supporting partner is not required to declare those convictions. If Immigration New Zealand holds any information that the supporting partner has convictions, and those convictions are covered by the Clean Slate Scheme, this information cannot be used when assessing whether the supporting partner meets the character requirements of R5.95(a). Note: The information referred to in (b), above, includes any prior police certificates, any information INZ holds in its records (including its Application Management System), and any other information which may have been gathered from a public source. If a person’s convictions are covered by the Clean Slate Scheme, immigration officers cannot, under any circumstances, request or require that an individual disregard the effect of the Clean Slate Scheme when answering questions about his or her criminal record, or disregard the effect … of the Clean Slate Scheme and disclose, or give consent to the disclosure of, his or her criminal record. Doing so is an offence under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004. However, if the supporting partner voluntarily declares criminal convictions that are subject to the Clean Slate Scheme, this information can be used to assess whether the supporting partner meets the character requirements of R5.95(a). Effective 08/05/2017 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS R5.95 Character requirement for partners supporting Partnership Category applications (23/12/2019) R5.95 Character requirement for",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-7de2a707162e8482526b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Introduction of the South Island Contribution Work Visa (WR7)",
  "policyEffect": "Introduced the temporary work visa stage of the South Island Contribution pathway (WR7). Essential Skills work visa holders who had completed at least 5 years of full-time, lawful employment in the South Island between 22 May 2012 and 22 May 2017, were 55 years of age or younger, and met character and health requirements became eligible for a work-to-residence visa tied to employment in a specific South Island region and industry.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-05-22",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "Existing holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Essential Skills work visa holders who had completed at least 5 years of full-time, lawful employment in the South Island between 22 May 2012 and 22 May 2017, were 55 years of age or younger, and met character and health requirements became eligible for a work-to-residence visa tied to employment in a specific South Island region and industry.",
  "policyCategory": "Work authorization",
  "policyTool": "New pathway",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/82387.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, Instruction WR7.10 (effective 22/05/2017)",
  "evidencePassage": "WR7.10 Requirements to be granted a South Island Contribution work visa (22/05/2017) WR7.10 Requirements to be granted a South Island Contribution work visa (22/05/2017) To be granted a visa under the South Island Contribution work instructions, an applicant must: hold an Essential Skills work visa at the time their application is made, which specifies as a condition employment to be undertaken at a location within the South Island; and be in full-time (see W2.2.10), lawful employment in the South Island; and have undertaken full-time, lawful employment in the South Island as the holder of an … Essential Skills work visa, or an interim visa, for five years between 22 May 2012 and 22 May 2017 (see WR7.10.1); and have acceptable ongoing employment, or an offer of acceptable employment, in the South Island (see WR7.10.5); and meet the health and character requirements for residence set out at A4 and A5; and meet the requirements for bona fide applicants set out at E5; and be 55 years of age or younger on the date their application is accepted for processing; and apply before 23 May 2018 (except where WR7.25 applies). WR7.10.1 Time working outside the South Island Time spent working in New … Appendix 10). WR7.10.10 Applicants who do not meet the requirements for the grant of a visa An immigration officer must consider granting a visa as an exception to instructions if an application does not meet the requirements for the grant of a South Island Contribution visa (see E7.10). In particular, an immigration officer should consider the objective of this visa category and the applicant’s circumstances if they fall marginally short of the five year requirement set out at WR7.10(c). Effective 22/05/2017",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-983a947b78ff284e33be",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "RW8 Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under South Island Contribution work instructions",
  "policyEffect": "Introduced a new residence class visa pathway for holders of work visas granted under the South Island Contribution work instructions, provided they have held the visa for at least 24 months and meet ongoing employment criteria.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-05-22",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "Existing holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Introduced a new residence class visa pathway for holders of work visas granted under the South Island Contribution work instructions, provided they have held the visa for at least 24 months and meet ongoing employment criteria.",
  "policyCategory": "Residence",
  "policyTool": "New pathway",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/82365.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "immigration.govt.nz. RW8 Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under South Island Contribution work instructions.",
  "evidencePassage": "RW8 Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under South Island Contribution work instructions (22/05/2017) RW8 Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under South Island Contribution work instructions (22/05/2017) Holders of visas granted under the South Island Contribution work instructions may be granted a residence class visa where: they have held a work visa granted under the South Island Contribution work instructions for a period of at least 24 months; and during the currency of that visa they have been employed: in a full-time role (at least 30 hours per … work visa; and has terms and conditions that are not less than the those of the New Zealand labour market; and is with an employer who has no significant adverse record with Immigration New Zealand or the Labour Inspectorate, and is not included on a list of non-compliant employers maintained by the Labour Inspectorate (see R5.110 and Appendix 10); and they hold full or provisional registration, if full or provisional registration is required to practice in the occupation in which they are employed; and they meet health and character requirements (see A4 and A5). Effective 22/05/2017 PREVIOUS",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-e01046dd90e19f12e1cf",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Essential Skills Work Visa Remuneration Thresholds and Duration Adjustments",
  "policyEffect": "Introduced a maximum cumulative stay of three years for lower-skilled or below-median-wage workers on Essential Skills Work Visas, requiring a 12-month stand-down period outside of New Zealand thereafter.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-08-28",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "New applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Introduced a maximum cumulative stay of three years for lower-skilled or below-median-wage workers on Essential Skills Work Visas, requiring a 12-month stand-down period outside of New Zealand thereafter.",
  "policyCategory": "Work authorization",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/visas/essential-skills-work-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "immigration.govt.nz. Essential Skills Work Visa Remuneration Thresholds and Duration Adjustments.",
  "evidencePassage": "appropriate registration body that you are eligible for New Zealand registration. Check if you need occupational registration for your job Note You do not have to provide these if you are applying for an Essential Skills visa to work in the same full-time role you currently hold, with the same employer and in the same region, and you make a declaration in your visa application form (INZ 1266) that you hold the required registration. Stand-down period You must not currently need to spend time outside of New Zealand as part of a stand-down period. You cannot be granted a visa to do work paid below the … median wage if you are subject to a stand-down period. Note The stand-down period policy has been deferred until mid 2022. You may be subject to a stand-down period if you have spent 3 years working in lower-skilled or below median wage employment in New Zealand on an Essential Skills Work Visa. The only way to satisfy the stand-down requirement is to spend 12 consecutive months outside of New Zealand. Being subject to a stand-down period does not prevent you from being granted an Essential Skills Work Visa for work paid at or above the median wage, or any other kind of visa that you qualify for. Visas applied for before 28 August 2017 are not considered when calculating the time spent working in lower-skilled employment. How to pay and submit We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your details so we can show information that is relevant to you. When you arrive Entry requirements As part of New Zealand’s entry requirements, everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This form collects information about your travel, including customs, immigration, and biosecurity details. When you can submit your",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-95635f5edfcd80a4aac8",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "SM3.5 Skilled Migrant Category requirements",
  "policyEffect": "Restructured the points system and requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category residence visa, establishing new criteria for applications made on or after 28 August 2017.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-08-28",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "New applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Restructured the points system and requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category residence visa, establishing new criteria for applications made on or after 28 August 2017.",
  "policyCategory": "Residence",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/79835.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "immigration.govt.nz. SM3.5 Skilled Migrant Category requirements.",
  "evidencePassage": "Applications made on and after 28 August 2017 in response to an Invitation to Apply resulting from selection of an Expression of Interest from the Skilled Migrant Category Pool prior to 28 August 2017, will be assessed in terms of the Skilled Migrant Category criteria and associated Appendices 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 of the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Operational Manual in effect on 27 August 2017.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp4-1aa80e6ebb58b562500a",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme Cap Increase (December 2017)",
  "policyEffect": "Raised the national administrative cap on the number of temporary visas that can be granted under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme for the 2017/18 season by 600 places, increasing the quota from 10,500 to 11,100 workers.",
  "operativeDate": "2017-12-20",
  "year": 2017,
  "affectedGroup": "",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Raised the national administrative cap on the number of temporary visas that can be granted under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme for the 2017/18 season by 600 places, increasing the quota from 10,500 to 11,100 workers.",
  "policyCategory": "Not stated",
  "policyTool": "Not stated",
  "sourceName": "mbie.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.mbie.govt.nz/assets/b5efd9a3f3/minute-of-decision-increasing-the-cap-for-the-recognised-seasonal-employer-scheme.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Cabinet Business Committee Minute CBC-17-MIN-0099.",
  "evidencePassage": "be granted by under the RSE scheme in a 12 month period by 600 to 11,100 from the 2017/18 season; 6 noted that the Minister of Social Development and the Minister of Immigration 82 acknowledge that there are accommodation pressures in some regions where the RSE 19 scheme operates, and consider that the proposed increase in the cap number is appropriate given that: T 6.1 AC RSE employers must satisfy the Labour Inspectorate and Immigration New Zealand that they are able to provide access to an acceptable standard of accommodation for RSE workers before they are able to recruit workers under the",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "record-measure-d09f23b35a72e2bca9825892",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "DPRK nationals restricted from obtaining New Zealand work authorisations, with contract and exemption safeguards",
  "policyEffect": "From 4 January 2018, new regulation 46A made a national of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ineligible to obtain a visa or other authorisation entitling that person to work in New Zealand, which the regulations define to include Tokelau. The restriction does not apply to an authorisation implementing a written contract made before adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2375 on 11 September 2017, or an authorisation approved in advance by the Committee established under paragraph 12 of resolution 1718. The existing general ministerial-consent provision also disapplies a prohibition for an activity to which the Minister of Foreign Affairs consents, but consent is permitted only where the Minister is satisfied that the activity is justified on humanitarian grounds or is not inconsistent with the resolutions’ objectives. New regulation 54A additionally disapplies a prohibition where the Committee exempts the activity from the resolutions’ measures. This introduced a work-authorisation eligibility restriction absent from the immediately preceding principal regulations; it does not establish automatic cancellation of existing visas or a new universal deportation requirement. The pre-existing designated-person entry/transit and specified-person deportation provisions are separate and are not counted again.",
  "operativeDate": "2018-01-04",
  "year": 2018,
  "affectedGroup": "Dprk nationals seeking visas or other authorisations entitling them to work, subject to written-contract, advance committee approval and general exemption safeguards",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The restriction does not apply to an authorisation implementing a written contract made before adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2375 on 11 September 2017, or an authorisation approved in advance by the Committee established under paragraph 12 of resolution 1718.; The existing general ministerial-consent provision also disapplies a prohibition for an activity to which the Minister of Foreign Affairs consents, but consent is permitted only where the Minister is satisfied that the activity is justified on humanitarian grounds or is not inconsistent with the resolutions’ objectives.; This introduced a work-authorisation eligibility restriction absent from the immediately preceding principal regulations; it does not establish automatic cancellation of existing visas or a new universal deportation requirement.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration / work authorisation",
  "policyTool": "Nationality-based eligibility restriction",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "United Nations Sanctions (DPRK) Amendment Regulations2017, LI2017/290, regulations2,12–13; principalLI2017/74 regulations3,46A,47–54A, original18April2017 and operative4January2018 versions.",
  "evidencePassage": "Republic of Korea) Amendment Regulations 2017. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 4 January 2018. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [United Nations Sanctions (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Regulations 2017](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215300#DLM7215300) (the **principal regulations**). ##### 4 Enacting statement amended In the enacting statement, after paragraph (b) (vi), insert: ##### (vii) resolution 2356 (2017) adopted on 2 June 2017: ##### (viii) resolution 2371 (2017) adopted on 5 August 2017: ##### (ix) resolution 2375 (2017) adopted on 11 September 2017. ##### 5 Regulation 3 amended (Interpretation) (1) In [regulation 3(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215306#DLM7215306), definition of **designated person**,— ##### (a) paragraph (a) (i), replace \"“paragraph 8(e)”\" with \"“paragraph 8(d) or (e)”\": ##### (b) after paragraph (a) (v), insert: ##### (vi) Annex I of resolution 2356 (2017): ##### (vii) Annex I of resolution 2371 (2017): ##### (viii) Annex I of resolution 2375 (2017): ##### (c) after paragraph (b) (v), insert: ##### (vi) Annex II of resolution 2356 (2017): ##### (vii) Annex II of resolution 2371 (2017): ##### (viii) Annex II of resolution 2375 (2017): (2) In [regulation 3(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215306#DLM7215306), definition of **resolutions**, replace \"“and resolution 2321 (2016)”\" with \"“resolution 2321 (2016), resolution 2356 (2017), resolution 2371 (2017), and resolution 2375 (2017)”\". (3) In [regulation 3(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215306#DLM7215306), definition of **WMD-related and ballistic missile-related goods**,— ##### (a) paragraph (a) (v), before \"“S/2012/947”\", insert \"“Security Council document”\"; and ##### (b) paragraph (a) (vi), replace \"“(2013); or”\" with \"“(2013):”\"; and ##### (c) after paragraph (a) (vi), insert: ##### (vii) Security Council document S/2017/728; or (4) In [regulation 3(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215306#DLM7215306), insert in their appropriate alphabetical order: **base metal** means— ##### (a) copper: ##### (b) iron or iron ore: ##### (c) lead or lead ore: ##### (d) nickel: ##### (e) titanium ore: ##### (f) vanadium ore: ##### (g) zinc **designated ship** means a ship that has been designated by the Committee under paragraph 6 of resolution 2371 (2017) **resolution 2356 (2017)** means resolution 2356 of the Security Council, adopted on 2 June 2017 **resolution 2371 (2017)** means resolution 2371 of the Security Council, adopted on 5 August 2017 **resolution 2375 (2017)** means resolution 2375 of the Security Council, adopted on 11 September 2017 **seafood** means any of the following in all forms: fish and crustaceans, … aquatic invertebrates **textile** means any cloth or fabric and includes— ##### (a) any thread, yarn, or material from which a cloth or fabric can be made; and ##### (b) any partially or fully completed product made from a cloth or fabric (5) In [regulation 3(1)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215306#DLM7215306), revoke the definition of **precious metals**. ##### 6 Regulations 17 to 28 and cross-headings replaced Replace [regulations 17 to 28](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215401#DLM7215401) and the cross-headings above [regulations 17](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215401#DLM7215401), [21](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215406#DLM7215406), and [25](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0290/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM7215411#DLM7215411) with: #### Restricted items ##### 17 Definition of restricted item In regulations 18 to 21, **restricted item** means— ##### (a) gold: ##### (b) silver: ##### (c) a rare metal: ##### (d) a base metal: ##### (e) coal: ##### (f) seafood: ##### (g) a statue: ##### (h) a textile. ##### 18 Restricted item: importation prohibited (1) A person must not import, directly or indirectly, a restricted item into New Zealand knowing that the restricted item is from DPRK (whether or not the restricted item originated in DPRK). (2) However, subclause (1) and regulations 19 to 21 do not apply to— ##### (a) an importation or any other activity that— ##### (i) relates to coal that is described in paragraph 26 of resolution 2321 (2016), as replaced by paragraph 8 of resolution 2371 (2017); and ##### (ii) is approved in advance by the Minister; or ##### (b) a transaction that— ##### (i) is described in paragraph 26 of resolution 2321 (2016), as replaced by paragraph 8 of resolution 2371 (2017); and ##### (ii) is approved in advance by the Minister. ##### 19 Restricted item: carrying on New Zealand craft prohibited (1) A person must not use a New Zealand craft to carry a restricted item knowing that— ##### (a) the craft is carrying a restricted item; and ##### (b) the carriage is, or forms part of, the carriage of that restricted item to any place from DPRK. (2) Subclause (1) applies,— ##### (a) in the case of a New Zealand registered craft,— ##### (i) to the owner of the craft; and ##### (ii) to the master or pilot in command of the craft: ##### (b) in the case of a New Zealand chartered craft,— ##### (i) to the charterer of the craft; and ##### (ii) to the master or pilot in command of the craft, if the master or pilot is a New Zealand citizen. ##### 20 Restricted item: dealing prohibited (1) A person must not sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with a restricted item knowing that the restricted item is intended to be supplied, sold, or transferred, directly or indirectly, to any place",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-level8-partner-work-20181126",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Level 8 student partner work eligibility restricted to shortage qualifications",
  "policyEffect": "From November 26, 2018, the ordinary partner-work eligibility rule required a level 8 student’s qualification to be specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time of the partner’s work visa application. The earlier rule had allowed partners of students studying postgraduate qualifications without this restriction. Level 9 and 10 study remained a qualifying route. The separate WF4.5 provisions and other general requirements continued to apply.",
  "operativeDate": "2018-11-26",
  "year": 2018,
  "affectedGroup": "Partners of international students studying level 8 qualifications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From November 26, 2018, the ordinary partner-work eligibility rule required a level 8 student’s qualification to be specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time of the partner’s work visa application.; The earlier rule had allowed partners of students studying postgraduate qualifications without this restriction.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/78208.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (26/11/2018); WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (01/07/2013)",
  "evidencePassage": "| WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (26/11/2018) 1. Unless cite0†WF4.5 applies, a person may apply for and be granted a multiple entry work visa if their partner holds: 1. a student visa to study for a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) in an area of absolute skill shortage as specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (see cite1†Appendix 4 ); or 2. a student visa to study for a level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF. Note: In order to be eligible for a work visa under (a)(i) the qualification undertaken by the student visa hold … er must be specified on the Long Term Skill Shortage List at the time the work visa application is submitted. 2. Work visas will be granted for the same period as the student visa held by the applicant's partner subject to the generic requirements at cite2†E4.5 being met. 3. Any work visas granted under these instructions, may be endorsed with conditions that allow work for any employer. 4. Applicants must have NZ$4,200 available for their maintenance during the period of stay in New Zealand. 5. If, subsequent to any work visa granted under these instructions, the work visa holder’s student … partner changes their study and the new study no longer meets the requirements under WF4.1(a), the work visa holder will no longer meet the requirements for a work visa under these instructions and may be liable for deportation. Effective 26/11/2018 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONScite3†WF4.1 Who is eligible for a work visa (01/10/2024) cite4†WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (07/09/2022) cite5†WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (01/07/2013) cite6†WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work visa (26/11/2012) cite7†WF4.1 Who is eligible for a special work vis",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-58452155d5b9bafda245",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "November 2018 remuneration thresholds revised for Skilled Migrant and Essential Skills categories",
  "policyEffect": "From 26 November 2018, INZ increased the remuneration thresholds used in the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Essential Skills employment assessment. For SMC, the ANZSCO skill-level 1–3 skilled-employment threshold rose from NZ$24.29 to NZ$25.00 an hour, and the skill-level 4–5 or non-ANZSCO threshold from NZ$36.44 to NZ$37.50. The threshold for 20 high-remuneration bonus points rose from NZ$48.58 to NZ$50.00. For Essential Skills, the new bands were higher-skilled at NZ$37.50 or more regardless of ANZSCO level; mid-skilled at NZ$21.25–37.49 inclusive for levels 1–3; and lower-skilled below NZ$21.25 regardless of level, or below NZ$37.50 for levels 4–5. The preceding Essential Skills instructions used NZ$20.65 as the lower threshold, mid-skilled NZ$20.65–36.43 inclusive for levels 1–3, and higher-skilled remuneration of NZ$36.44 or more. Hourly rates are calculated from annual salary by dividing by 52 and weekly hours; the maximum hours are used where a range is supplied. Both sets of instructions retain the requirement that each hour must be paid at or above the relevant threshold. The SMC per-activity exception remains: a worker outside ANZSCO levels 1–3 with a lower contractual hourly rate can meet the NZ$37.50 threshold through qualifying per-activity pay, supported by at least two prior years in the same occupation in New Zealand averaging at least that hourly amount and 30 hours a week in each year. Time-based, commission, incentive/productivity and piece-rate payments do not qualify for that exception. Remuneration includes qualifying agreed deductions and accommodation value or allowance, but excludes other employment allowances and performance-dependent bonuses. These are remuneration-assessment changes within the existing categories, not new visa routes.",
  "operativeDate": "2018-11-26",
  "year": 2018,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled workers / temporary workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For SMC, the ANZSCO skill-level 1–3 skilled-employment threshold rose from NZ$24.29 to NZ$25.00 an hour, and the skill-level 4–5 or non-ANZSCO threshold from NZ$36.44 to NZ$37.50.; The threshold for 20 high-remuneration bonus points rose from NZ$48.58 to NZ$50.00.; The preceding Essential Skills instructions used NZ$20.65 as the lower threshold, mid-skilled NZ$20.65–36.43 inclusive for levels 1–3, and higher-skilled remuneration of NZ$36.44 or more.; the maximum hours are used where a range is supplied.; Both sets of instructions retain the requirement that each hour must be paid at or above the relevant threshold.; The SMC per-activity exception remains: a worker outside ANZSCO levels 1–3 with a lower contractual hourly rate can meet the NZ$37.50 threshold through qualifying per-activity pay, supported by at least two prior years in the same occupation in New Zealand averaging at…",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration / residence admission / work authorization",
  "policyTool": "Wage / income threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2018-11.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "INZ Circular2018/11, dated9November2018, operative26November2018, SM1.10, SM6.10, SM6.20, SM6.60 and WK3.5; preceding Circular2017/13 and intervening SM6.10 in Circular2018/06.",
  "evidencePassage": "9 November 2018 Immigration New Zealand Instructions: Amendment Circular No. 2018/11 To: All Manual Holders Amendments to the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual Introduction This circular outlines changes to the immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions on and after 26 November 2018. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. Any enquiries about these amendments should be directed to the Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 558 855. Summary of contents This amendment circular details changes to the Immigration New Zealand immigration instructions, and is set out as follows:  The Description of changes section contains a summary of the changes to immigration instructions.  Appendix 1 contains amended Residence instructions.  Appendix 2 contains amended Temporary Entry instructions.  Appendix 3 contains amended Residence and Temporary Entry instructions.  Appendix 4 contains rescinded instructions. All changes are effective on and after 26 November 2018. Additions to the immigration instructions have been highlighted for ease of reference. Deletions have not been highlighted. Page | 1 Description of changes Changes to post-study work rights WD Post-Study work instructions WD1 Objective WD2 Lodging an application under Post-Study work visa instructions WD3 Requirements for Post-Study work visas WD3.1 Determining and granting a Post-Study work visa WD3.5 Transitional requirements WF4.1 Who is eligible for a Special Work visa Changes to post-study work rights have been made to ensure post-study immigration pathways for international students are fit-for-purpose and to reduce the likelihood of exploitation, while minimising losses of genuine students. The changes are as follows:  The Employer-Assisted Post-Study work visa has been removed.  A three-year post-study open work visa is available for bachelor’s degree or above qualifications.  A one-year post-study open work visa is available for students studying New Zealand Qualification Framework level 4 to 6 and non-degree level 7 qualifications, with an additional year available for Graduate Diploma students whose qualification and work is needed for registration with a professional or trade body.  A time-bound, two-year post-study open work visa is available for students studying level 4 to 6 and non-degree level 7 qualifications outside Auckland (study must be completed by the end of 2021). Transitional provisions To ensure no current tertiary students and post-study work visa holders are disadvantaged by the changes, the following transitional provisions have also been introduced:  Students who held a student visa or were in the process of applying for a student visa to study towards an eligible qualification as at 8 … will be able to apply for: o a three-year post-study open work visa on completion of their qualification(s) o a two-year post study open work visa if they have previously held a one year open post study work visa, on completion of their qualification(s)  Holders of a one year post-study work visa will be eligible to apply for a further two-year open post-study work visa.  Holders of a Post-Study Work Visa-Employer Assisted can apply to vary their visa conditions to remove the occupation, employer and location. Work visa eligibility for partners of students People studying level 8 qualifications will need to study a qualification listed in an area on the Long Term Skills Shortage List to be eligible to support their partner for an open work visa. Page | 2 Updates to the remuneration threshold values for Essential Skills and Skilled Migrant Category visas WK3.5 Acceptable Employment SM1.10 Points for employability and capacity building factors SM6.10 Skilled Employment SM6.20 Calculating remuneration SM6.60 Bonus points for high remuneration The Essential Skills work visa and Skilled Migrant Category resident visa remuneration thresholds have been updated. These thresholds are updated annually. The new thresholds are based on the New Zealand median salary and wage rate of $25 per hour (up 2.9% from last year), equivalent to $52,000 per annum for a 40 hour per week job. The thresholds are:  Skilled Migrant Category o The threshold for gaining skilled employment points will be $25 per hour for jobs at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3, and $37.50 per hour for jobs at skill level 4 or 5. o The threshold for bonus points for high remuneration will be $50 per hour.  Essential Skills o The mid-skilled remuneration threshold will be $21.25 per hour for jobs at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3, and or $37.50 per hour for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles. o The high-skilled remuneration threshold will be $37.50 per hour. Other minor changes Remove references to departure cards Y2.5 Passenger responsibilities on departure Y2.15 Who is exempt from presenting an arrival card Clarify that refugees, refugee claimants and protected people exempt from application fees R2.60 Payment of the fee and immigration levy S4.20 Refugee Quota Family Reunification Category E4.60 Payment of the fee and immigration levy V3.90 Visitor visas for refugee or protection status claimants WI6.5 Who is not normally eligible for a special work visa WI6.10 Making an application L6.1 Limited visas for some refugee or protection status claimants, refugees or protected people Refer to Robert Mugabe in instructions as ‘former’ President of Zimbabwe following his removal as Zimbabwe President in 2017 R5.100 Ban on the grant of residence class visas to certain individuals and classes of individuals E2.55 Restriction on the grant of visas, to Robert Mugabe, former President of Zimbabwe, and his wife Update references to the new Customs and Excise Act 2018 Y4.5 People who must be refused entr",
  "reviewMethod": "Source-based draft with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-3c88117c83dbcb72b0ae",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Post-study open work visa conditions and durations revised",
  "policyEffect": "From November 26, 2018, qualifying graduates could receive open post-study work visas permitting work for any employer, in any occupation and location, subject to the general conditions. A level 7 bachelor’s degree or level 8–10 qualification studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand qualified for three years. Eligible lower-level and non-degree level 7 qualifications generally qualified for one year, or two years where qualifying study was completed entirely outside Auckland by December 31, 2021. Eligible Graduate Diploma holders working towards registration could obtain an additional year subject to the specified registration requirements. Transitional instructions provided longer entitlements for eligible existing students and visa holders; existing employer-assisted visa holders could apply to remove employer and occupation conditions.",
  "operativeDate": "2018-11-26",
  "year": 2018,
  "affectedGroup": "Qualifying international graduates and eligible existing students and post-study work visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From November 26, 2018, qualifying graduates could receive open post-study work visas permitting work for any employer, in any occupation and location, subject to the general conditions.; A level 7 bachelor’s degree or level 8–10 qualification studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand qualified for three years.; Eligible lower-level and non-degree level 7 qualifications generally qualified for one year, or two years where qualifying study was completed entirely outside Auckland by December 31, 2021.; Eligible Graduate Diploma holders working towards registration could obtain an additional year subject to the specified registration requirements.; Transitional instructions provided longer entitlements for eligible existing students and visa holders",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/72351.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "WD3.1 Determining and granting a Post-Study work visa (26/11/2018); WD3.5 Transitional requirements (26/11/2018)",
  "evidencePassage": "| WD3.1 Determining and granting a Post-Study work visa (26/11/2018) WD3.1.1 Determining a Post-Study work visa application Applicants may be granted a work visa if: 1. they hold: 1. a qualification at level 7 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand; or 2. a single qualification at level 4 to 6 that has been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand; or 3. two qualifications at levels 4 to 6 that have been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand (including at least 30 weeks per qualificat … ion) and the second qualification is at a higher level than the first qualification; and 2. they apply no later than three months after the end date of their student visa for that programme of study or qualification(s) or, if the qualification was a Doctoral Degree, no later than six months after the end date of their student visa; and 3. they have successfully completed the qualification for which the student visa was granted; and 4. they have met the requirements set out at cite0†U11.1(d) if their studies have been supported under the New Zealand Aid Programme; and 5. they have NZ$4,200 i … n funds available to maintain themselves during their stay in New Zealand; and 6. they have not previously been granted a Post-Study work visa unless: 1. they have undertaken and completed a second higher qualification that is either a New Zealand Bachelor’s Degree or postgraduate qualification, and have studied that qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks; or 2. they are working towards occupational registration and meet the requirements at WD3.1.15; or 3. transitional provisions apply (see cite1†WD3.5 ). WD3.1.5 Currency and conditions 1. The currency of the work visa … depends on the qualification(s) gained as set out in the table below: Qualification completed and programme duration | A Post-Study work visa may be granted for: i. a level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or level 8 to 10 qualification that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | Three years ii. a level 7 Graduate Diploma that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | One year. Plus an additional one year, if the applicant is in the process of gaining registration with a registration authority and meets the requirements of WD3.1.15 Two years, if the study … was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 (see WD3.1.10) iii. any other level 7 qualification that has been studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 (see WD3.1.10) iv. a single qualification at level 4 to 6 that has been studied full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 (see WD3.1.10) v. two qualifications at levels 4 to 6 that have been studi … ed full-time for at least 60 weeks in New Zealand (including at least 30 weeks per qualification) and the second qualification is at a higher level on the NZQF than the first qualification. The qualifications must have commenced in either the same or consecutive calendar years | One year Two years, if the study was undertaken outside of Auckland and completed by 31 December 2021 (see WD3.1.10) 2. A holder of a Post-Study work visa may work for any employer in any occupation in any location, subject to meeting cite2†E7.40 . Note: Study weeks include exam preparation time and exclude holiday … periods. WD3.1.10 Qualifications completed outside Auckland 1. Students who successfully complete a qualification specified at WD3.1.1(a) outside Auckland by 31 December 2021 qualify for a two-year Post-Study work visa. 2. A qualification(s) completed outside Auckland must have been studied entirely at a campus outside the territories covered by the Auckland Council. 3. A two-year Post-Study work visa will not be granted if any part of the qualification(s) was completed at a campus located within territories covered by the Auckland Council, including distance learning components. WD3.1.15 Work … ing towards occupational registration 1. Post-Study work visa holders who have successfully completed a level 7 Graduate Diploma may be granted an additional one-year Post-Study work visa (to a total of two years) if: 1. they are in the process of gaining registration with a registration body; and 2. they require an additional year of work experience to obtain the registration; and 3. the registration body is included in the list of acceptable registration authorities at WD3.1.15.1; and 4. they have not been granted a two-year Post-Study work visa under WD3.1.10 due to having completed their q … ualification outside Auckland. 2. To qualify for an additional one-year Post-Study work visa, applicants must currently hold a Post-Study work visa and provide: 1. a copy of the qualifying level 7 Graduate Diploma; and 2. evidence of provisional registration with an acceptable registration authority. WD3.1.15.1 List of acceptable registration authorities The following are acceptable registration authorities for the purposes of Post-Study work visa instructions: * Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Effective 26/11/2018 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONScite3†WD3.1 Determining a Post-Stud",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-ddc772d431fefe945eb3",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Establishment of the Christchurch Response (2019) Permanent Residence Category",
  "policyEffect": "Created a dedicated permanent residence pathway (Operational Manual Section S4.30) offering permanent resident visas and fee/health waivers to individuals based in New Zealand directly affected by the 15 March 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks and their eligible family members. Phase scope: Applications lodged on or before 23 April 2021",
  "operativeDate": "2019-04-24",
  "year": 2019,
  "affectedGroup": "Victims and family members of christchurch mosque attacks",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Created a dedicated permanent residence pathway (Operational Manual Section S4.30) offering permanent resident visas and fee/health waivers to individuals based in New Zealand directly affected by the 15 March 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks and their eligible family members.; Phase scope: Applications lodged on or before 23 April 2021",
  "policyCategory": "Humanitarian / special residence",
  "policyTool": "Special visa category / fast-track pr",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/72200.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, Instruction S4.30: Christchurch Response (2019) Category",
  "evidencePassage": "S4.30 Christchurch Response (2019) Category (to 26/07/2024) S4.30 Christchurch Response (2019) Category (to 26/07/2024) S4.30.1 Objective The Christchurch Response (2019) Category provides certainty to the New Zealand-based individuals directly affected by terrorist attacks at the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch on 15 March 2019 (the attacks) and to their family living in New Zealand about their ability to remain in New Zealand permanently. S4.30.5 Overview Application for a permanent resident visa under the Christchurch Response (2019) Category is a two-stage process: people wishing to apply for a permanent resident visa under the Christchurch Response (2019) Category must first submit an expression of interest (EOI). EOIs may result in an invitation to apply for residence if the claims made in the EOI concerning health, character, being based in New Zealand, and being either directly affected by the attacks, or the family member of a person directly affected by the attacks are assessed as credible by an immigration officer. A Christchurch Response (2019) Category application will be approved if the requirements for being based in New Zealand, and being either directly affected by the attacks, or the family member of a person directly affected by the attacks are met, and the requirements for health and character are either met or waived. S4.30.10 Expression of interest and invitation to apply for a Christchurch Response (2019) permanent resident visa See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 92, 93 and 95. See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 Regulations 9 and 20. A person may express interest in applying for a Christchurch Response (2019) Category permanent resident visa if she or he: was based in New Zealand on … residence under the Christchurch Response (2019) Category must be made in the prescribed manner (see R2). Applications made under these instructions must be lodged on or before 23 April 2021. Note: The prescribed fee for applications under these instructions has been waived by the Minister of Immigration by special direction. S4.30.20 Determining a Christchurch Response (2019) Category permanent resident visa application Permanent resident visas may be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied that the applicant: meets health and character requirements for residence (A4 and A5); and on 15 … identity and/or the relationship claimed by the applicant(s). S4.30.35 Verification of family details Immigration officers may refer to former applications lodged by applicants, family members of applicants or sponsors, in order to verify declarations made by applicants about their family details (such as the number of family members, the whereabouts of family members, or an applicant's or partner's marital status). S4.30.40 Grant of a permanent resident visa Successful applicants under the Christchurch Response (2019) Category will be granted a permanent resident visa. Effective 24/04/2019",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-219e0a76c69ec868a7e6",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme Cap Increase to 14,400",
  "policyEffect": "Increased the annual administrative quota limit for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme from 12,850 to 14,400 places for the seasonal horticulture and viticulture workforce intake.",
  "operativeDate": "2019-10-01",
  "year": 2019,
  "affectedGroup": "Seasonal workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Increased the annual administrative quota limit for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme from 12,850 to 14,400 places for the seasonal horticulture and viticulture workforce intake.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "Quota",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/research-and-statistics/research/recognised-seasonal-employer-scheme-research",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand. Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme research.",
  "evidencePassage": "Employer scheme research The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme allows the horticulture and viticulture industries to recruit workers from overseas for seasonal work when there are not enough New Zealand workers. Find research that relates to the RSE scheme. There is an administrative limit or cap on the number of RSE places that can be taken up in any one year. This cap was set at 5,000 places when the scheme was established in 2007, but the success of RSE has led to increased demand from employers and the cap was set at: 8,000 places in 2009 9,000 in November 2014 9,500 in December 2015 10,500 in December 2016 11,100 in December 2017 12,850 in November 2018 14,400 in October 2019 14,400 for 2020/21 16,000 for 2021/22 19,000 for 2022/23 20,750 for 2024/25. Unless employers can show they have pre-established relationships with workers from other countries, they may only recruit workers under RSE policy from the following eligible Pacific countries: the Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Nauru Palau Papua New Guinea the Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Workers must meet health and character requirements and provide evidence",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-67a5837da35e3510fdea",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "General Instructions on Order and Manner of Processing Residence Applications (Amendment Circular 2020/4)",
  "policyEffect": "Re-stratified priority queues for processing residence-class visa applications under section 26(4) of the Immigration Act 2009, giving first priority to Christchurch Response (2019) Category, Skilled Migrant Category with job offers (prioritizing those with twice the median wage or occupational registration), all business categories, Residence from Work Category (prioritizing those with twice the median wage or occupational registration), Refugee Policy, and specific Partnership and Dependent Child applications; second priority to other Partnership and Dependent Child applications; and third priority to the Parent Category.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-02-24",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for residence class visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Residence / high-skilled admission",
  "policyTool": "Processing priority / allocation criteria",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2020_04.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Pursuant to section 26(4) of the Immigration Act 2009 and acting under delegated authority from the Chief Executive of the Ministry of the Business, Innovation, and Employment, I hereby give the following general instructions as to the order and manner of processing of residence class visa applications under Government residence instructions, effective from 24 February 2020 … effective from 24 February 2020 … processing of residence class visa applications under Government residence instructions … First priority will be given to the following types and categories of applications for residence class visas in preference to applications under other types and categories: i. Christchurch Response (2019) Category will have priority; ii. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) applications with job offers; and within this category, priority will be given to: o Applicants with an hourly rate equivalent to or higher than twice the median wage (currently $51.00 per hour or an annual salary of $106,080 or more); o Applicants with current occupational registration where registration is required by immigration instructions; iii. All business categories; iv. Residence from Work Category applications (Talent (Accredited Employer), Talent (Arts, Culture and Sport), South Island Contribution, Religious Worker and Long Term Skill Shortage List); and within this category, priority will be given to: o Applications which include a job offer with an hourly rate equivalent to or higher than twice the median wage (currently $51.00 per hour or an annual salary of $106,080 or more); o Applications which include a job offer which requires occupational registration where occupational registration is required by immigration instructions; v. Refugee Policy; vi. Partnership and Dependent Child applications where the partner or parent is, o a New Zealand citizen, or o the holder of a permanent resident visa, and who has been absent from New Zealand for a period of at least two years prior to the date of the application being accepted for consideration apart from short visits within that period. … Second priority will be given to the following types and categories of applications for residence class visas: i. Partnership and Dependent Child applications (other than those in instruction (a)). … Third Priority will be given to the following types and categories of applications for residence class visas: i. Parent Category. … Within the priorities set out above, applications should generally be processed in lodgement date order. … These instructions do not prevent immigration officers according urgency to the processing of any particular residence class visa application when the individual circumstances so warrant that.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-fc9f0922817ba4881782",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Reopening and Restructuring of the Parent Category Residence Instructions",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand officially reopened the Parent Category for Expressions of Interest under substantially revised criteria, establishing new sponsorship requirements, English language standards, and median wage-based minimum income thresholds.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-02-24",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Parents seeking residence sponsored by an adult child who is a new zealand citizen or resident, or an adult child and their partner",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Immigration New Zealand officially reopened the Parent Category for Expressions of Interest under substantially revised criteria, establishing new sponsorship requirements, English language standards, and median wage-based minimum income thresholds.",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility criteria / quota / sponsorship requirements",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2020-02.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "This amendment circular contains the new Parent category immigration instructions, which are effective on and after 24 February 2020. The new Parent category: • has an EOI process and single tier of applications • requires sponsorship by an adult child, or an adult child and their partner • requires the adult child and their partner to both agree to sponsorship obligations if joint income is used to meet sponsorship requirements • introduces new financial measures for sponsors based on the New Zealand median income • requires sponsors to meet the income criteria for two out of the three years before the application for residence, and to provide evidence of their annual income through Inland Revenue tax statements • takes into account the total number of parents that sponsors are committed to sponsor, including previous resident visas granted under the Parent Category, when determining the income criteria for an application. … This amendment circular contains the new Parent category immigration instructions, which are effective on and after 24 February 2020. … Applicants under the Parent Category must: a. be sponsored by an adult child (see F4.20.5) that meets family relationship requirements at F4.30 or an adult child and their partner; and b. have no dependent children (see F4.30.5). … The number of resident visas that can be granted under the Parent Category is limited to 1,000 people for each year ending 30 June. … Applications under the Parent Category must be declined if any applicant included in the application has not met the minimum standard of English or the requirements to pre-purchase English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) tuition. … The sponsoring adult child and their partner (if joint income is considered) must demonstrate that their total income meets the minimum income threshold for two out of the three years prior to being invited to apply.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-976e1bdbb38160895fc4",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Relaxation and Short-Term Variation of Visa Conditions for Essential Services (Amendment Circular 2020-16)",
  "policyEffect": "Implements temporary COVID-19 response measures allowing immigration officers to grant a variation of conditions for student and work visa holders to support essential businesses operating during Alert Level 4. Student visa holders employed on 16 April 2020 may be granted full-time work rights. Employer-specific work visa holders may be varied to work in any occupation for that same employer. Work visa holders may be varied to work for a different employer in the same region in the same occupation. The duration of the variation applies while New Zealand is at Alert Level 3 or 4 and for a period of six weeks after a shift to Level 2 or below. Employers must submit a request including a declaration confirming operation during Alert Level 4, meeting essential service criteria from covid19.govt.nz, worker agreement, and adherence to minimum employment standards.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-04-16",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Student and work visa holders employed by essential service providers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The duration of the variation applies while New Zealand is at Alert Level 3 or 4 and for a period of six weeks after a shift to Level 2 or below.; Employers must submit a request including a declaration confirming operation during Alert Level 4, meeting essential service criteria from covid19.govt.nz, worker agreement, and adherence to minimum employment standards.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "Work authorisation / flexibility of conditions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand (INZ) / Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2020-16.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Amendment Circular 2020-16 (Instruction E3.26.15).",
  "evidencePassage": "An immigration officer may grant a variation of conditions to a student or work visa subject to receiving a request from an employer … The conditions of the student visa may be varied to state that the holder can work full-time for the specified essential business employer. … The occupation may be varied to state that the visa holder can work in ‘any occupation’ for the employer specified on their visa. … The employer on a visa may be varied if the new employer meets the requirements set out in E3.26.15 above, and there is no change required to the occupation of the visa holder. … Changes have been made to immigration instructions effective on and after 16 April 2020 … E3.26.15 Varying the conditions of student and work visas to support essential businesses during the COVID-19 response period … The student visa holder must have been employed by the employer specified in (a) above on 16 April 2020. … If granted, any variation of conditions will apply only while New Zealand is at Alert Level 3 or 4 on the COVID-19 Alert System and for a period of six weeks after a shift to Level 2 or below. … An immigration officer may grant a variation of conditions to a student or work visa subject to receiving a request from an employer which includes a declaration confirming that: i. The employer was operating during Alert Level 4; and ii. The employer meets the criteria for a business providing an essential service as published on the www.Covid-19.govt.nz website; and iii. The worker has agreed to be redeployed and that minimum employment standards will be adhered to (including where applicable a new written employment agreement). … Due to public health considerations, variation requests to change regions of employment may not be considered under these instructions",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-0670eba83bd2feaa54b1",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Special Direction: Grant of Resident Visas to Offshore Persons with Expired Travel Conditions",
  "policyEffect": "Granted a new resident visa with a 12-month travel condition to offshore individuals whose resident visa travel conditions had expired between 2 February 2020 and 11 September 2020 due to international border closures, allowing them 12 months to enter New Zealand.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-09-11",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Offshore resident visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Visa grant / re-validation",
  "sourceName": "gazette.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go4426",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Gazette, Notice No. 2020-go4426, Special Direction under section 61A(2) of the Immigration Act 2009",
  "evidencePassage": "File Type and Size PDF (25 KB) Pursuant to section 61A(2) of the Immigration Act 2009 (“Act”) of my own volition, by special direction, I grant a resident visa with the travel condition that the person arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of the date that this special direction is made to a class of offshore persons whose resident visas are no longer valid because the travel conditions on those visas have recently expired. Pursuant to section 61A(5) of the Act, the following persons are classified as persons to whom this special direction applies. A person who: held a resident visa with travel conditions which expired between 2 February 2020 and the day on which this special direction is made; and is outside New Zealand on the day this special direction is made. The resident visa will have the same multiple entry travel conditions as the expired resident visa referred to at 1. and any non-travel conditions applying to the expired resident visa also apply to the resident visa made by this special direction. I am satisfied that the making of this special direction is reasonably necessary to manage the effects and deal with the consequences of measures take to contain or mitigate the … and be in, New Zealand. I note that, under the border restrictions in force on the day I make this special direction, people granted visas offshore who have not yet travelled to New Zealand may not be able to enter New Zealand. Dated this 11th day of September 2020. Hon KRIS FAAFOI, Minister of Immigration. Explanatory Note The effect of this special direction is to grant resident visas to persons who are not in New Zealand and who recently held resident visas with travel conditions which have expired since the border was closed on 2 February 2020 and who are no longer able to travel to New Zealand because they no longer hold valid resident visas. These persons will have 12 months to travel to New Zealand from the date this special direction is made if border restrictions allow them to enter. Privacy Terms of Use Copyright Cumulative Indexes / Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-34250e53868a9369abd6",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Special Direction: Imposition of Mandatory COVID-19 Public Health Compliance Visa Condition",
  "policyEffect": "Imposed an express condition on all temporary entry class visa holders in New Zealand who received their visas on or before 18 March 2020 requiring compliance with section 11 orders under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and medical officer instructions, making non-compliance a ground for deportation liability.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-09-11",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Every person who is in new zealand on the date this special direction is signed and holds a temporary entry class visa that was granted on or before 18 march 2020.",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Imposed an express condition on all temporary entry class visa holders in New Zealand who received their visas on or before 18 March 2020 requiring compliance with section 11 orders under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and medical officer instructions, making non-compliance a ground for deportation liability.",
  "policyCategory": "Post-entry rights",
  "policyTool": "Visa condition imposition",
  "sourceName": "gazette.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go4484",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "A condition is imposed on their visas that the holder comply with: any order made under section 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020; and any instruction from a Medical Officer of Health which relates to COVID-19. … Dated this 11th day of September 2020.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-7b073ddcf66602e516fc",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Special Direction: Variation of Travel Conditions for Offshore Resident Visa Holders",
  "policyEffect": "Extended the travel conditions by 12 months for offshore resident visa holders whose current travel conditions were due to expire within 12 months of the direction being made.",
  "operativeDate": "2020-09-11",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Offshore resident visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Extended the travel conditions by 12 months for offshore resident visa holders whose current travel conditions were due to expire within 12 months of the direction being made.",
  "policyCategory": "Permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Condition variation",
  "sourceName": "gazette.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go4425",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Gazette, Notice No. 2020-go4425, Special Direction under section 50(4A) of the Immigration Act 2009",
  "evidencePassage": "to section 50(4A) of the Immigration Act 2009 (“Act”), by special direction, I vary the travel conditions for a class of offshore resident visa holders, as classified in this direction, by extending those travel conditions for a period of 12 months beginning on the date on which this special direction is made. Pursuant to section 50(4C) of the Act, the following persons are classified as persons to whom this special direction applies. A person who: holds a resident visa with current travel conditions expiring within 12 months calculated from the beginning of the day on which this special direction … 11th day of September 2020. Hon KRIS FAAFOI, Minister of Immigration. Explanatory Note The effect of this special direction is to vary the travel conditions on resident visas by 12 months from the date it is made to the class of persons described in this special direction (all being resident visa holders offshore whose valid travel conditions will expire within 12 months of this special direction being made). This means those persons will have until 12 months from the day on which the special direction is made to travel to New Zealand on their resident visas if border restrictions allow them to",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-a4c788d69d230b2013ad",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Special Direction: Automatic Grant of Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) Visas",
  "policyEffect": "Automatically granted Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) Work Visas to onshore holders of Working Holiday Scheme and certain temporary visas expiring between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021, providing seasonal horticulture and viticulture work rights without requiring a separate application. Phase scope: Onshore temporary visa holders whose visas were expiring between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021",
  "operativeDate": "2020-10-12",
  "year": 2020,
  "affectedGroup": "Seasonal workers / temporary visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "Exemption / special direction",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Gazette",
  "sourceUrl": "https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go4727",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Gazette, Notice No. 2020-go4727 (12 October 2020)",
  "evidencePassage": "Number 2020-go4727 Title View PDF File Type and Size PDF (26 KB) Pursuant to section 61A(2) of the Immigration Act 2009 (“Act”) of my own volition, by special direction, I grant a Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) temporary visa to a class of persons, granted to start on the day after the expiry date of the current visa. Pursuant to section 61A(5) of the Act, the following persons are classified as persons to whom this special direction applies. A person who: Holds a Working Holiday Scheme or a Working Holidaymaker Extension temporary visa (Working Holiday visa) that is expiring between 1 October 2020 – 31 March 2021 (inclusive), and does not have an on-hand temporary visa application on the expiry date of the Working Holiday visa, and is in New Zealand on the expiry date of their current Working Holiday visa. The SSE visa will have conditions which will allow the holder to be employed by any of the following: An employer approved under immigration instructions with an SSE Approval in Principle; or a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) with an approved Agreement to Recruit (ATR) where ATR places have been unable to be filled with RSE workers; or any employer for the specified role … further option to stay in New Zealand after the expiry of their Working Holiday visa, should they wish but does not inhibit their ability continue or pursue an application for a different visa. For the avoidance of doubt, the class of persons included in this special direction does not include excluded persons who may not be granted a visa without a special direction subject to section 17 of the Act. Dated this 1st day of October 2020. Hon KRIS FAAFOI, Minister of Immigration. Explanatory Note The effect of this special direction is to grant temporary Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas with an expiry date of 30 June 2021 to persons who are in New Zealand and holding Working Holiday Scheme or Working Holidaymaker Extension visas. The SSE visa will start on the day after the date of expiry of the current visa and will enable the holder to lawfully remain in New Zealand if they wish and work for specified employers and roles in the horticulture and viticulture sectors. Privacy Terms of Use Copyright Cumulative Indexes / Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-d519653798efc055cdba",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Prioritisation Rules for Onshore and Quarantine-Free Travel (QFT) Zone Visa Processing",
  "policyEffect": "Amended general instructions regarding the order and priority of processing visa applications, giving first priority to applicants residing in and lodging from onshore New Zealand or Quarantine-Free Travel zones, and deprioritising standard offshore applications.",
  "operativeDate": "2021-04-27",
  "year": 2021,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants who are in and have lodged applications from within new zealand or a quarantine-free travel (qft) zone",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Admission / application processing administration",
  "policyTool": "Processing prioritization guidelines",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2021-13.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Amendments have been made to the general instructions as to the order and manner of processing of visa applications. Applicants who are in and have lodged applications from within New Zealand or a Quarantine-Free Travel (QFT) Zone are given first priority. … Appendix 1 - Amendments to general instructions effective from 27 April 2021 … Residence class visas either where the applicant is in New Zealand or where the applicant is currently in and has lodged a residence class visa application from within a Quarantine-Free Travel (QFT) Zone. … Within the priorities set out above, applications should generally be processed in lodgement date order.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-b62b6ed7b312742bd14f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Temporary-visa applications allowed from former quarantine-free travel zones",
  "policyEffect": "From May 7, 2021, people who were in, and intended to travel from, a country or territory that had ceased to be a COVID-19 quarantine-free travel zone were excepted from New Zealand’s suspension of offshore temporary-entry visa applications. The change allowed those people to apply; it did not itself grant a visa.",
  "operativeDate": "2021-05-07",
  "year": 2021,
  "affectedGroup": "People in and intending to travel from former covid-19 quarantine-free travel zones",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border control / visa application suspension",
  "policyTool": "Regulation / application freeze",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0071/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment (COVID-19—Applications) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/71)",
  "evidencePassage": "on](#d15948641e212) | | | ## Regulations ##### 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment (COVID-19—Applications) Regulations 2021. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 7 May 2021. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0071/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100). ##### 4 Regulation 9A amended (Suspension of ability to apply for certain visas) (1) Replace [regulation 9A … (1) (aa)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0071/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS408081#LMS408081) with: ##### (aa) is in, and intends to travel from,— ##### (i) a COVID-19 quarantine-free travel zone; or ##### (ii) a country or territory that has been, but is no longer, a COVID-19 quarantine-free travel zone; or (2) In [regulation 9A(1A)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0071/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS408081#LMS408081), replace \"“**safe**”\" with \"“**quarantine-free**”\". (3) In [regulation 9A(3) and (4)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/publ … e travel zone to the term COVID-19 quarantine-free travel zone, to more accurately reflect the nature of the travel zone; and - it allows a person to apply for a temporary entry class visa if they are in a country or territory that was, but is no longer, a COVID-19 quarantine-free travel zone; and - it extends, for a period of 3 months ending at the close of 6 August 2021, the suspension (with limited exceptions) of the ability of all persons who are outside New Zealand to apply for a temporary entry class visa. Issued under the authority of the [Legislation Act 2012](https://classic.legislati",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-e73eb9ceedffe5027a69",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Exclusion of Overnight Hours from Wage Calculations for Essential Skills and SMC Visas (Amendment Circular No. 2021-15)",
  "policyEffect": "Amends instructions SM6.20 and WK3.5.1 regarding the calculation of hourly remuneration by allowing certain hours worked overnight while sleeping to be excluded from hourly rate calculations for Essential Skills work visas and Skilled Migrant Category residence visas, provided that: (i) for any hours an applicant is sleeping, they are paid at or above the minimum wage; (ii) for any hours an applicant is required to perform their duties, they are paid at least their normal rate; (iii) the applicant works a minimum of 30 hours per week at their normal rate; and (iv) the applicant works in the Aged, Residential Care or Disability Care industry. These instructions may also be applied to any work visa application under Essential Skills work instructions that has not been decided and was submitted before the effective date.",
  "operativeDate": "2021-05-24",
  "year": 2021,
  "affectedGroup": "Essential skills and skilled migrant category applicants working in the aged, residential care or disability care industry",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amends instructions SM6.20 and WK3.5.1 regarding the calculation of hourly remuneration by allowing certain hours worked overnight while sleeping to be excluded from hourly rate calculations for Essential Skills work visas and Skilled Migrant Category residence visas, provided that: (i) for any hours an applicant is sleeping, they are paid at or above the minimum wage; (ii) for any hours an applicant is required to perform their duties, they are paid at least their normal rate; (iii) the applicant works a minimum of 30 hours per week at their normal rate; These instructions may also be applied to any work visa application under Essential Skills work instructions that has not been decided and was submitted before the effective date.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "Remuneration / wage thresholds",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand / Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2021-15.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Operational Manual: Amendment Circular No. 2021-15, 19 May 2021.",
  "evidencePassage": "Appendix 1: Amendments to Temporary Entry instructions effective on and after 24 May 2021 … Changes have been made to immigration instructions to remove certain hours worked overnight from the remuneration calculation for Essential Skills and Skilled Migrant Category visa applications. … Where an applicant is required to work overnight, but allowed to sleep during this time, any hours spent sleeping may be excluded from WK3.5.5(g) provided that: i. for any hours an applicant is sleeping, they are paid at or above the minimum wage; and ii. for any hours an applicant is required to perform their duties, they are paid at least their normal rate; and iii. the applicant works a minimum of 30 hours per week at their normal rate required by WK3.5.1; and iv. the applicant works in the Aged, Residential Care or Disability Care industry. … Despite E7.10(a), these instructions may be applied to any work visa application under Essential Skills work instructions that has not been decided and was submitted before the effective date. … the applicant works in the Aged, Residential Care or Disability Care industry.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-83e3120d40b477f00c19",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Closure of Talent and Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visas",
  "policyEffect": "The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa were closed to new applications. This change retired these pathways to make way for the new unified Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.",
  "operativeDate": "2021-10-31",
  "year": 2021,
  "affectedGroup": "New applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Work",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/work-to-residence-visas-closing-to-new-applications-on-31-october-2021",
  "preciseCitation": "www.immigration.govt.nz. Closure of Talent and Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visas. Effective 2021-10-31.",
  "evidencePassage": "2021 Announcement Work to residence visas closing to new applications on 31 October 2021 Published 22 October 2021 Topics Work Supporting migrant employees Hiring workers The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa close to new applications on 31 October 2021 at 11:59pm. The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa will be replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which is a new temporary work visa being introduced on 4 July 2022. If you already hold one of these visas you can continue on",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-a51a08a0c7c8fd141f9f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Restriction of Compassionate Border Entry Exceptions",
  "policyEffect": "Amended border exception instructions under Critical Purpose Visas to specify that compassionate entry requires exceptional familial or medical grounds inside New Zealand, explicitly excluding general humanitarian crises occurring outside New Zealand from compassionate consideration.",
  "operativeDate": "2021-11-29",
  "year": 2021,
  "affectedGroup": "People who meet compassionate entry requirements, or who hold a valid invitation to apply based on previous humanitarian requirements",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amended border exception instructions under Critical Purpose Visas to specify that compassionate entry requires exceptional familial or medical grounds inside New Zealand, explicitly excluding general humanitarian crises occurring outside New Zealand from compassionate consideration.",
  "policyCategory": "Border controls / humanitarian entry exceptions",
  "policyTool": "Restrictive qualification criteria for border entry exceptions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2021-56-1.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Appendix 1: Amendments to Restricted Temporary Entry instructions effective on and after 29 November 2021 … The compassionate entry exception criteria sets out exceptional family and medical-related reasons for travel, and confirms that a humanitarian crisis occurring outside of New Zealand is not relevant to the determination of a request to travel to New Zealand. … People who meet compassionate entry requirements, or who hold a valid invitation to apply based on previous humanitarian requirements (H5.30.25). … A person meets the compassionate entry requirements if there are exceptional circumstances of a familial (see H5.30.25.1) or medical (see H5.30.25.5) nature which make it critical for that person to urgently travel to and enter New Zealand specifically, over and above any other country. … When determining whether an applicant meets the compassionate entry requirements, factors that are not considered relevant include whether: i. the applicant has been affected by a humanitarian crisis occurring outside of New Zealand ii. an application, sponsorship registration, or Expression of Interest for a New Zealand visa has been made. … Where a person is applying on compassionate entry grounds because they require medical treatment in New Zealand, that person must have the support of the Ministry of Health or a District Health Board. Where the applicant can reasonably delay, or otherwise obtain treatment outside of New Zealand, an exception will not be granted.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-14a341d62ed862c9c601",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Immigration Online Enhancements & Automated Electronic Decision-Making Instructions",
  "policyEffect": "INZ implemented instructions to support the migration of visitor visa products to the enhanced Immigration Online system. This introduced provisions setting out circumstances where automated electronic processing and decision-making may determine that criteria are met to grant visitor visas under V2/V3 instructions or refer cases to manual officer assessment. It also created general processing instruction A16.3 under s26(4) of the Immigration Act 2009.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-01-31",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Visitor visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Visitor visas / visa processing",
  "policyTool": "Automated electronic decision-making / processing instructions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand / Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2022-03.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Instructions: Amendment Circular No. 2022-03",
  "evidencePassage": "Information about these changes is available on our website www.immigration.govt.nz. Description of changes A4.25 Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates: temporary entry class visa applications A21 Automated electronic decision making E7.2 Automated processing and granting V2.20 Funds or sponsorship requirements Changes have been made to immigration instructions to support the migration of visitor visa products from current processing systems to the Immigration Online system, once enhancements have been made (from 31 January 2022). These changes include provisions which set out the circumstances under which an electronic system may determine that requirements are met to grant a visitor visa under instructions at V2 and V3, and when consideration will be referred to an immigration officer. The changes also set out: • when sponsored persons or their sponsors must provide a relevant form and • that, where an online system does not require a Medical Certificate or Chest X-ray Certificate, an immigration officer may request one if it is required to determine whether the applicant is of an acceptable standard of health. A16.3 General Instructions on manner of processing visas A new general instruction has been created for immigration officers on the order and manner of processing of visa applications, under section 26(4) of the Immigration Act 2009. This general instruction sets out the manner in which immigration officers will process applications submitted once enhancements have been made to Immigration Online. The topics it covers include: • Performing activities assigned by the enhanced Immigration Online system. • Performing activities pertaining to final gathering of information, assessment and decision. • Pre-decision quality checks. 1 Appendix 1: Amendments to Temporary Entry instructions effective on and after 31 January 2022 2 A4.25 Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates: temporary entry class visa applications Applications for temporary entry class visas from applicants intending a stay in New Zealand of more than 12 months must include a completed Medical Certificate and a Chest X-ray Certificate (see A4.25(k)) which have been issued less than three months before the date the application is made, for every person included in the application, unless (c), (d) or (e) below apply. The Medical Certificate and Chest X-ray Certificate that may be required with a temporary … of the Immigration Act 2009 and acting under delegated authority from the Chief Executive of the Ministry of the Business, Innovation, and Employment, I give the following general instructions as to the manner of processing of visa applications using the Immigration Online system, effective from 31 January 2022 A16.3.10 Performing activities assigned by the enhanced Immigration Online system a. An immigration officer who is responsible for processing visas in the enhanced Immigration Online system will complete activities in the following manner: i. An officer will accept activities in the general",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-resident-phase2-early-20220221",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Staged early access to the 2021 Resident Visa for eligible Phase 2 applicants",
  "policyEffect": "From February 21, 2022, eligible Phase 2 applicants with a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest in the pool submitted on or before September 29, 2021 could apply according to a staged schedule. The first cohort had submitted its Expression of Interest by April 30, 2020; later cohorts opened on successive dates through March 1. Applications lodged before the relevant cohort opening date had to be declined. Other 2021 Resident Visa eligibility requirements still applied.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-02-21",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible phase 2 applicants with qualifying skilled migrant category expressions of interest in the pool",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From February 21, 2022, eligible Phase 2 applicants with a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest in the pool submitted on or before September 29, 2021 could apply according to a staged schedule.; Applications lodged before the relevant cohort opening date had to be declined.; Other 2021 Resident Visa eligibility requirements still applied.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2022-07.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "S6.5.15; Appendix 1 commencement",
  "evidencePassage": "ion about these changes is available on our website www.immigration.govt.nz. Description of changes A4.20 Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates: residence class visa applications S6.5 Applying for a 2021 Resident Visa S6.10 2021 Resident Visa Requirements U8.20 Dependent children of holders of work visas Changes have been made to the 2021 Resident Visa immigration instructions to: • allow people with a current Expression of Interest in the Skilled Migrant Category Pool, who were not eligible from 1 December, to apply from 21 February 2022; and • provide clarification of current eligibility requ … 5.10 Provision of evidence a. Applicants must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that: i. the principal and any non-principal applicants meet health and character requirements; and ii. the principal applicant meets the 2021 Resident Visa requirements set out in S6.10. b. An application must be declined if an immigration officer is not satisfied that sufficient evidence has been provided. S6.5.15 Early opening for some Phase 2 applicants a. The 2021 Resident Visa Category will open from 21 February 2022 for phase 2 applicants who have a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest in … the Pool that was submitted on or before 29 September 2021, according to the table below: Submission date of Expression of Interest Date applications open Before or on 30 April 2020 Monday 21 February Between 1 May 2020 – 30 June 2020 Tuesday 22 February Between 1 July 2020 – 31 August 2020 Wednesday 23 February Between 1 September 2020 – 30 November 2020 Thursday 24 February Between 1 December 2020 – 28 February 2021 Friday 25 February Between 1 March 2021 – 31 March 2021 Saturday 26 February Between 1 April 2021 – 31 May 2021 Sunday 27 February Between 1 June 2021 – 31 July 2021 Monday 28 F … irements for holders of Critical Purpose Visas. Minor related updates to A4.20 and U8.20.1 have also been made. 1 Appendix 1: Amendments to Residence instructions effective on and after 21 February 2022 2 A4.20 Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates: residence class visa applications a. Applications for residence class visas must include, at the time the application is lodged, evidence that a Medical Certificate and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1096) have been completed (see A4.20(f)) for every person included in the application. Note: Pregnant women and children under 11 years of age are not re",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-resident-phase2-general-20220301",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "General Phase 2 opening of the 2021 Resident Visa",
  "policyEffect": "From March 1, 2022, the 2021 Resident Visa category opened generally to eligible Phase 2 applicants. Phase 2 comprised applicants outside the specified Phase 1 groups; some applicants with qualifying Skilled Migrant Category Expressions of Interest had received staged early access under S6.5.15. The opening enabled applications, subject to the category eligibility requirements, rather than automatic residence grants.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-03-01",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible 2021 resident visa phase 2 applicants who did not already have access under the staged early-opening provisions",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From March 1, 2022, the 2021 Resident Visa category opened generally to eligible Phase 2 applicants.; The opening enabled applications, subject to the category eligibility requirements, rather than automatic residence grants.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2022-07.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "S6.5.1, S6.5.5 and S6.5.15; Circular 2022-10 implementation",
  "evidencePassage": "is of an acceptable standard of health. Note: These instructions do not apply to people applying for a further residence class visa under RV2 or RV4. 4 S6.5 Applying for a 2021 Resident Visa S6.5.1 Opening and Closing Dates a. The 2021 Resident Visa Category will open on 1 December 2021 for phase 1 applicants. b. The 2021 Resident Visa Category will open on 1 March 2022 for phase 2 applicants, unless S6.5.15 applies. c. The 2021 Resident Visa Category will close on 31 July 2022 for all applicants and any applications received after this date will be declined. d. Applications must be made usin … b. Phase 2 applicants are all other applicants. c. Applications made between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022 (inclusive) must include the number of the application or Expression of Interest referenced in (a) above, or the Expression of Interest number referenced in S6.5.15(a) below. d. Applications made by a phase 2 applicant before 1 March 2022 must be declined, unless the applicant has applied in accordance with S6.5.15 below. Note: All applicants included in a Skilled Migrant Category or Residence from Work application, or Expression of Interest may qualify as a phase 1 applicant. S6. … g the approved online form provided on the Immigration New Zealand website, apart from applications from Dependent Children Aged 25 Years or Older (S6.10.10), which must be made using the approved paper form. S6.5.5 Phase 1 and Phase 2 Applicants a. Phase 1 applicants are those who, on 29 September 2021: i. had made an application for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category or a Residence from Work Category which had not been determined; or ii. had a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest in the Pool which included a dependent child aged 17 years or older as at 29 September 2021.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-3107b6bd53fe4c336cde",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Border Reconnection Step 3: Entry for Offshore Temporary Visa Holders, Australian Travelers, and Student Cohort 4 Border Exception",
  "policyEffect": "Commenced Step 3 of the Reconnecting New Zealanders framework, reopening the border without managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) requirements to offshore holders of valid temporary work and student visas who could satisfy visa travel conditions, Australian citizens and permanent residents, and border class exceptions for up to 5,000 international students for semester two (Cohort 4) and up to 250 Pacific Manaaki scholars. Phase scope: Step 3 of the 5-step Reconnecting New Zealanders border plan",
  "operativeDate": "2022-04-12",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary visa holders, international students, pacific manaaki scholars, australian citizens and permanent residents",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Commenced Step 3 of the Reconnecting New Zealanders framework, reopening the border without managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) requirements to offshore holders of valid temporary work and student visas who could satisfy visa travel conditions, Australian citizens and permanent residents, and border class exceptions for up to 5,000 international students for semester two (Cohort 4) and up to 250 Pacific Manaaki scholars.",
  "policyCategory": "Border management / international students / temporary work",
  "policyTool": "Quota / border class exception",
  "sourceName": "Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet",
  "sourceUrl": "https://dpmc.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2023-01/Reconnecting-New-Zealanders-Further-Changes-to-International-Border-Settings.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), Cabinet Minute CAB-22-MIN-0072 / CAB-22-MIN-008 & CAB-22-MIN-0018",
  "evidencePassage": "information: Circumstances of paper being considered by Cabinet - Timeline for related decisions: • 27 February: Report from the Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group sent to Associate Minister for COVID-19 Response. • 28 February: Officials finalise briefing for Ministers’ consideration and matter considered by Cabinet as an “additional item”. Cabinet agreed: o fully vaccinated international arrivals to New Zealand will no longer be required to self-isolate on arrival or be in MIQ; o Ministers with Power to Act take decisions on unvaccinated travellers and any additional mitigations … domestic COVID-19 vaccination rates; o agreed to bring forward reopening to: Australian citizens and permanent residents arriving from anywhere in the world to align with Step 3, from 11.59 pm Tuesday 12 April 2022; and visa-waiver travellers and existing holders of valid visitor visas (both onshore and offshore) to commence from 11.59 pm Sunday 1 May 2022; and o the Prime Minister advised in her post-Cabinet press conference that further announcements would be made on RNZ reopening dates on Wednesday 16 March. • 16 March: the Prime Minister announces the 14 March Cabinet decisions. © Crown Copyright … remainder of Step 2, which includes opening visa applications for critical workers earning 1.5 times the median wage and Working Holiday Scheme visas from 11.59pm Sunday 13 March. 42 In addition, I do not propose any changes to the timing of Step 3 from 11.59pm Tuesday 12 April, which currently includes class exceptions for 5,000 students and up to 250 Pacific Manaaki scholars [CAB-22-MIN-008], along with existing holders of valid work and student visas (both onshore and offshore) [CAB-22-MIN-008 and d se CAB-22-MIN-0018]. This timing allows for a short interval between the NZTD’s go- live date of … student border class exception for up to 5,000 students for entry for el semester two; a class exception for up to 250 Pacific Manaaki scholars, to be nominated by MFAT’s Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme; and existing holders of valid work and student visas (both onshore and offshore). Workforce class exceptions and other border exceptions will remain in place where needed until iv wider visa processing resumes, to ensure continued access to New Zealand. † Any future proposal to bring forward categories from Step 5 to Step 3 would require Cabinet decisions by 14 March 2022, owing to the lead",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-3bf2c7f9c6ac9f6e7a1e",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "2021 Resident Visa eligibility preserved for specified special-direction visa holders",
  "policyEffect": "From May 9, 2022, the eligible-visa provisions for the 2021 Resident Visa included visas granted by ministerial special direction under section 61A with a start date of March 10 or May 9, 2022, provided the holder had held an eligible visa listed in S6.10.1(i) immediately beforehand. For consecutive special-direction visas starting on both dates, the prior-visa test looked back to the visa held before March 10. The category’s other eligibility requirements still applied.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-05-09",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "2021 resident visa applicants holding specified march or may 2022 special-direction visas after qualifying eligible visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From May 9, 2022, the eligible-visa provisions for the 2021 Resident Visa included visas granted by ministerial special direction under section 61A with a start date of March 10 or May 9, 2022, provided the holder had held an eligible visa listed in S6.10.1(i) immediately beforehand.; For consecutive special-direction visas starting on both dates, the prior-visa test looked back to the visa held before March 10.; The category’s other eligibility requirements still applied.",
  "policyCategory": "Migration policy",
  "policyTool": "",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2022-27.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Circular 2022-27, S6.10.1(iv), Appendix 1 effective May 9",
  "evidencePassage": "Information about these changes is available on our website www.immigration.govt.nz. Description of changes S6.10.1 Holders of an eligible visa Changes have been made to the eligible visa list in 2021 Resident Visa instructions (S6.10.1) to include a visa granted by special direction in March 2022 or May 2022 where the applicant held one of the other eligible visas immediately prior to being granted the visa by special direction. S6.10.5 People granted a Critical Purpose Visa Changes have been made to provide clarity to the 2021 Resident Visa instructions that outline eligibility requirements … direction by the Minister of Immigration under section 61A of the Immigration Act 2009, where that visa has a start date of either 10 March 2022 or 9 May 2022, provided that they held a visa listed in (i) above immediately prior to the visa granted by special direction. o For the purposes of (iv), where a person has been granted two consecutive visas by special direction by the Minister of Immigration, and those visas had start dates of 10 March 2022 and 9 May 2022 respectively, the visa held immediately prior to the visa granted by special direction is considered to be the visa held immediat … ely prior to the visa with a start date of 10 March 2022. An applicant must also, on 29 September 2021, have met Settled, Skilled or Scarce criteria and: i. held an eligible visa in (a) above; or ii. had made an application or request for reconsideration for an eligible visa in (a)(i) that was subsequently granted. An applicant must have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021. Despite (c) above, an applicant who was in Australia on 29 September 2021 and departed New Zealand for Australia between 6 April 2021 and 23 July 2021 (inclusive) is eligible to be considered for a 2021 Resident Visa. … 13 May 2022 IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND INSTRUCTIONS: Amendment Circular No. 2022-27 To: All Manual Holders AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND OPERATIONAL MANUAL Introduction This circular outlines changes to immigration instructions. A copy of the amended instructions is attached. All immigration officers dealing with immigration applications should read the amendments and operate in accordance with the amended instructions in Appendix 1 on and after 9 May 2022. Note The amendments described in this circular will be published in the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual in due course. … major infrastructure project and in which they earn at least the median salary ($27 per hour). 1 Appendix 1: Amendments to residence instructions effective from 9 May 2022 2 S6.10 2021 Resident Visa Requirements a. An application under the 2021 Resident Visa Category will be approved if an immigration officer is satisfied that: i. the principal applicant and family members included in the application meet requirements for health (A4) and character (A5); and ii. the principal applicant did not make an application in phase 1 when they are a phase 2 applicant (S6.5.5(d)), unless S6.5.15 applies;",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-78ec6fd38c04319ce775",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Operational Manual Amendments to Refugee Family Support Category & Duration of Sponsorship (Amendment Circular No. 2022-38)",
  "policyEffect": "Amendments to immigration instructions S4.10 (Refugee Family Support Category) and R4.20 (Duration of sponsorship period). Sets the annual RFSC places at 600 per year (from 1 July to 30 June) and updates registration rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 queues. Amends general residence instructions (R4.20) to reflect section 55(2A) of the Immigration Act 2009 by clarifying that sponsorship undertakings for residence class visas must specify a duration not exceeding 10 years.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-07-01",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Refugees / family reunification",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amends general residence instructions (R4.20) to reflect section 55(2A) of the Immigration Act 2009 by clarifying that sponsorship undertakings for residence class visas must specify a duration not exceeding 10 years.",
  "policyCategory": "Humanitarian / refugees / family reunification",
  "policyTool": "Selection criteria / sponsorship obligation rules / quota settings",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2022-38.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Amendment Circular No. 2022-38: Amendments to the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, 8 July 2022.",
  "evidencePassage": "about these changes is available on our website www.immigration.govt.nz. Description of changes R4.20 Duration of sponsorship period S4.10 Refugee Family Support Category Changes have been made to immigration instructions to implement policy changes under the Refugee Family Support Category (RFSC) and a minor amendment under residence instructions to clarify that sponsorship obligations are subject to a maximum duration of up to ten years to reflect section 55(2A) of the Immigration Act 2009. 1 Appendix 1: Amendments to Residence instructions effective from 1 July 2022 2 R4.20 Duration of sponsorship period a. The responsibility of the sponsor to meet their undertakings remains in place from the date the sponsored person arrives in New Zealand, or if they are already onshore, from the date the visa with sponsorship conditions is granted, until the earliest of: i. the date the person sponsored is granted a new visa with a new sponsor or no sponsorship requirement; or ii. the date at the end of the duration stipulated in the category under which the person received their visa; or iii. the date the sponsored person is deported from New Zealand. b. Resident visas subject to sponsorship … must specify a duration of sponsorship that does not exceed 10 years. 3 S4.10 Refugee Family Support Category S4.10.1 Objective The objective of the Refugee Family Support Category (RFSC) is to facilitate the successful resettlement of refugees and protected people resident in New Zealand by providing them with an opportunity to sponsor family members who do not qualify for residence under any other category of residence instructions. S4.10.5 Number of places available under RFSC a. The number of places available for sponsored persons under RFSC (including any family members included in their … registration) is set at 600 per year. b. For the purposes of these instructions, a year consists of the 12-month period from 1 July to 30 June. S4.10.10 How do people qualify for residence under the RFSC? A principal applicant and their partner and dependent children qualify for residence under the RFSC if their sponsor’s registration is selected from the RFSC queues under tier one (see S4.10.30) or tier two (see S4.10.40); and i. they are not eligible for a residence class visa in New Zealand under any other category of Government residence instructions; and ii. they meet health and character … interpreter are people who have worked with the New Zealand Defence Force, the New Zealand Police or the New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) in Afghanistan and were granted a residence class visa by the Minister of Immigration as an exception to instructions under section 72(3) of the Immigration Act 2009. 4 S4.10.20 Two tier registration system for sponsors a. Registrations from tier one sponsors (see (e) below) will be given first access to available places under RFSC by entry into the tier one queue. b. Registrations will be selected from the tier one queue in order of their entry to that queue … until the annual number of places available under RFSC is met. c. If the places available annually under RFSC are not filled by people included in tier one registrations selected from the queue, registrations required to fill the remaining places will be selected from the tier two queue. d. If the places available annually under RFSC are not filled by people included in tier one registrations and the registrations in the tier two queue are insufficient to fill the remaining quota of places, INZ will call for tier two sponsors to submit registrations (see S4.10.20(g) and S4.10.35 below). e. A",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-c9e8e2e07e42a6ceb07d",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Refugee Family Support registration, visa fees and immigration levy waived",
  "policyEffect": "From July 1, 2022, New Zealand removed the prescribed Refugee Family Support Category registration fee and residence-class visa application fee, and exempted visa applicants under that category from the immigration levy.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-07-01",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Refugee family support category registrants and visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From July 1, 2022, New Zealand removed the prescribed Refugee Family Support Category registration fee and residence-class visa application fee, and exempted visa applicants under that category from the immigration levy.",
  "policyCategory": "Humanitarian / refugee family support / fees and levy",
  "policyTool": "Fee and levy waiver",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2022/203/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022 (SL 2022/203)",
  "evidencePassage": "n Regulations 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022. 2 Commencement (1) Regulations 1 to 5 and 7 come into force on 1 July 2022. (2) The rest of these regulations come into force at 11.59 pm on 31 July 2022. 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010. 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) Revoke regulation 26AA(g). 5 Schedule 4 amended (1) In Schedule 4, under the heading Re … sidence class visa, revoke the item relating to Residence class visa application—Refugee Family Support Category. (2) In Schedule 4, under the heading Other matters—general, revoke the item relating to Registration under Refugee Family Support Category. 6 Schedule 4 replaced Replace Schedule 4 with the Schedule 4 set out in Schedule 1 of these regulations. 7 Schedule 5 amended In Schedule 5, after item 12, insert: 13 A person who is applying for a visa under the Refugee Family Support Category immigration instructions. 8 Schedule 6 replaced Replace Schedule 6 with the Schedule 6 set out in Sch … ael Webster,Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect. These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the principal regulations). Regulations 4, 5, and 7, which come into force on 1 July 2022, exempt residence class visa applicants under the Refugee Family Support Category from being charged fees or an immigration levy under the principal regulations. Regulations 6 and 8 and Schedules 1 and 2, which come into force at 11.59 pm on 31 July 202",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-f8ef0e43ef4e7474ea89",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Offshore visa-application exception extended to families of work-visa applicants",
  "policyEffect": "From July 4, 2022, spouses, partners and dependent children of work-visa applicants were added to the exceptions from New Zealand’s temporary suspension on offshore temporary-entry visa applications. This removed the application suspension for those family applicants; it did not itself grant them visas.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-07-04",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Offshore spouses, partners and dependent children of work-visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification / dependents / work visas / border reopening",
  "policyTool": "Secondary legislation (order in council / regulation)",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2022/0204/latest/contents.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment (COVID-19—Applications) Regulations (No 3) 2022 (SL 2022/204)",
  "evidencePassage": "The amendment to regulation 9A relaxes the suspension by introducing a new exception for spouses, partners, and dependent children of work visa applicants. … These regulations come into force on 4 July 2022. … introducing a new exception for spouses, partners, and dependent children of work visa applicants … After regulation 9A(1) (a) (ii), insert: (iii) a person who is applying for a work visa; or",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-fee-levy-schedule-20220731",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Immigration fee and levy schedules revised",
  "policyEffect": "At 11:59 pm on July 31, 2022, New Zealand replaced the prescribed immigration-fee schedule and amended the immigration-levy schedule. The revised schedules changed charges across visa categories and immigration services. They also removed the fee for student-visa applications submitted by an education provider, a channel that had been discontinued.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-07-31",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Visa applicants and other payers of prescribed immigration fees and levies",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: At 11:59 pm on July 31, 2022, New Zealand replaced the prescribed immigration-fee schedule and amended the immigration-levy schedule.; They also removed the fee for student-visa applications submitted by an education provider, a channel that had been discontinued.",
  "policyCategory": "Administration / visa fees / immigration levy",
  "policyTool": "Prescribed fee and levy schedule changes",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2022/203/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022 (SL 2022/203)",
  "evidencePassage": "rmission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022 Full view Section view Revoked sections and history notes Download this version (PDF 366 KB) Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022 Hide navigation Contents Regulations 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal regulations 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) 5 Schedule 4 amended 6 Schedule 4 replaced 7 Schedule 5 amended 8 Schedule 6 replaced Schedule 1 Schedule 4 replaced Schedule 2 Schedule 6 replaced Explanatory note Promulgation … Show navigation Hide navigation Contents Regulations 1 Title 2 Commencement 3 Principal regulations 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) 5 Schedule 4 amended 6 Schedule 4 replaced 7 Schedule 5 amended 8 Schedule 6 replaced Schedule 1 Schedule 4 replaced Schedule 2 Schedule 6 replaced Explanatory note Promulgation 2022/203 Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022 Cindy Kiro, Governor-General Order in Council At Wellington this 27th day of June 2022 Present:Her Excellency the Governor-General … sidence class visa, revoke the item relating to Residence class visa application—Refugee Family Support Category. (2) In Schedule 4, under the heading Other matters—general, revoke the item relating to Registration under Refugee Family Support Category. 6 Schedule 4 replaced Replace Schedule 4 with the Schedule 4 set out in Schedule 1 of these regulations. 7 Schedule 5 amended In Schedule 5, after item 12, insert: 13 A person who is applying for a visa under the Refugee Family Support Category immigration instructions. 8 Schedule 6 replaced Replace Schedule 6 with the Schedule 6 set out in Sch … ael Webster,Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect. These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the principal regulations). Regulations 4, 5, and 7, which come into force on 1 July 2022, exempt residence class visa applicants under the Refugee Family Support Category from being charged fees or an immigration levy under the principal regulations. Regulations 6 and 8 and Schedules 1 and 2, which come into force at 11.59 pm on 31 July 202 … 2, alter the level of fees and immigration levy payable under the principal regulations. They also remove the fee for a Temporary visa application—student visa (submitted by education provider), as the application channel to which that fee relates has been discontinued. Cost recovery impact statement The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment produced a cost recovery impact statement on 7 April 2022 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this instrument. A copy of this cost recovery impact statement can be found at— https://www.mbie.govt.nz/d … n Regulations 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2022. 2 Commencement (1) Regulations 1 to 5 and 7 come into force on 1 July 2022. (2) The rest of these regulations come into force at 11.59 pm on 31 July 2022. 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010. 4 Regulation 26AA amended (Prescribed fees (not imposed elsewhere by these regulations)) Revoke regulation 26AA(g). 5 Schedule 4 amended (1) In Schedule 4, under the heading Re",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-91e54301cabb1157e5b0",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Operational Commencement of the Green List \"Straight to Residence\" Resident Visa",
  "policyEffect": "Under the Immigration Rebalance framework, the Green List \"Straight to Residence\" pathway opened for resident visa applications. Eligible migrants working in Tier 1 Green List occupations (or holding an offer of employment from an accredited employer) can apply directly for New Zealand permanent residency without the previous two-year waiting period required for Tier 2 roles.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-09-05",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Highly skilled migrants (tier 1 green list)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Eligible migrants working in Tier 1 Green List occupations (or holding an offer of employment from an accredited employer) can apply directly for New Zealand permanent residency without the previous two-year waiting period required for Tier 2 roles.",
  "policyCategory": "Fast-track permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Fast-track permanent residence",
  "sourceName": "beehive.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-supports-new-skilled-residence-pathways",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Government, Hon Michael Wood, Government supports new skilled residence pathways, Beehive Ministerial Release, 27 July 2022.",
  "evidencePassage": "ManufacturingSocial Development and EmploymentSocial InvestmentSouth IslandSpaceSport and RecreationState Owned EnterprisesStatisticsTertiary EducationTourism and HospitalityTrade and InvestmentTransportTreaty of Waitangi NegotiationsVeteransWhānau OraWomenWorkplace Relations and SafetyYouth Go View all Portfolios Search Search Home Releases Releases Share thisTwitter Facebook Linkedin Email 27 July 2022 Government supports new skilled residence pathways Hon Michael Wood Immigration Three new residence pathways: Straight to residence Work to residence Highly paid - 'twice the median wage’ Straight to … residence pathway will be ready for people to apply for from 5 September 2022. Work to Residence and Highly Paid pathways will be available for people to apply in September 2023. The implementation of the Government’s immigration rebalance is progressing well, with details released today on how highly skilled migrants, including those with roles on the Green List, can apply to gain residence once they have arrived in New Zealand, Michael Wood announced today. “The Government is focused on helping to address shortages in highly skilled areas and speeding up our economic growth. Key to this is … having clear pathways that migrants can use to gain residency,” Michael Wood said. “From 5 September, skilled workers in specified occupations will be able to apply for the Straight to Residence pathway. Skilled migrants on the ‘Work to Residence’ and ‘Highly Paid’ resident pathways will be able to apply from 29 September 2023, once they have obtained 24 months of acceptable work in New Zealand. “The Green List covers areas where New Zealand has a skills shortage and these pathways will incentivise and attract high skilled migrants to New Zealand, by providing a new streamlined process to achieve … to Residence and Work to Residence Pathways The main requirement for both Green List pathways is the need to have a job in, or job offer for, one of the Green List occupations and meet the specified requirements on the list for the said occupation. The employment or offer of employment must also be full-time (at least 30 hours per week), genuine, and be permanent or for at least a 12-month fixed term contract. The Straight to Residence visa provides a straight to residence pathway. Eligible migrants employed in these occupations can come to New Zealand on a work visa from 4 July and apply for … residence from 5 September 2022. From 5 September 2022 residence can also be applied for directly from offshore. Contractors are eligible for the Green List Straight to Residence pathway, provided applicants meet some additional criteria. The Work to Residence visa differs as the applicant must also demonstrate they have at least 24 months of acceptable work in New Zealand. Acceptable work means having worked in an occupation on the Green List and meeting the specified requirements for that occupation for the duration of the 24 month period. This work in New Zealand can only be claimed on or after",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-68f61dfe68224e814fb7",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Annual Cap Increase for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme",
  "policyEffect": "The Government approved a 3,000-place increase to the Recognised Seasonal Employer cap, expanding the total seasonal quota from 16,000 to 19,000 places for the 2022/2023 season to alleviate acute horticulture and viticulture labour shortages.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-09-27",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Seasonal agricultural workers (pacific pacific-focused rse)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The Government approved a 3,000-place increase to the Recognised Seasonal Employer cap, expanding the total seasonal quota from 16,000 to 19,000 places for the 2022/2023 season to alleviate acute horticulture and viticulture labour shortages.",
  "policyCategory": "Quota increase",
  "policyTool": "Quota increase",
  "sourceName": "beehive.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/3000-more-rse-workers-ease-workforce-pressures",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Government, Hon Michael Wood & Hon Damien O'Connor, 3000 more RSE workers to ease workforce pressures, Beehive Ministerial Release, 27 September 2022.",
  "evidencePassage": "ManufacturingSocial Development and EmploymentSocial InvestmentSouth IslandSpaceSport and RecreationState Owned EnterprisesStatisticsTertiary EducationTourism and HospitalityTrade and InvestmentTransportTreaty of Waitangi NegotiationsVeteransWhānau OraWomenWorkplace Relations and SafetyYouth Go View all Portfolios Search Search Home Releases Releases Share thisTwitter Facebook Linkedin Email 27 September 2022 3000 more RSE workers to ease workforce pressures Hon Damien O'Connor Hon Michael Wood Agriculture Immigration The Government continues to respond to global workforce shortages by announcing the … largest increase in over a decade to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE), providing 3000 additional places, Immigration Minister Michael Wood and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor have announced. The new RSE cap will allow access to 19,000 workers annually from participating Pacific countries, providing workforce relief to the horticulture and wine sector. “The additional 3,000 places, is a 19 percent increase on the previous season, and acknowledges the industry’s current needs based on strong growth, and the lower number of working holiday makers onshore right now,” Michael Wood",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-4e063c02381b33ab1ec5",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Restart and Policy Restructuring of the Parent Resident Visa Category",
  "policyEffect": "Restarted the Parent Resident Visa category with lower income requirements for sponsors (1.5 times the median wage), allowed two adult children to combine income for sponsorship, increased the annual cap from 1,000 to 2,500 visas, and introduced a ballot selection system alongside a queue for existing EOIs. Phase scope: Immediate restart on 12 October 2022; EOI queue selection resumed 14 November 2022.",
  "operativeDate": "2022-10-12",
  "year": 2022,
  "affectedGroup": "Family members",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification",
  "policyTool": "Quota and eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand News Centre",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/parent-resident-visa-restarts",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, 'Parent Resident Visa restarts', 12 October 2022.",
  "evidencePassage": "The Parent Resident Visa restarts on 12 October 2022 with reduced requirements for sponsors. We resume selecting existing expressions of interest (EOIs) on 14 November 2022. We are increasing the number of visas available each year from 1000 to 2500. Changes for sponsors We are lowering the income requirements for sponsors and allowing 2 adult children, rather than just an adult child and their partner, to combine their income to sponsor parents. A sponsor now needs to earn 1.5 times the New Zealand median wage rather than twice the median wage. This limit increases by half the median wage for each joint sponsor or additional parent. These new requirements apply to existing expressions of interest and those we receive from 12 October 2022.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-4df945b2f950fef7a84e",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Adoption of Updated Annual Median Wage Threshold ($29.66/hour)",
  "policyEffect": "Increased the baseline median wage requirement across temporary and residence visa streams (including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, sector agreements, and Green List pathways) from NZD $27.76 to NZD $29.66 per hour.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-02-27",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary migrant workers & skilled applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Increased the baseline median wage requirement across temporary and residence visa streams (including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, sector agreements, and Green List pathways) from NZD $27.76 to NZD $29.66 per hour.",
  "policyCategory": "Work authorization / labor migration",
  "policyTool": "Wage threshold / indexation",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-median-wage-will-apply-from-27-february-2023",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "The new median wage of NZD $29.66 an hour will come into effect on 27 February 2023. This means that most wage thresholds indexed to the median wage will also be updated. … These include the wage thresholds in: Sector agreements Green List Highly paid work to residence pathway Skilled Migrant category. … Visa applications that were submitted before the wage thresholds increased can be approved based on the old thresholds. … For the AEWV, migrants must meet the wage threshold in place at the time they apply for their visa — this may be higher than the pay range approved in the job check. If the pay range approved in the job check is below the new wage threshold, the job check can still be used to support a visa application — the employer does not need to advertise again or submit a new job check — but the applicant will need to be paid at the new threshold.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-489428c4de4ceb3e9767",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Expansion of the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa Access",
  "policyEffect": "Expanded eligibility for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa (a 6-month open work visa) to include holders of partner-based temporary visas linked to temporary migrant workers, who were previously excluded.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-02-28",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Migrant victims of domestic violence on partner visas",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Expanded eligibility for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa (a 6-month open work visa) to include holders of partner-based temporary visas linked to temporary migrant workers, who were previously excluded.",
  "policyCategory": "Humanitarian / protection / work authorization",
  "policyTool": "Specialized temporary open work visa",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Government (Beehive)",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/strengthened-protections-and-improved-processes-for-partners-of-migrant-workers",
  "preciseCitation": "Beehive (Minister of Immigration), Release: New protections for migrant workers and partners, 28 February 2023.; New Zealand Government / Immigration New Zealand, Amendment Circular No. 2023-04: Expansion of Victims of Family Violence Visa Eligibility, 28 February 2023; Beehive Ministerial Release, Strengthened protections and improved processes for partners of migrant workers, 28 February 2023.",
  "evidencePassage": "partners of migrant workers Announcement Strengthened protections and improved processes for partners of migrant workers Published 28 February 2023 Topics Join or bring family Supporting migrant employees Immigration rules and processes The Minister of Immigration has announced changes to the eligibility for victims of Family Violence Work Visas, as well as changes for partners of temporary work visa holders. The Minister of Immigration announced today changes to the eligibility of Victims of Family Violence work visas will come into effect from 28 February 2023, and changes to partners of temporary work visa holders will come into effect from 31 May 2023. Changes to the eligibility of Victims of Family Violence work visas Access to the Victims of Family Violence work visa will be expanded to include people who are on partner-based visas that are linked to temporary migrants. The Victims of Family Violence work visa allows eligible applicants a six-month open work visa where there is a family violence situation, and this visa will be granted independently, and won’t depend on their partnership. These changes will be in effect from 28 February 2023. Victims of Family Violence Work Visa",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-976235a3489bb5c7e20f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Implementation of Transport Sector Agreement Median Wage Exemption for Bus Drivers",
  "policyEffect": "Implemented the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) wage exemption under the Transport Sector Agreement, allowing accredited employers to recruit eligible bus drivers at a minimum wage rate of NZD $28.00 per hour (below the standard median wage threshold of $29.66/hr), provided the operators have signed the All Parties MoU or provide Ministry of Education-funded school bus services.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-04-26",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Bus drivers / public transport workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Implemented the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) wage exemption under the Transport Sector Agreement, allowing accredited employers to recruit eligible bus drivers at a minimum wage rate of NZD $28.00 per hour (below the standard median wage threshold of $29.66/hr), provided the operators have signed the All Parties MoU or provide Ministry of Education-funded school bus services.",
  "policyCategory": "Labour migration",
  "policyTool": "Wage thresholds / sector agreements",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/transport-sector-agreement-details-and-other-green-list-roles-confirmed",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News & Notifications, Details of Transport Sector Agreement confirmed, 26 April 2023.",
  "evidencePassage": "will provide certainty to Aotearoa New Zealand, in particular those who rely on buses and ferries as public transport options, and businesses that rely on freight movement,” Karen Bishop said. “Under the sector agreement, eligible bus drivers, truck drivers, ship’s masters (skippers) and deck hands will have a 2-year work to residence pathway. The agreement will be uncapped and will be reviewed after 12 months. “Employers can use the Accredited Employer Work Visa to recruit suitably qualified drivers, with eligible bus driving roles exempt from paying the median wage of $29.66 an hour. “From 26 April, eligible employers can recruit bus drivers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa at a minimum of $28 an hour. “To be eligible for the median wage exemption and 2-year residence pathway, the Minister agreed that all bus operators must have signed an All Parties Memorandum of Understanding on Improving Driver Terms and Conditions for public transport services, or be providing Ministry of Education-funded school bus services. “From 29 September 2023, people who have completed 2 years working in an occupation covered by the sector agreement will be able to apply for residence. “Eligibility",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-0b0b95754f51c30ed04c",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Update to Parent Category Sponsor Minimum Income Thresholds",
  "policyEffect": "Updated the minimum income thresholds required for sponsors in the Parent Category Resident Visa (Operational Manual instruction F4.35) based on the median wage of NZD $29.66 per hour ($61,692.80 p.a.), establishing the baseline single sponsor requirement for one parent at NZD $92,539.20 (1.5x median wage).",
  "operativeDate": "2023-05-01",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Parents of nz citizens/residents",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Updated the minimum income thresholds required for sponsors in the Parent Category Resident Visa (Operational Manual instruction F4.35) based on the median wage of NZD $29.66 per hour ($61,692.80 p.a.), establishing the baseline single sponsor requirement for one parent at NZD $92,539.20 (1.5x median wage).",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification / permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Income thresholds / sponsorship requirements",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/81674.htm",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (01/05/2023).",
  "evidencePassage": "has been living with the sponsoring adult child for a period of at least 12 months in a partnership that is genuine and stable (see F2.10.1); and they meet the requirements for the recognition of a partnership set out at F2.15. F4.35.5.1 Minimum income thresholds The minimum income threshold for sponsors under the Parent Category is based on the following and is set out in the tables at (b) and (c) below: 1.5 times the median income if sponsoring a single parent; and an additional 0.5 times the median income for each additional parent sponsored; and an additional 0.5 times the median income (combined) if two people are acting as sponsors. Minimum income thresholds for one sponsor: Number of Parents Effective date Median income 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 May 2023 onwards $61,692.80 $92,539.20 $123,385.60 $154,232 $185,078.40 $215,924.80 $246,771.20 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2023 $57,740.80 $86,611.20 $115,481.60 $144,352 $173,222.40 $ 202,092.80 $230,963.20 1 January to 31 December 2021 $56,160.00 $ 84,240 $ 112,320 $ 140,400 $ 168,480 $ 196,560 $224,640 1 January to 31 December 2020 $53,040.00 $ 79,560 $ 106,080 $ 132,600 $ 159,120 $ 185,640 $ 212,160 Minimum income thresholds for two (joint) sponsors … instructions in place before 7 October 2019, but that partner did not act as a sponsor, this is not considered ‘sponsorship’ for the purposes of these instructions. Effective 01/05/2023 PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (28/02/2025) F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (25/07/2024) F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (28/02/2024) F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (27/02/2023) F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (12/10/2022) F4.35 Sponsorship Requirements (24/02/2020)",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-ad421d2430dc051169c9",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Implementation of Conditioned Partner Work Rights",
  "policyEffect": "Replaced open work rights for partners of most temporary migrant workers (holding Accredited Employer Work Visas or Essential Skills Work Visas) with conditioned work rights requiring employment with an accredited employer and pay at or above the median wage, while preserving open work rights for partners of Green List workers or high earners (≥2x median wage).",
  "operativeDate": "2023-05-31",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Spouses/partners of temporary work visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Work authorization / family migration",
  "policyTool": "Employment restrictions on dependent visas",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/strengthened-protections-and-improved-processes-for-partners-of-migrant-workers",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Operational Instructions, Partner of a Worker Work Visa Policy, effective 31 May 2023.; Immigration New Zealand, Operational Updates & Policy Circulars, Changes to Partner of a Worker Work Visa, 31 May 2023.",
  "evidencePassage": "Changes to partner work visas Changes to partners of temporary work visa holders is part of the wider immigration Rebalance, which is aimed at supporting a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy. These changes mean that most partners of temporary migrant workers who hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) will have visa conditions which state they must work for an Accredited Employer in any role and be paid at least median wage (or the applicable threshold if the role is covered by a sector agreement). AEWV holders who are earning twice the median wage or in a Green List role will still be able to sponsor their partners for open work rights. Partners who do not wish to work can apply to come to New Zealand on Visitor Visas. These changes will be in effect from 31 May 2023. More information is available on the Beehive website and our website. Strengthened protections and improved processes for partners of migrant workers — Beehive.govt.nz Bringing family if you have a work visa Visa lookup Search for a visa Find and compare visas Visit Work Study Live All visas Popular information Contact us Residence Checking your application Applying for",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-mobile-application-channel-20230621",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Official mobile-app channel enabled for online immigration applications",
  "policyEffect": "From June 21, 2023, immigration applications that could or had to be made online under regulations 23A and 23AA could use electronic forms in an official mobile application as an alternative to the existing website channel. The mobile application had to be made available and maintained by or on behalf of the Department. The change applied where electronic forms were provided for the relevant application; it did not require every immigration application to be made online.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-06-21",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "People making eligible immigration applications online under regulations 23a and 23aa",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border control",
  "policyTool": "Administrative procedures",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2023 (SL 2023/77)",
  "evidencePassage": "gulation 23AA(3)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179) with: (3) This regulation applies in respect of an application that the chief executive requires to be made online. (2) Replace [regulation 23AA(4)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179) with: (4) The application must be made— ##### (a) by means of one of the following that is made available and maintained by or on behalf of the Department for that purpose: ##### (i) an Internet site; or ##### (ii) a so … ftware application that is designed to be used on a mobile device; and ##### (b) using an electronic form provided on the Internet site or the software application for the purpose. (3) In [regulation 23AA(5) (a)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179), after \"“English”\", insert \"“(except as provided in subclause (5D) (b))”\". (4) In [regulation 23AA(5) (h)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179), after \"“agree”\", insert \"“(except as provided in subclause (5D) ( … any other language enabled by the electronic form referred to in subclause (4) (b); and ##### (c) subclause (5) (h) does not apply. ##### 8 Regulation 23A amended (Applications that may be made online) (1) Replace [regulation 23A(1) to (3)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6090115#DLM6090115) with: (1) The following applications may be made online if electronic forms have been provided for the purpose on an Internet site or a software application referred to in subclause (3): ##### (a) an application for a residence class visa to which reg … by means of one of the following that is made available and maintained by or on behalf of the Department for that purpose: ##### (i) an Internet site; or ##### (ii) a software application that is designed to be used on a mobile device; and ##### (b) using an electronic form provided on the Internet site or the software application for the purpose. (2) In [regulation 23A(4) (a)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6090115#DLM6090115), after \"“English”\", insert \"“(except as provided in subclause (4A) (b))”\". (3) In [regulation 23A(4) (h)](https: … the principal regulations applies to be made online,— - the applications may be made in English or any other language enabled by the electronic form provided for the purpose; and - the applicant must provide their passport or certificate of identity to an immigration officer or their passport to an automated electronic system in order to complete the making of the application. [Regulations 23AA](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179) and [23A](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id= … DLM6090115#DLM6090115) of the principal regulations are amended to provide that when an application for a visa may or must be made online it may be done by means of a software application that is designed to be used on a mobile device. The software application must be one made available and maintained by or on behalf of MBIE. This is in addition to the method already provided for in [regulations 23AA](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6682179#DLM6682179) and [23A](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.as … he automated electronic system indicates that the person must present himself or herself to an immigration officer: Rachel Hayward, Clerk of the Executive Council. ## Explanatory note ##### This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect. These regulations, which come into force on 21 June 2023, amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100) (the **principal regulations**). [Regulations 7](https://classic.legislation. … govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148126#DLM3148126), [8](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148128#DLM3148128), [11](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148132#DLM3148132), and [23A](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6090115#DLM6090115) of the principal regulations are amended to provide that— - the following visa applications may be made online: - an application at an immigration control area for a second or su … bsequent resident visa to which [regulation 7](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148126#DLM3148126) of the principal regulations would otherwise apply: - an application at an immigration control area or a port by an Australian citizen or permanent resident for a resident visa to which regulation 8 of the principal regulations would otherwise apply: - an application for a temporary entry class visa made at an immigration control area to which [regulation 11](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-fada4b3a8d3a5fd6f83c",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Online applications for entry permission legally enabled",
  "policyEffect": "From June 21, 2023, an application for entry permission at a New Zealand immigration control area could be made online when an electronic form was provided on an official website or mobile application. Each application had to concern one person and could use English or another language enabled by the form. To complete the application, the applicant had to provide a passport or certificate of identity and evidence of any visa to an immigration officer, or a passport and visa evidence to an automated system. An officer or system could still require an interview, further evidence or a medical examination.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-06-21",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "People applying for entry permission at an immigration control area",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border control",
  "policyTool": "Administrative procedures",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2023 (SL 2023/77)",
  "evidencePassage": "148148#DLM3148148), insert: (1AA) This regulation applies to an application for entry permission unless the application is made online under regulation 24A. ##### 10 New regulation 24A inserted (Application may be made online) After [regulation 24](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148148#DLM3148148), insert: ##### 24A Application may be made online (1) An application at an immigration control area for entry permission may be made online if electronic forms have been provided for the purpose on an Internet site or a software application ref … erred to in subclause (4). (2) This regulation applies to an application made in accordance with subclause (1). (3) The application must relate to only 1 person. (4) The application must be made— ##### (a) by means of one of the following that is made available and maintained by or on behalf of the Department for that purpose: ##### (i) an Internet site; or ##### (ii) a software application that is designed to be used on a mobile device; and ##### (b) using an electronic form provided on the Internet site or the software application for the purpose. (5) Without limiting subclause (4) (b), the … electronic form must require the applicant to— ##### (a) state the applicant’s full name; and ##### (b) state the applicant’s date and place of birth; and ##### (c) state the details of the applicant’s passport or certificate of identity; and ##### (d) acknowledge that the details supplied in support of the application are true and correct to the best of the applicant’s knowledge. (6) In order to complete the making of the application, the applicant must— ##### (a) give the applicant’s passport or certificate of identity and evidence of any visa that the applicant holds to an immigration offic … er; or ##### (b) give the applicant’s passport and evidence of any visa that the applicant holds to an automated electronic system. (7) An immigration officer or automated electronic system processing the application may, in order for the application to be determined, require the applicant to— ##### (a) be interviewed by an immigration officer: ##### (b) produce further information or evidence (including photographs) that the officer thinks necessary in order to determine the application: ##### (c) undergo a medical examination or another medical examination, as the case may be. (8) An applica … 8e997) | | | ## Regulations ##### 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2023. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 21 June 2023. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100). ##### 4 Regulation 7 amended (Applications at immigration control area for second or subsequent resident visa) Replace [regulation 7(2)](https",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "recovered-nz-border-visa-online-20230621",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Online visa applications expanded at immigration control areas",
  "policyEffect": "From June 21, 2023, online applications were permitted, when official electronic forms were available, for second or subsequent resident visas at an immigration control area, resident visas for Australian citizens or permanent residents at an immigration control area or port, and temporary-entry visas at an immigration control area. Each application concerned one person and could use English or another language enabled by the form. Applicants had to give their passport or certificate of identity to an officer to complete the application; applicants in the Australian-resident-visa and temporary-entry groups could instead present their passport to an automated system.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-06-21",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for the specified resident and temporary-entry visas at immigration control areas or ports",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border control",
  "policyTool": "Administrative procedures",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2023 (SL 2023/77)",
  "evidencePassage": "any other language enabled by the electronic form referred to in subclause (4) (b); and ##### (c) subclause (5) (h) does not apply. ##### 8 Regulation 23A amended (Applications that may be made online) (1) Replace [regulation 23A(1) to (3)](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6090115#DLM6090115) with: (1) The following applications may be made online if electronic forms have been provided for the purpose on an Internet site or a software application referred to in subclause (3): ##### (a) an application for a residence class visa to which reg … ulation 5 would otherwise apply: ##### (b) an application by a holder, or former holder, of a resident visa to which regulation 6 would otherwise apply: ##### (c) an application at an immigration control area for a second or subsequent resident visa to which regulation 7 would otherwise apply: ##### (d) an application at an immigration control area or a port by an Australian citizen or permanent resident for a resident visa to which regulation 8 would otherwise apply: ##### (e) an application for a temporary entry class visa to which regulation 10 would otherwise apply: ##### (f) an applicatio … n for a temporary entry class visa made at an immigration control area to which regulation 11 would otherwise apply: ##### (g) an application for a transit visa to which regulation 15 would otherwise apply: ##### (h) an application for confirmation of a person’s immigration status to which regulation 32 would otherwise apply: ##### (i) an application for endorsement of New Zealand citizenship in a foreign passport to which regulation 33 would otherwise apply. (2) This regulation applies to an application made online in accordance with subclause (1). (3) The application must be made— ##### (a) … 8e997) | | | ## Regulations ##### 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2023. ##### 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 21 June 2023. ##### 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the [Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010](https://classic.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0077/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3148100). ##### 4 Regulation 7 amended (Applications at immigration control area for second or subsequent resident visa) Replace [regulation 7(2)](https",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-33f31d3f9bfd8544105c",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Skilled Migrant Category expression-of-interest fees removed",
  "policyEffect": "From September 7, 2023, New Zealand removed prescribed fees for Skilled Migrant Category expressions of interest, whether submitted online or in hard copy. The same amendment prescribed equal residence-application fees for online and hard-copy Skilled Migrant Category applications. It also clarified that an expression-of-interest fee need not always be prescribed.",
  "operativeDate": "2023-09-07",
  "year": 2023,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled migrant category expression-of-interest and residence applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: It also clarified that an expression-of-interest fee need not always be prescribed.",
  "policyCategory": "High-skilled / economic migration",
  "policyTool": "Fee adjustment",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0191/latest/whole.html",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2023 (SL 2023/191)",
  "evidencePassage": "a) In regulation 9(b), after “fee”, insert “(if any)”. 5 Schedule 4 amended In Schedule 4, under the heading— (a) Residence class visa, replace the item relating to residence class visa application—Skilled Migrant Category with: 5(1) and (2) (e) (i) Residence class visa application—Skilled Migrant Category (hard copy) 1,880 1,610 2,480 23AA(1) and (5) (i) or 23A(1) (a) and (4) (i), as applicable Residence class visa application—Skilled Migrant Category (online) 1,880 1,610 2,480 (b) Residence class visa—related matters, revoke the items relating to regulation 9(b) Skilled Migrant Category (har … d copy) and regulation 9(b) Skilled Migrant Category (online). Rachel Hayward,Clerk of the Executive Council. Explanatory note This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect. These regulations, which come into force on 7 September 2023, amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 (the principal regulations). Regulation 9(b) of the principal regulations is amended to provide that a fee may not necessarily be prescribed in relation to a notification of expression of interest in applying for a residence class vis … a. Schedule 4 of the principal regulations is amended to provide that— the fees for a residence class visa application—Skilled Migrant Category are the same, whether the application is made in hard copy or online; and there are no prescribed fees for a notification of expression of interest in applying for a residence class visa—Skilled Migrant Category. Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019. Date of notification in Gazette: 10 August 2023. These regulations are administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. \"Related Legislation \"Related Legislation \"Rel … Regulation 9 amended (Notification of expression of interest in applying for residence class visa) 5 Schedule 4 amended Explanatory note Administrative Information Regulations 1 Title These regulations are the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2023. 2 Commencement These regulations come into force on 7 September 2023. 3 Principal regulations These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010. 4 Regulation 9 amended (Notification of expression of interest in applying for residence class vis",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-a2950871e112cec86ff4",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Immigration Employment Infringement Scheme",
  "policyEffect": "An infringement scheme was introduced allowing immigration authorities to issue infringement notices to employers who commit immigration violations such as allowing unauthorized persons to work, employing persons inconsistently with visa conditions, or failing to provide requested documents.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-04-01",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Employers and migrant workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border and employer enforcement",
  "policyTool": "Sanctions and enforcement against employer non-compliance / migrant worker protection",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/immigration-employment-infringement-scheme",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "The scheme allows MBIE Immigration to hold employers who breach their obligations to account by issuing infringement notices to those who commit lower level offences … In the first 2 years of the infringement scheme (1 April 2024 to 30 April 2026)",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-773d00fb246bfe4a5bae",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for employers and visa applicants",
  "policyEffect": "Imposed higher work experience and qualification requirements, set English language standards for applicants in ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles, and shortened the maximum continuous stay for certain roles.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-04-07",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Imposed higher work experience and qualification requirements, set English language standards for applicants in ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles, and shortened the maximum continuous stay for certain roles.",
  "policyCategory": "Work",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv",
  "preciseCitation": "www.immigration.govt.nz. Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for employers and visa applicants. Effective 2024-04-07.",
  "evidencePassage": "There are now higher work experience and qualification requirements, a standard of English for people applying to work in roles assessed as ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5, and a shorter stay in New Zealand if you are working in specific roles.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-bcb99be4918831094c1b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Expansion of Open Work Rights for Partners of Students in Green List Programmes",
  "policyEffect": "Expanded eligibility for Partner of a Student Work Visas to spouses/partners of students enrolled in Level 7 or 8 degree programmes tied directly to Green List occupational registrations.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-06-10",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Spouses of international tertiary students",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Expanded eligibility for Partner of a Student Work Visas to spouses/partners of students enrolled in Level 7 or 8 degree programmes tied directly to Green List occupational registrations.",
  "policyCategory": "Family / student work rights",
  "policyTool": "Dependent employment authorization",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/amendment-circular-2024-14.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Changes have been made to immigration instructions to update work eligibility for partners of student visa holders. Under WF4.1, a person may be eligible for a work visa if their partner holds a student visa to study a level 7 or 8 qualification that is specified on the Green List. Qualifications that are required for occupational registration have now been added to the Green List. … Appendix 1: Amendments to residence and temporary entry immigration instructions effective on and after 10 June 2024 … partners of student visa holders … Note 4: Only Level 7 and Level 8 Bachelor degrees not already listed as Green List requirements are listed as qualifications required for registration for occupations on the Green List.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-c6642068a0bdfb8e7e3d",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Disestablishment of AEWV Franchisee Category",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand closed the franchisee-specific employer accreditation pathway. Franchisee employers seeking to hire migrant workers must now apply under standard, high-volume, or triangular employment accreditation when renewing.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-06-16",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Franchisee employers seeking to hire migrant workers must now apply under standard, high-volume, or triangular employment accreditation when renewing.",
  "policyCategory": "Work",
  "policyTool": "Eligibility",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/for-employers/getting-accreditation-or-approval-to-hire/employer-accreditation-for-the-aewv/applying-for-aewv-employer-accreditation-process-steps/requirements-for-controlling-third-parties-and-franchisees",
  "preciseCitation": "www.immigration.govt.nz. Disestablishment of AEWV Franchisee Category. Effective 2024-06-16.",
  "evidencePassage": "Franchisee accreditation closed on 16 June 2024. You can no longer apply for this type of employer accreditation. If you currently have franchisee accreditation, you can remain on this accreditation type until it expires. You must meet your employer requirements while you have this accreditation type. You can change to a standard, high-volume or triangular employer accreditation when you apply to renew your accreditation.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-bb3e787cc43d28be3dcd",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Fijian citizens granted a New Zealand transit-visa waiver",
  "policyEffect": "Amends Schedule 1 of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 to add Fiji to the list of countries to which a waiver of the requirement for a transit visa applies. The effect of this amendment is that Fijian citizens are not required to hold a transit visa before travelling to and being in New Zealand as transit passengers.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-09-04",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Fijian citizens travelling as transit passengers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amends Schedule 1 of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 to add Fiji to the list of countries to which a waiver of the requirement for a transit visa applies.; The effect of this amendment is that Fijian citizens are not required to hold a transit visa before travelling to and being in New Zealand as transit passengers.",
  "policyCategory": "Border control / visa waiver",
  "policyTool": "Transit visa waiver",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2024/146/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2024, SL 2024/146, regs. 2 and 4",
  "evidencePassage": "In Schedule 1, after item 12(g), insert: (ga) Fiji … The effect of this amendment is that Fijian citizens are not required to hold a transit visa before travelling to and being in New Zealand as transit passengers. … These regulations come into force on 4 September 2024. … These regulations amend Schedule 1 of the principal regulations to add Fijian citizens to the list of people to whom a waiver of the requirement for transit visas applies. … before travelling to and being in New Zealand as transit passengers.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-608ae0fc31d77de4b75b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) Increase",
  "policyEffect": "Increased the mandatory non-refundable International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZD$35 to NZD$100 per eligible person across tourist visa streams and NZeTA applications.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-10-01",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Short-term international visitors, nzeta holders, student and working holiday visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Increased the mandatory non-refundable International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZD$35 to NZD$100 per eligible person across tourist visa streams and NZeTA applications.",
  "policyCategory": "Border control / entry levy",
  "policyTool": "Entry fee / conservation levy adjustment",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/increase-to-visa-charges-comes-into-effect-from-1-october",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, 'Increase to visa charges comes into effect from 1 October', 6 September 2024",
  "evidencePassage": "are not required to pay visa charges. IVL Most international visitors applying for a visa or NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand need to pay a non-refundable International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The current charge of NZD$35.00 per eligible person is increasing to NZD$100.00 from 1 October 2024. The levy is charged for most: Visitor visas (excluding partner and dependent categories) NZeTAs Student visas (excluding dependent child category) Working Holiday and Work Exchange schemes Student and Trainee Work visas Specific Purpose Work visas It",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-42a515b791dae33a873d",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Maximum Duration Extension for Visas Granted to Partners of New Zealanders",
  "policyEffect": "The maximum duration for partnership work and visitor visas granted to partners of New Zealand citizens or residence-class visa holders who have cohabited for at least 12 months was extended from 2 years to 3 years to align with other temporary partnership durations and allow sufficient time to transition to residence.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-10-01",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Partners of new zealand citizens and residents",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The maximum duration for partnership work and visitor visas granted to partners of New Zealand citizens or residence-class visa holders who have cohabited for at least 12 months was extended from 2 years to 3 years to align with other temporary partnership durations and allow sufficient time to transition to residence.",
  "policyCategory": "Family / partnership temporary entry",
  "policyTool": "Visa duration extension",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/news-notifications/longer-visas-for-partners-of-new-zealanders",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News Release: \"Longer visas for partners of New Zealanders\", 23 September 2024.",
  "evidencePassage": "From 1 October 2024, the maximum visa duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders is increasing. The Government has made changes to the maximum duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders that have been living together for at least 12 months. This is now increasing from 2 years to 3 years. This will give couples additional time to save for residence application fees and better aligns with the visa durations provided to partners of temporary migrants.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-6f10cfe5cb1f6e1bd9fa",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Part-Time Work Rights for Migrant School Leavers Awaiting Residence",
  "policyEffect": "Permitted dependent children aged 17–24 holding visitor visas who are included in a pending family residence or skilled residence application to access part-time work rights (up to 20 hours/week during term; 40 hours/week during holidays) via a Variation of Conditions.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-10-01",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Migrant school leavers (aged 17–24 on visitor visas awaiting residence outcomes)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Permitted dependent children aged 17–24 holding visitor visas who are included in a pending family residence or skilled residence application to access part-time work rights (up to 20 hours/week during term",
  "policyCategory": "Work rights / family dependents",
  "policyTool": "Variation of conditions for part-time work rights",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/news-notifications/part-time-work-rights-for-migrant-school-leavers",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, \"Part-time work rights for migrant school leavers\" (20 Aug 2024).",
  "evidencePassage": "VISA PAK ISSUE 599 — 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 CHANGES ENABLING SOME DEPENDENT CHILDREN TO WORK WHILE WAITING FOR A DECISION ON THEIR FAMILY RESIDENCE APPLICATION This Visa Pak provides guidance about changes that enable some dependent children to undertake limited work while they are waiting for a decision on a residence application. It includes information about how visa holders can apply for these work rights and how financial dependency should be assessed for further visa applications. Immigration instructions Changes to Immigration Instructions, which take effect on 1 October 2024, will enable dependent children who are awaiting the outcome of a residence application to obtain limited work rights on visitor visas. These are part-time work rights that will enable the visa holder to work up to 40 hours per week between 1 December and 31 January (inclusive) and up to 20 hours per week at other times. To be eligible, these children must: • Be between 17 and 24 years old (inclusive, and if they are 17, provide evidence that they have completed high school), and • Have applied for a Dependent Child Resident Visa or are included as a secondary applicant (dependent child) in one of the following residence categories: o Skilled Migrant Category o Green List Straight to Residence or Work to Residence o Care Workforce or Transport Sector Work to Residence o Partnership Resident Visa • Hold or be applying for a: o Dependent Child Visitor Visa (as the child of a work visa holder or New Zealand citizen/resident); or o General Visitor Visa (provided at one point they have previously held a dependent child visitor or student visa as the dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident; or the principal applicant of their residence application) Those who meet the above requirements and … already hold a visitor visa may apply for a variation of conditions to have their eligibility for work rights assessed. The requirements will be specified in immigration instructions E3.26.5(d), V3.10.20 and V3.20.5. Assessing evidence of high school completion from overseas education providers If a 17-year-old applicant completed their secondary school education outside of New Zealand and has provided evidence of this, the assessing officer can check the relevant country information page and/or the Document Authentication Toolkit (DAT) to confirm the validity of this evidence. These country",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-a730d6a22f39f37ac9aa",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme Quota Increase",
  "policyEffect": "Doubled the annual statutory intake cap under the Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme from 100 places to 200 places upon the scheme reopening on 24 October 2024.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-10-24",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Vietnamese working holiday applicants aged 18–30",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Youth mobility / bilateral working holiday schemes",
  "policyTool": "Country-specific quota expansion",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/more-places-forvietnam-working",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, 'More places for Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme', 21 October 2024",
  "evidencePassage": "The Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme will reopen on 24 October 2024 and the number of places available under the scheme will increase from 100 to 200.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-c55c24d251ce111b8b93",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Removal of the Second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) and Refinement of Exploitation Scope",
  "policyEffect": "Disestablished the ability for migrants on an initial MEPV to obtain a second 6-month MEPV extension, restricting the visa to a single non-renewable grant of up to 6 months. In addition, the definition of migrant exploitation was tightened to require a direct link to a genuine employment relationship, expressly excluding lawful redundancies and unrecovered wages resulting solely from formal corporate liquidations.",
  "operativeDate": "2024-10-31",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "Exploited migrant workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Disestablished the ability for migrants on an initial MEPV to obtain a second 6-month MEPV extension, restricting the visa to a single non-renewable grant of up to 6 months.",
  "policyCategory": "Humanitarian / exploitation protection / temporary work",
  "policyTool": "Visa eligibility restriction and redefinition",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-migrant-exploitation-protection-work-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News Release: \"Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa\", 17 October 2024.",
  "evidencePassage": "to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa Published 17 October 2024 Topics Policy, law and strategy Immigration rules and processes From 31 October 2024 the ability to get a second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) has been removed. Today, the Government announced changes to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa. Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa — Beehive.govt.nz What is changing? From 31 October 2024, the ability to be granted a second MEPV will be removed. This means that, if anyone has an initial MEPV, and applies for a second MEPV on or after 31 October, their application will be declined. Migrants who have made a credible report of exploitation will still be able to be granted a MEPV of up to 6 months, or until the expiry of their current visa (whichever is lesser) to allow them to leave the exploitative situation and remain lawfully in New Zealand while they find a new job. People whose initial MEPV expires up to and including 30 November 2024, will have until 30 October to apply for a second MEPV if they wish to do so. Other changes include: clarifying that situations involving lawful employment terminations, non-payment of final wages due to liquidation and redundancies do not meet the definition of migrant exploitation refining the definition of migrant exploitation to specify that exploitation must be linked to a genuine employment relationship. You can find more information on the MEPV: Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa These changes support the Government’s work to encourage reporting and enable migrants to leave exploitative situations and maintain the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system. Reporting migrant exploitation Migrant exploitation can be reported to Employment New Zealand using their",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-88b54f0f1e0c7c37abb2",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Post Study Work Visa Instructions Amendment (Consecutive Enrolments & Eligible Qualifications Expansion)",
  "policyEffect": "Amended immigration instructions WD3 to allow students who complete a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and directly progress to a Master's degree to retain PSWV eligibility based on their PGDip studies (with a 12-month window from initial student visa expiry to apply); removed the requirement for secondary school teachers to hold specialised bachelor's degrees in STEM/Pacific languages; added Graduate Diplomas leading to Teaching Council registration for primary and intermediate teachers; and added the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6, Mechanical strand) to eligible qualifications. Phase scope: Entire PSWV instruction set",
  "operativeDate": "2024-11-19",
  "year": 2024,
  "affectedGroup": "International tertiary graduates (pgdip, master's, teacher education, engineering technicians)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amended immigration instructions WD3 to allow students who complete a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and directly progress to a Master's degree to retain PSWV eligibility based on their PGDip studies (with a 12-month window from initial student visa expiry to apply); removed the requirement for secondary school teachers to hold specialised bachelor's degrees in STEM/Pacific languages; and added the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6, Mechanical strand) to eligible qualifications.",
  "policyCategory": "Student-to-work transition / post-study employment",
  "policyTool": "Visa eligibility criteria / eligible qualification pathways",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-the-post-study-work-visa-pswv",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Changes to the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), Operational Policy Update, 19 November 2024.",
  "evidencePassage": "Students who studied a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for 30 weeks and immediately progressed to a Master’s degree, but were not enrolled in the Masters for 30 weeks, are now eligible to apply for a Post Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their PGDip enrolment. This will give students more flexibility in their course of study and ensure they can remain eligible to work following their qualification. If a student has completed a qualification that is eligible for a PSWV then immediately completes a higher-level qualification (that is ineligible for PSWV, including because they did not study for the minimum duration), they will have 12 months from the end date of their student visa for the initial qualification to apply for a PSWV.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-05a67c1bdbe2dbb86a11",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Authorisation of Remote Work on Visitor Visas and NZeTA",
  "policyEffect": "Amends visitor visa conditions to permit foreign visitors and electronic travel authority (NZeTA) holders to work remotely for an offshore employer while residing temporarily in New Zealand, provided they do not provide goods or services to domestic businesses or engage in local on-site employment.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-01-27",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Visitors, tourists, and digital nomads",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Admission and work authorization",
  "policyTool": "Visa condition modification",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Government / Beehive",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/going-growth-new-rules-visiting-tourists",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Government (27 January 2025), 'Going for Growth: New rules for visiting tourists', Beehive Ministerial Release.; New Zealand Government, \"Remote work enabled under visitor visa settings,\" Beehive.govt.nz Ministerial Release, January 2025.; New Zealand Government / Beehive Ministerial Release, Hon Erica Stanford & Hon Nicola Willis, \"Going for Growth: New rules for visiting tourists\"; Immigration New Zealand Media Notification.",
  "evidencePassage": "2025 Topics Visit Immigration rules and processes The Government announced today that the rules for visitors are changing and people arriving on a visitor visa or NZeTA can work for overseas employers while visiting New Zealand. New visa conditions will now allow visitors to work remotely for an overseas employer or client. The change applies to applications received from 27 January 2025 for all visitors, including tourists and people visiting family, and partners and guardians on longer-term visitor visas. These new conditions mean that tourists can stay in New Zealand as a digital nomad and … keep in touch with work back home, without breaching their visa conditions. Both visitor visa recipients and people who enter with an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) will receive these conditions. Visitor visa holders must not: work for a New Zealand employer provide goods or services to people or businesses in New Zealand do work that requires them to be physically present at a workplace in New Zealand. Visas that allow you to visit New Zealand Tax information The tax treatment of a digital nomad’s income from working for a foreign employer while in New Zealand depends on the",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-e12a763500d0e32e0be1",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Advance Request for Cargo and Cruise Crew",
  "policyEffect": "Commenced Part 4 of Schedule 1AA to permit individuals who are required to hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) on or after 1 April 2025 (specifically cargo ship crew, positioning cargo crew, and passengers) to request and be issued an ETA in advance starting from 3 February 2025.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-02-03",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Cargo ship crew, positioning cargo crew, and passengers required to hold an eta on or after 1 april 2025",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Commenced Part 4 of Schedule 1AA to permit individuals who are required to hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) on or after 1 April 2025 (specifically cargo ship crew, positioning cargo crew, and passengers) to request and be issued an ETA in advance starting from 3 February 2025.",
  "policyCategory": "Border / entry procedures; administrative / visa requirement",
  "policyTool": "Secondary legislation (order in council)",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2024/196/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "regulation 7 comes into force on 3 February 2025. … The person may, from 3 February 2025, request an ETA and, in that case,— (a) these regulations apply in relation to the request and the issued ETA; and (b) the period of validity of the ETA begins on the date on which it is issued. … This clause applies to a person who is required to hold an ETA on or after 1 April 2025 under the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations (No 4) 2024. … In Schedule 1AA,— (a) insert the Part set out in the Schedule of these regulations as the last Part; and (b) make all necessary consequential amendments.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-229ca0a165d3b809ae5f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) March 2025 Overhaul",
  "policyEffect": "Eliminates the mandatory median wage threshold for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa recruits, reduces the minimum relevant prior work experience requirement from three years to two years, and extends visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles to three years. Concurrently increases the annual income threshold required to support dependent children to NZD 55,844.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-03-10",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary migrant workers (aewv/spwv) and dependents",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Eliminates the mandatory median wage threshold for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa recruits, reduces the minimum relevant prior work experience requirement from three years to two years, and extends visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles to three years.; Concurrently increases the annual income threshold required to support dependent children to NZD 55,844.",
  "policyCategory": "Admission and work authorization",
  "policyTool": "Salary threshold, visa validity, and experience criteria",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/changes-to-accredited-employer-work-visa-in-march-2025",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand (20 February 2025), 'Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in March 2025', official operational update.; Immigration New Zealand, \"Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and median wage,\" Published 20 February 2025.; Immigration New Zealand News & Operational Manual Instructions, \"Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and median wage\"; Beehive Ministerial Release.",
  "evidencePassage": "Announcement Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and median wage Published 20 February 2025 Topics Work Policy, law and strategy Hiring workers Employment A number of changes will be made to the AEWV in March 2025. Changes will also be made to the median wage in February 2025. In December 2024, the Government announced reforms to the AEWV to make the settings more flexible and responsive to the differing needs of businesses in certain sectors and regions. As a result of this, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will be rolling out a number of changes over the course of 2025. Phase 2 … of these changes are as follows. Remove the median wage requirement from AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) From 10 March 2025, employers recruiting workers under the AEWV and seasonal SPWV policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage. Instead, there will be no set pay thresholds except the New Zealand minimum wage (currently NZD $23.15 an hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 an hour on 1 April). Employers will however, still be expected to pay migrant workers on par with their New Zealand counterparts (the New Zealand market rate). Sector Agreements which provided an exemption … wage exemptions for AEWV workers Reducing the work experience requirement for migrants from 3 years to 2 years From 10 March 2025 the work experience requirement for migrants will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. Employers still have to check that their migrant worker meets the threshold, and applicants will still need to provide evidence that they meet the 2-year threshold. This change will still make sure that migrants have enough experience to help minimise the risks of exploitation. Amending the requirement for employers to engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) From 10 March … 5 AEWV holders to 3 years From 10 March 2025 the visa length for new ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 AEWVs will be extended to 3 years, matching the total time they can stay in New Zealand on 1 or more AEWVs (their maximum continuous stay). Increasing the income threshold for supporting dependent children From 10 March 2025 the income threshold will be increased from an annual threshold of NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844. This is 80% of the median wage (aligning with eligibility for partner work rights) based on an annual, 40-hour work week. It will be updated annually in line with changes to the median wage",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-a1d50960d366239c081f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Tightening Health Criteria for Dependent Children of Temporary Visa Holders",
  "policyEffect": "Strengthens standard health requirements for dependent children accompanying temporary work, student, or military visa holders, making children with severe developmental disorders or severe cognitive impairments requiring significant support ineligible for student or visitor visas unless a formal medical waiver is approved.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-03-17",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Dependent children of temporary visa holders",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Strengthens standard health requirements for dependent children accompanying temporary work, student, or military visa holders, making children with severe developmental disorders or severe cognitive impairments requiring significant support ineligible for student or visitor visas unless a formal medical waiver is approved.",
  "policyCategory": "Admission and family reunification",
  "policyTool": "Health requirement and medical admissibility standard",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Government / Beehive",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-requirements-strengthened-children-temporary-visa-holders",
  "preciseCitation": "New Zealand Government / Immigration New Zealand (17 March 2025), 'Health requirements strengthened for children of temporary visa holders', Beehive Ministerial Release.; New Zealand Government / Immigration New Zealand, \"Update on health criteria assessments for dependent family members,\" Beehive / INZ circular release, March 2025.; Beehive Ministerial Release, Hon Erica Stanford, \"Health requirements strengthened for children of temporary visa holders\"; Immigration New Zealand Operational Instructions Update.",
  "evidencePassage": "of people on temporary visas to ensure more consistency in the immigration system. “In recent years, a spike in enrolments of children of temporary migrants in our schools has resulted in an increase in children from this cohort with very high learning needs. This has put significant strain on an already oversubscribed learning support system, preventing other children from getting the support they need,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. From 17 March, dependent children of temporary visa holders will no longer be eligible for student and visitor visas if they have a severe cognitive … or development disorder that requires significant support. These changes will be applicable to people both offshore and those already onshore applying for a new visa. Immigration New Zealand will continue to be able to exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances. “Parents or legal guardians are required to declare whether a child has a medical condition that may affect their ability to be granted a visa. In addition, most applicants applying for a visa that allows a stay of 12 months or more must supply a full medical certificate. “This will provide greater transparency and fairness for",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-808b447b21b135581d74",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Active Investor Plus Visa Category Restructure",
  "policyEffect": "Overhauled the Active Investor Plus resident visa settings by introducing Growth and Balanced investment categories, reducing investment thresholds, broadening acceptable asset classes, removing the English language requirement, and lowering physical presence requirements.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-04-01",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Active investor plus visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Overhauled the Active Investor Plus resident visa settings by introducing Growth and Balanced investment categories, reducing investment thresholds, broadening acceptable asset classes, removing the English language requirement, and lowering physical presence requirements.",
  "policyCategory": "Investor / business & economic migration / permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Investor category criteria overhaul / financial threshold modification / language condition removal",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/investor-category",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "On 1 April 2025, changes were made to simplify the investment process, including the introduction of 2 investment categories. … Changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa included the introduction of 2 investment categories: Growth category: focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years. Balanced category: focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There is a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years. Other changes included: reducing the minimum investment amount from NZD $15 million (or weighted equivalent) to NZD $5 million for Growth and NZD $10 million for Balanced category investors broadening the scope of acceptable investments to include bond and property-type investments for Balanced category investors removing the English language requirement, and fewer immigration requirements, for migrants who choose more active investments, such as reducing the time required to be spent in New Zealand.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-f98fccd77731d3de1a2b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Mandatory ETA Requirement for Cargo Ship Crew and Passengers",
  "policyEffect": "Amended visa waiver conditions to classify cargo ship passengers, cargo ship crew members, and crew members of ships carrying coastal cargo as visa waiver travellers who must hold an ETA (or be exempt) to travel to and enter New Zealand.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-04-01",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Cargo ship crew, passengers, and crew of ships carrying coastal cargo",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amended visa waiver conditions to classify cargo ship passengers, cargo ship crew members, and crew members of ships carrying coastal cargo as visa waiver travellers who must hold an ETA (or be exempt) to travel to and enter New Zealand.",
  "policyCategory": "Border / entry requirements; maritime / seafarers",
  "policyTool": "Secondary legislation (order in council)",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2024/196/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "These regulations come into force on 1 April 2025. … After regulation 23C(c), insert: (d) cargo ship crew travelling in the ordinary course of business of the ship between any foreign port and New Zealand: (e) crew on a foreign ship authorised by the Minister of Transport under section 198(2) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 to carry coastal cargo (within the meaning of section 198(6) of that Act). … In Schedule 2, after item 7D, insert: 7E Cargo ship passengers travelling between any foreign port and New Zealand. 7F Cargo ship crew travelling in the ordinary course of business of the ship between any foreign port and New Zealand. 7G Crew on a foreign ship authorised by the Minister of Transport under section 198(2) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 to carry coastal cargo (within the meaning of section 198(6) of that Act). … hold an ETA or are exempted by regulation 23E(a) from the requirement to hold one … Cargo ship passengers travelling between any foreign port and New Zealand who— (a) have arrived in New Zealand; and (b) hold an ETA or are exempted by regulation 23E(a) from the requirement to hold one",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-6dffe26a4be6eafe5055",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Addition of Timor-Leste to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme",
  "policyEffect": "Timor-Leste is added to the list of eligible countries able to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme starting 28 April 2025. Employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries are eligible to recruit citizens of Timor-Leste to work in New Zealand. Applicants from Timor-Leste must have the same health requirements as all other RSE applicants, and because Timor-Leste is not on the list of countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, applicants are required to provide a chest X-ray certificate with their application.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-04-28",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Citizens of timor-leste and rse-accredited employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Timor-Leste is added to the list of eligible countries able to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme starting 28 April 2025.; Employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries are eligible to recruit citizens of Timor-Leste to work in New Zealand.; Applicants from Timor-Leste must have the same health requirements as all other RSE applicants, and because Timor-Leste is not on the list of countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, applicants are required to provide a chest X-ray certificate with their application.",
  "policyCategory": "Seasonal & temporary labour migration / bilateral access schemes",
  "policyTool": "Country eligibility schedule amendment",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/timor-leste-to-be-added-to-recognised-employer-scheme",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News Centre, 'Timor-Leste to be added to Recognised Employer Scheme', 22 April 2025.",
  "evidencePassage": "From 28 April 2025, Timor-Leste will be added to the list of eligible countries able to participate in the RSE scheme. … From that date, employers will be eligible to recruit citizens of Timor-Leste to work in New Zealand in these industries. … Applicants from Timor-Leste will have the same health requirements as all other RSE applicants. However, as it is not on the list of countries with a low incidence of tuberculosis, applicants will be required to provide a chest X-ray certificate with their application.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-1706f2d096648c27a049",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Relaxation of Certified Translation Mandate for Visitor Visa Applications",
  "policyEffect": "Amends Operational Manual instructions (A13.5 and E4.65) to remove the compulsory requirement for certified translations of foreign-language supporting documents submitted with visitor visa applications (except for medical and police clearance certificates), permitting regular translations accompanied by translator credentials.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-05-26",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Visitor visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Amends Operational Manual instructions (A13.5 and E4.65) to remove the compulsory requirement for certified translations of foreign-language supporting documents submitted with visitor visa applications (except for medical and police clearance certificates), permitting regular translations accompanied by translator credentials.",
  "policyCategory": "Border controls and admission procedures",
  "policyTool": "Evidentiary translation requirements",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/Amendment-Circular-2025-17.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Changes have been made to immigration instructions to remove the requirement to provide certified translations of foreign-language documents submitted in support of visitor visa applications. Translations submitted with visitor visa applications will need to include details of the translator. … Appendix 1: Amendments to Temporary Entry and Residence instructions effective on and after 26 May 2025 … Applicants for any category of visitor visa must provide translations of all documents provided in support of their application that are not written in English. … Translations of documents provided in support of visitor visa applications (other than police certificates and medical certificates) must: i. not be prepared by an applicant, any member of their family or an immigration adviser assisting with the application; and ii. be accompanied by the original documents or certified copies, unless legible copies are acceptable under A13.1; and iii. be in English; and iv. include the following information in English of the person preparing the translation: o their full name; and o address and telephone number; and o their qualifications and experience that make them proficient in English and the translated language.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-d11f934e3614e561f67f",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Alignment of Temporary Entry Decline Reasons and Natural Justice Standards",
  "policyEffect": "Revises Operational Manual instructions (E7.16 and A1.5/A1.15) regarding the documentation of decline decisions on temporary entry visa applications to closely align decision notices with Section 27 of the Immigration Act 2009 and formalize operational natural justice procedures.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-05-29",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Temporary entry visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Border controls and admission procedures",
  "policyTool": "Administrative procedural guidelines and decision notifications",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand (29 May 2025), 'Amendment Circular: Documenting decisions and natural justice in decision-making (E7.16, A1.5, A1.15)', Operational Manual Amendment Circular.; Immigration New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand Instructions: Amendment Circular No. 2025-19, Wellington: MBIE, 29 May 2025, pp. 1–6.; Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Amendment Circular No. 2025-19: Amendments to the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, 29 May 2025.",
  "evidencePassage": "Changes have been made to immigration instructions to more closely align the level of detail provided in decline decision letters for temporary entry applications with relevant provisions in the Immigration Act 2009. Amendments have also been made to operational instructions to provide greater detail about how principles of fairness and natural justice apply in an immigration context.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-15bbb55f6611eb30b4a9",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Addition of 10 Trade Occupations to the Green List Work to Residence Pathway and Median Wage Threshold Update",
  "policyEffect": "Adds 10 trade occupations to Tier 2 (Work to Residence) of the Green List (Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist (First Class), Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter Welder, Pressure Welder, Welder, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter, and Paving Plant Operator), allowing eligible workers with 24 months of relevant New Zealand work experience to apply for residence subject to specific wage thresholds ($43.63/hour for fabrication/machinist/welder/fitter trades and $38.59/hour for paving/panel beating/vehicle painting), while updating the general skilled residence median wage threshold to $33.56/hour. Phase scope: National implementation across Skilled Residence instructions (Work to Residence, Straight to Residence, and Skilled Migrant Category)",
  "operativeDate": "2025-08-18",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled trade workers in qualifying engineering, automotive, and infrastructure roles",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Adds 10 trade occupations to Tier 2 (Work to Residence) of the Green List (Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist (First Class), Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner, Fitter Welder, Pressure Welder, Welder, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter, and Paving Plant Operator), allowing eligible workers with 24 months of relevant New Zealand work experience to apply for residence subject to specific wage thresholds ($43.63/hour for fabrication/machinist/welder/fitter trades and $38.59/hour for paving/panel beating/vehicle painting), while updating the general skilled residence median wage threshold to $33.56/hour.",
  "policyCategory": "Permanent residence / skilled and economic migration",
  "policyTool": "Operational manual / immigration instructions amendment (green list tier 2 expansion & wage adjustment)",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/ten-trades-occupations-to-be-added-to-the-work-to-residence-pathway",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, 'Ten trades occupations added to the Work to Residence pathway', 13 June 2025.",
  "evidencePassage": "In June, the Government announced that 10 trades occupations will be added to the Work to Residence pathway on the Green List of in-demand occupations. Skilled trades on fast tracked to residence — Beehive Green List — jobs we need people for in New Zealand Eligible applicants will be able to apply for a residence if they have current employment or an offer of employment in the following occupations and have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in the following occupations: Metal Fabricator Metal Machinist (First Class) Fitter (General) Fitter and Turner Fitter Welder Pressure Welder Welder Panel Beater Vehicle Painter Paving Plant Operator The Green List pathway is designed to attract highly skilled workers, and eligibility for these roles includes meeting specific wage thresholds.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-4509be1b32669b812b2e",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Introduction of Parent Boost Visitor Visa Prescribed Fees and Levies",
  "policyEffect": "Prescribes the application fee ($1,940 standard / $1,390 Pacific band), compliance check fee ($325 standard / $240 Pacific band), and immigration levy ($1,060) for the Parent Boost visitor visa.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-09-29",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for parent boost visitor visa",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Prescribes the application fee ($1,940 standard / $1,390 Pacific band), compliance check fee ($325 standard / $240 Pacific band), and immigration levy ($1,060) for the Parent Boost visitor visa.",
  "policyCategory": "Family reunification / temporary stay; visa fees & levies",
  "policyTool": "Secondary legislation (order in council)",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2025/180/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SL 2025/180), regs 2(1), 4, 5(2), 5(4).",
  "evidencePassage": "These regulations come into force on 29 September 2025. … Temporary visa application—Parent Boost visitor visa 1,940 1,390 1,940 … Check of compliance with conditions imposed on Parent Boost visitor visa 325 240 325 … Applicant for Parent Boost visitor visa 1,060 … Applicant for Parent Boost visitor visa … a check of compliance with conditions imposed under immigration instructions on a Parent Boost visitor visa",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-88cfa00f5f862156a715",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Introduction of the Parent Boost Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa",
  "policyEffect": "Introduces a new multi-entry visitor visa stream (\"Parent Boost Visa\") allowing parents of New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to reside in New Zealand for up to 5 continuous years per visa (extendable to a maximum aggregate stay of 10 years), subject to meeting comprehensive health insurance and adult child sponsorship criteria.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-09-29",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Parents of nz citizens and permanent residents",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Introduces a new multi-entry visitor visa stream (\"Parent Boost Visa\") allowing parents of New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to reside in New Zealand for up to 5 continuous years per visa (extendable to a maximum aggregate stay of 10 years), subject to meeting comprehensive health insurance and adult child sponsorship criteria.",
  "policyCategory": "Family / visitor entry",
  "policyTool": "Long-term temporary visa category",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/Amendment-Circular-2025-26.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "",
  "evidencePassage": "Successful applicants for a Parent Boost visitor visa will be granted a visitor visa allowing the holder: i. six months to first enter New Zealand from the start date of the visa; and ii. a five year stay from the date of their first arrival; and iii. multiple entries throughout the five year stay. … The maximum entitlement is two five-year multiple entry Parent Boost visitor visas. … Appendix 2: Amendments to Temporary Entry instructions effective on and after 29 September 2025 … The objective of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is to enable New Zealand citizens and residents to have their parents join them in New Zealand for long term visits … Applicant(s) must hold travel and/or health insurance when in New Zealand which: a. is provided by a company with: i. experience in the health and/or travel insurance business; and ii. a credit rating of no lower than A (strong) or equivalent from an internationally recognised credit rating agency (for example, Standard and Poor's). … Applicant(s) must provide a sponsorship form completed by their New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder sponsor(s) (see E6). b. A sponsor or sponsors must be: i. the adult child of the principal applicant; or ii. the adult child of the principal applicant and the adult child’s partner (joint sponsorship); or iii. the adult child of the principal applicant and one other adult child of either applicant included in the application (joint sponsorship).",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-02a378118931efd84a73",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Implementation of National Occupation List (NOL) Skill Level 1–3 Classifications for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Instructions",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand updated immigration instructions under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme to recognise 87 new occupations categorized at Skill Levels 1 to 3 under the National Occupation List (NOL). This allows accredited employers to submit Job Checks and hire migrants under the AEWV for these newly recognised roles, giving eligible workers access to maximum stays of up to 5 years and the ability to support family visas. Phase scope: Phase 1 rollout of the National Occupation List incorporating 87 Skill Level 1 to 3 roles into AEWV and SPWV assessment.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-11-03",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Accredited employers and temporary migrant workers in skilled primary sector, trade, and technical roles",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: This allows accredited employers to submit Job Checks and hire migrants under the AEWV for these newly recognised roles, giving eligible workers access to maximum stays of up to 5 years and the ability to support family visas.",
  "policyCategory": "Admission and work authorization / labour market classification",
  "policyTool": "Immigration instructions / occupational classification list amendment",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/recognising-national-occupation-list-nol-occupations-in-the-accredited-employer-work-visa-aewv",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News Centre, 'Recognising National Occupation List (NOL) occupations in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)', Published 23 October 2025.",
  "evidencePassage": "Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is updating how 87 new occupations are assessed under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme from 3 November 2025, to ensure higher skilled occupations in the National Occupation List (NOL) are recognised. INZ will begin recognising 87 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL in immigration instructions for AEWV applications from 3 November 2025.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-3cbeb17e74c6c89fb23b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Adjustment of Immigration Levy for Business Investor Work Visa",
  "policyEffect": "Amends the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025 to require that the immigration levy to be paid by an applicant for a Business Investor work visa is $1,060, replacing the figure of $3,570.",
  "operativeDate": "2025-11-21",
  "year": 2025,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicant for business investor work visa",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Investor / business migration; levies & fees",
  "policyTool": "Secondary legislation (order in council)",
  "sourceName": "New Zealand Legislation",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2025/257/en/latest",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025 Amendment Regulations 2025 (SL 2025/257), regs 2, 4.",
  "evidencePassage": "In regulation 6(2), item relating to Applicant for Business Investor work visa, replace “3,570” with “1,060”. … These regulations come into force on 21 November 2025. … These regulations amend the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Amendment Regulations 2025.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-99aba484999ef9a3228b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "General Indexation of Immigration Wage Thresholds and Accredited Employer / Green List Settings",
  "policyEffect": "Updates the immigration median wage from NZD $33.56 to NZD $35.00 per hour across Immigration New Zealand instructions. Consequently adjusts indexed thresholds across work and skilled residence pathways: labour market testing / minimum skills advertising exemptions (adjusted to 2x median = NZD $70.00/hr), maximum stay thresholds for lower-skilled roles (1.5x median = NZD $52.50/hr), partner support wage criteria (Skill Levels 1–3 to NZD $28.00/hr; Skill Levels 4–5 to NZD $52.50/hr), Green List partner support threshold (NZD $35.00/hr), and adjustments to teaching pay steps under skilled residence.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-03-09",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Low-to-high skilled workers / accredited employer visa holders / skilled residence applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Consequently adjusts indexed thresholds across work and skilled residence pathways: labour market testing / minimum skills advertising exemptions (adjusted to 2x median = NZD $70.00/hr), maximum stay thresholds for lower-skilled roles (1.5x median = NZD $52.50/hr), partner support wage criteria (Skill Levels 1–3 to NZD $28.00/hr; Skill Levels 4–5 to NZD $52.50/hr), Green List partner support threshold (NZD $35.00/hr), and adjustments to teaching pay steps under skilled residence.",
  "policyCategory": "Labor migration / threshold adjustments",
  "policyTool": "Wage thresholds and criteria indexation",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand / MBIE",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/amendment-circulars/Amendment-Circular-2026-01.pdf",
  "preciseCitation": "Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Immigration New Zealand Instructions: Amendment Circular No. 2026-01, published 19 February 2026, effective 9 March 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": ".15 Points Summary SR3.20 Skilled employment SR3.25 Skill categories SR3.35 Skilled work experience in New Zealand SR4.10 Acceptable employment in a Tier 1 Green List role SR5.10 Acceptable employment in a Tier 2 Green List role SR5.15 Requirements for 24 months of work in New Zealand in a Tier 2 Green List role SR5.20 Work in New Zealand earning at least twice the median wage SR7.10 Acceptable employment in a Transport Sector role SR7.15 Skilled Residence: Transport Sector Work to Residence requirements for 24 months of work in New Zealand Changes have been made to temporary and residence immigration instructions to reflect the annual adjustment to the median wage and the wage thresholds indexed to it. These changes come into effect on 9 March 2026. 1 Appendix 1: Amendments to Residence and Temporary Entry instructions effective on and after 9 March 2026 2 Appendix 7 –Occupations considered as ANZSCO skill level 3 under Accredited Employer instructions The occupations listed below can be considered as ANZSCO skill level 3 for the purpose of assessing the relevant ANZSCO skill level under Accredited Employer instructions. Part 1 - Occupations that are to be treated as ANZSCO skill … list; or ii. their new occupation is listed on the Green List (Appendix 13) and they meet the requirements of the list; or iii. they are being paid at least twice the median wage ($70.00) (WA3.20(a)(i)). The labour market test is met if: i. the employer has advertised the position; and ii. they did not find any suitable and available New Zealand workers for the job. Essential skills work visa holders seeking to change their occupation need to be suitably qualified by qualification and/or experience for the employment on offer as required by the occupation in the ANZSCO which substantially matches … visa which state that they must: i. work for an employer accredited under the AEWV scheme; and o in a role paid at or above the median wage; or o in a role earning the relevant wage threshold if a sector agreement is in place for that role; and ii. not work in a role covered by a capped sector agreement Variation of conditions may be granted to allow the holder to undertake employment in any role for any employer anywhere in New Zealand. In order to be granted a variation of conditions under (a) above, the applicant’s supporting partner must earn at least $28.00 per hour (80 percent of the median … skill level 4 or 5 role, or an applicant who is the partner of an 57 Essential Skills work visa holder, where the supporting partner is paid at least $26.85 per hour, if on 26 June 2025 the applicant: i. held a relationship-based visa supported by the Accredited Employer work visa holder; or ii. had an application in progress for a relationship-based visa supported by the Accredited Employer work visa holder and that application was subsequently granted. A work visa may be granted to an applicant who is the partner of an Essential Skills work visa holder paid at least $28.00 per hour. WF3.1.5. … , the principal applicant must: i. be aged 55 or younger at the time the residence application is made; and ii. meet the skilled employment requirements (see SR3.20), including holding current employment or an offer of employment in New Zealand with an accredited employer (see WA2) which pays at least the equivalent of: o the median wage (currently ($35.00 per hour) if their occupation is listed at ANZSCO skill level 1-3; or o 1.5 times the median wage (currently $52.50 per hour) if their occupation is listed at ANZSCO skill level 4-5, or not included in ANZSCO; and iii. qualify for the 6 points … of $35.00 for the Skilled Migrant Category reflects the June 2025 publication of median wage data by Statistics New Zealand. - The Immigration view of version 1.3 of the ANZSCO provided by Statistics New Zealand is available here: Aria Stats NZ - ANZSCO SR3.10.1 Evidence An immigration officer may consider evidence and information provided in previous visa applications and submissions to Immigration New Zealand to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for a Skilled Migrant Category visa. In cases where any relevant details have changed since an applicant’s most recent visa application",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-peak-seasonal-exclusions-20260419",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Peak Seasonal Visa insurance may exclude specified conditions and events",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 April 2026, compliant Peak Seasonal Visa insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and childbirth except certain complications, HIV-related illness, suicide or attempted suicide, and events involving alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. If an excluded event results in death, the policy may also exclude returning the body home. Private insurance remains required for employment longer than three months, with transition protection for applications already in progress.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-19",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Peak seasonal visa applicants and supporting employers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 19 April 2026, compliant Peak Seasonal Visa insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and childbirth except certain complications, HIV-related illness, suicide or attempted suicide, and events involving alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.; Private insurance remains required for employment longer than three months, with transition protection for applications already in progress.",
  "policyCategory": "Work visas",
  "policyTool": "Health insurance requirement",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-health-insurance-requirements-for-the-peak-seasonal-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Peak Seasonal Visa permitted health-insurance exclusions; effective 19 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "From 19 April 2026, health insurance for the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will change to make it clearer and easier for migrants and employers to meet the requirements. … pre-existing conditions sexually transmitted infections pregnancy and childbirth (except certain complications) HIV-related illness suicide or attempted suicide situations that involve the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. … Where an excluded event under an insurance policy (such as suicide) results in death, the policy may also exclude cover for the cost of returning someone's body to their home country. … People on a PSV are not eligible for publicly funded health care, so private health insurance is required where employment is longer than 3 months. … Applications already in progress will be assessed under transitional arrangements, allowing them to be considered against the updated health insurance requirements.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two automated source reviews plus frozen-unit component adjudication",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-peak-seasonal-repatriation-20260419",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Peak Seasonal Visa insurance no longer requires universal repatriation-of-remains cover",
  "policyEffect": "From 19 April 2026, Peak Seasonal Visa health insurance no longer has to cover repatriation of remains in every circumstance. Private health insurance remains required for employment longer than three months; applications already in progress may be considered under the updated requirements.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-19",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Peak seasonal visa applicants and supporting employers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Private health insurance remains required for employment longer than three months",
  "policyCategory": "Work visas",
  "policyTool": "Health insurance requirement",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-health-insurance-requirements-for-the-peak-seasonal-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Peak Seasonal Visa health-insurance requirements; effective 19 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "From 19 April 2026, health insurance for the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will change to make it clearer and easier for migrants and employers to meet the requirements. … Health insurance will no longer be required to cover repatriation of remains in any circumstances. … People on a PSV are not eligible for publicly funded health care, so private health insurance is required where employment is longer than 3 months. … Applications already in progress will be assessed under transitional arrangements, allowing them to be considered against the updated health insurance requirements.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two automated source reviews plus frozen-unit component adjudication",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-1b6a210d7fe706b8510d",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Standardization and Bifurcation of Open Work Visa Employment Conditions",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand implemented a formal restructuring of employment conditions attached to open work visas. From this date, all newly granted open work visas are issued with one of two explicit employment condition profiles: Allowing Any Work (permits working for any employer, self-employment/sole trading, or owning/operating a business for partner and post-study work visa holders) or Requiring Work for an Employer (restricts holders to direct employment or a contract for services, prohibiting running a proprietary business or self-employment for working holiday visas, migrant exploitation protection, domestic violence, trafficking, and asylum seeker work visas).",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-20",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Open work visa holders (partners, post-study, working holiday, vulnerable/protection categories)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "",
  "policyCategory": "Work / post-study / family / humanitarian",
  "policyTool": "Rights and conditions of stay / self-employment restriction / regulatory fine-tuning",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)",
  "evidencePassage": "Changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders Published 24 February 2026 Changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas came into effect from 20 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide clarity about what work is allowed under open work visas, helping migrants to better understand their rights and responsibilities. Clear and consistent visa conditions reduce uncertainty and support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers. An open work visa lets you work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing a job offer. An employer-specific work visa, like the Accredited Employer Work Visa, links you to one employer and a set role. Employer-specific work visas will not be impacted by these changes. We recognise that not all migrants are familiar with New Zealand’s employment laws or business rules, and that changes to visa conditions can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Our focus is on education and helping people clearly understand their visa conditions. These changes do not apply to Student Visa holders. Two new types of employment conditions From Monday 20 April 2026, open … work visas include 1 of 2 employment conditions. 1. Open work visas allowing any work Some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business. This employment condition applies to the following visas: Partner of a Worker Work Visa Partner of a Student Work Visa Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Post Study Work Visa Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa Partner of a Military Work Visa 2. Open work visas requiring work for an employer Other open work visa holders must work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services. We consider a contract for services as employment. This employment condition applies to the following visas: Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa Asylum Seeker Work Visa All working holiday visas Conditions that apply to all open work visas Regardless of the specific employment condition, if you have an open work visa you must meet the conditions of your visa and comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws. On any open work visa, you cannot employ other people—either directly, or indirectly through a business you operate as an owner (including where the business is the named employer). If you have an open work visa you cannot provide commercial sexual services, or run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services. Transitional arrangements and support If you have an open work visa and have been doing work that is not permitted under your visa (excluding providing commercial sexual services), you may continue until your",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-pac-sq-income-20260430",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pacific Access and Samoan Quota dependent-child income threshold increased",
  "policyEffect": "The minimum annual income threshold for Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota applicants with dependent children increases from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year for applications from 30 April 2026.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-30",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Pacific access category and samoan quota applicants with dependent children",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: The minimum annual income threshold for Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota applicants with dependent children increases from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year for applications from 30 April 2026.",
  "policyCategory": "Family and humanitarian",
  "policyTool": "Income threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories",
  "preciseCitation": "Income thresholds to increase for Pacific and parent visa categories; effective 30 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "For applicants with dependent children, the minimum income threshold will increase from NZD $54,133.04 to NZD $55,404.96 per year. … For the Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, the updated income threshold will apply to applications from 30 April 2026 where the principal applicant has dependent children. … Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota applicants … the updated income threshold will apply to applications from 30 April 2026 where the principal applicant has dependent children.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-parent-boost-applicant-income-20260430",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Parent Boost applicant annual-income thresholds increased",
  "policyEffect": "For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, applicants using annual income to fund their stay must earn at least NZD 33,663.24 a year, or NZD 51,182.56 when including a partner.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-30",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Parent boost visitor visa applicants relying on annual income for applications lodged on or after 30 april 2026",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, applicants using annual income to fund their stay must earn at least NZD 33,663.24 a year, or NZD 51,182.56 when including a partner.",
  "policyCategory": "Family sponsorship",
  "policyTool": "Applicant income threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories",
  "preciseCitation": "Parent Boost applicant annual-income thresholds; effective 30 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, the new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026. … NZD $33,663.24 a year, or NZD $51,182.56 a year if they are including a partner.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two automated source reviews plus frozen-unit component adjudication",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-parent-boost-applicant-funds-20260430",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Parent Boost applicant maintenance-funds thresholds increased",
  "policyEffect": "For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, applicants using personal funds to fund their stay must hold at least NZD 170,000 in a bank account, or NZD 260,000 when including a partner.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-30",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Parent boost visitor visa applicants relying on personal funds for applications lodged on or after 30 april 2026",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, applicants using personal funds to fund their stay must hold at least NZD 170,000 in a bank account, or NZD 260,000 when including a partner.",
  "policyCategory": "Family sponsorship",
  "policyTool": "Maintenance funds threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories",
  "preciseCitation": "Parent Boost applicant maintenance-funds thresholds; effective 30 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, the new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026. … NZD $170,000, or NZD $260,000 if they are including a partner.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two automated source reviews plus frozen-unit component adjudication",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-parent-boost-sponsor-income-20260430",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Parent Boost sponsor income schedule increased",
  "policyEffect": "For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, one sponsor must earn NZD 72,800 for one parent, rising by NZD 36,400 for each additional parent to NZD 254,800 for six; two sponsors must earn NZD 109,200 for one parent, rising to NZD 291,200 for six. Sponsors must meet the applicable minimum in two of the three completed New Zealand tax years before applying.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-30",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Sponsors for parent boost visitor visa applications lodged on or after 30 april 2026",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For Parent Boost applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026, one sponsor must earn NZD 72,800 for one parent, rising by NZD 36,400 for each additional parent to NZD 254,800 for six; two sponsors must earn NZD 109,200 for one parent, rising to NZD 291,200 for six.; Sponsors must meet the applicable minimum in two of the three completed New Zealand tax years before applying.",
  "policyCategory": "Family sponsorship",
  "policyTool": "Income threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories",
  "preciseCitation": "Parent Boost sponsor income schedule; effective 30 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "For the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, the new sponsorship and applicant income and funds thresholds will apply to applications lodged on or after 30 April 2026. … Sponsors must earn at least the minimum income each year. They also must have earned at least the minimum income for 2 out of the past 3 New Zealand completed tax years (1 April to 31 March) before applying. … NZD $72,800.00 NZD $109,200.00 NZD $145,600.00 NZD $182,000.00 NZD $218,400.00 NZD $254,800.00 … NZD $109,200.00 NZD $145,600.00 NZD $182,000.00 NZD $218,400.00 NZD $254,800.00 NZD $291,200.00",
  "reviewMethod": "Two automated source reviews plus frozen-unit component adjudication",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-parent-sponsor-income-20260430",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Parent Category sponsor income thresholds indexed to NZD 35 median wage",
  "policyEffect": "From 30 April 2026, Parent Category Resident Visa sponsorship income thresholds are updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD 35.00 per hour, up from NZD 33.56. Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected. People who have already applied under the Parent Category Resident Visa are not affected.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-04-30",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Sponsors for parent category resident visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected.",
  "policyCategory": "Family sponsorship",
  "policyTool": "Income threshold",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories",
  "preciseCitation": "Income thresholds to increase for Pacific and parent visa categories; effective 30 April 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "Sponsorship income thresholds will be updated to reflect the June 2025 median wage of NZD $35.00 per hour, up from NZD $33.56. … From 30 April 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for several Pacific and family visa categories. … Parent Category Resident Visa applicants Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected. … Sponsors must meet the income threshold that applied for the chosen two 12-month periods during the 3 years before the Expression of Interest was selected. People who have already applied under the Parent Category Resident Visa are not affected.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-ceeb396d300be05cb17d",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Active Investor Plus Visa Philanthropy Option Added to Growth Category",
  "policyEffect": "Growth Category applicants under the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa can now count philanthropic gifts towards up to 20% of their total investment (capped at NZD $1 million). The remaining 80% (NZD $4 million minimum) must still be invested in acceptable higher-growth assets.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-06-01",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Active Investor Plus (Growth category) visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Philanthropic contributions are capped at 20% (up to NZD $1m of the NZD $5m minimum), with the remaining 80% invested in acceptable investments. Eligible charities must have been operating for at least five years, be Tier 1-3, and gifts must benefit New Zealand and cannot personally benefit the applicant.",
  "policyCategory": "eligibility",
  "policyTool": "rules_specifications",
  "sourceName": "beehive.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://beehive.govt.nz/release/aip-visa-growth-category-expands-philanthropy",
  "preciseCitation": "Beehive.govt.nz Press Release, 'AIP Visa Growth Category expands to philanthropy', 25 May 2026",
  "evidencePassage": "From 1 June 2026, applicants in the Growth category will be able to include philanthropic gifts of up to 20 percent of their total investment, with the remainder continuing to be invested in higher-growth assets.",
  "reviewMethod": "Official-source daily scan followed by independent Gemini 3.8 Flash exact-claim and materiality verification.",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-aewv-skill3-english-20260601",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "AEWV English requirement extended to skill-level 3 occupations",
  "policyEffect": "From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications are not required to meet the minimum standard of English, and the requirement does not apply to Job Change applications. People with an AEWV whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3. People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt. Migrants who apply for an AEWV at skill level 3 from 1 June onwards will need to meet the new English language requirements, even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-06-01",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for accredited employer work visas in anzsco or nol skill-level 3 occupations",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.; Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications are not required to meet the minimum standard of English, and the requirement does not apply to Job Change applications.; People with an AEWV whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3.; People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt.; Migrants who apply for an AEWV at skill level 3 from 1 June onwards will need to meet the new English language requirements, even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026.",
  "policyCategory": "Work visas",
  "policyTool": "Language requirement",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/english-language-requirements-extended-to-aewv-skill-level-3-roles",
  "preciseCitation": "English language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles; effective 1 June 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations. … From 1 June 2026 people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL skill skill 3 will also need to meet this requirement. … Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications are not required to meet the minimum standard of English, and the requirement does not apply to Job Change applications. … People with an AEWV whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3. … People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt. … Migrants who apply for an AEWV at skill level 3 from 1 June onwards will need to meet the new English language requirements, even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-32a5cc96d6bc66b36b4b",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "English Language Requirements Extended to AEWV Skill Level 3 Roles",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand has expanded the baseline English language requirement to include all Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications categorized under Skill Level 3 of the ANZSCO and NOL. Applicants must now demonstrate basic English proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 4.0, subject to specific transitional exemptions for current visa holders.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-06-01",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants for ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Does not apply to Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications, or Job Change applications. People with an AEWV expiring on or before 1 December 2026 applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3, or those who previously provided evidence, are exempt.",
  "policyCategory": "eligibility",
  "policyTool": "rule",
  "sourceName": "immigration.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/english-language-requirements-extended-to-aewv-skill-level-3-roles",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand Announcement, 'English language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles', 25 May 2026",
  "evidencePassage": "From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.",
  "reviewMethod": "Official-source daily scan followed by independent Gemini 3.8 Flash exact-claim and materiality verification.",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-pacific-visitor-fee-20260601",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pacific visitor visa fee temporarily reduced for 12 months",
  "policyEffect": "For 12 months starting from 1 June 2026, the total visitor visa cost for eligible nationals of 13 Pacific countries applying outside New Zealand is reduced from NZD $216 to NZD $161, which includes the standard immigration levy of NZD $41. Parent Boost Visitor Visa and Group Visitor Visas are excluded from this reduction.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-06-01",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Eligible nationals of the 13 listed pacific countries applying outside new zealand for a visitor visa",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For 12 months starting from 1 June 2026, the total visitor visa cost for eligible nationals of 13 Pacific countries applying outside New Zealand is reduced from NZD $216 to NZD $161, which includes the standard immigration levy of NZD $41.",
  "policyCategory": "Fees",
  "policyTool": "Temporary fee reduction",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals",
  "preciseCitation": "Visitor visa fees temporarily reduced for Pacific nationals; effective 1 June 2026 for 12 months.",
  "evidencePassage": "A temporary reduction in visitor visa fees for Pacific nationals has taken effect from 1 June 2026 for 12 months. The total cost will be reduced to NZD $161 from NZD $216 (this includes the standard immigration levy of NZD $41). … A temporary reduction in visitor visa fees for Pacific nationals has taken effect from 1 June 2026 for 12 months. … People visiting from the following Pacific nations will have reduced visitor visa fees: American Samoa the Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Nauru Palau Papua New Guinea Republic of the Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu. … This fee reduction only applies to individuals applying outside of New Zealand. … Parent Boost Visitor Visa and Group Visitor Visas are not included in this fee reduction.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-944796a35a03997e61ab",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Requirement for Upfront Police Certificates for Student and Temporary Visas",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand now requires applicants to submit required police certificates at the time of application submission. Receipts or confirmation of application will no longer be accepted. Failure to provide the certificate may result in the application being declined or receiving a significantly restricted visa duration.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-07-01",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants for student and temporary visas requiring police certificates",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel whose certificates are sent directly to INZ by issuing authorities may upload proof of application.",
  "policyCategory": "adjudication",
  "policyTool": "administrative_guidance",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/police-certificates-required-upfront-for-student-and-temporary-visas",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News centre, 'Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas', 01 July 2026",
  "evidencePassage": "Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires police certificates to be provided upfront for student and other temporary visa applications. What is changing If applicants do not include a required police certificate, it may affect their visa decision. The application may be declined. If a police certificate is required, applicants must upload it when they apply so their application can be assessed with complete information. Receipts or confirmation that they have applied will not be accepted.",
  "reviewMethod": "Official-source daily scan followed by independent Gemini 3.8 Flash exact-claim and materiality verification.",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-d3de8d49c4573e5625a2",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Business Investor Work Visa Policy Updates",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand has updated the Business Investor Work Visa policy to expand investment criteria. Key changes include allowing investments in franchise businesses, enabling investments to be made through New Zealand resident entities instead of requiring direct personal ownership, and permitting the use of gifted capital provided the funds were lawfully acquired.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-07-06",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Business Investor Work Visa applicants",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Investments in franchise businesses must meet existing requirements; purchasing businesses through a New Zealand resident entity must reflect standard commercial practice; gifted capital is allowed where it has been lawfully earned.",
  "policyCategory": "eligibility",
  "policyTool": "investor_criteria",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/business-investor-visa-updates-to-unlock-wider-investment-opportunities",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, News centre, Announcement, Business Investor Work Visa updates to unlock wider investment opportunities",
  "evidencePassage": "From 6 July 2026, applicants can invest in franchise businesses that meet existing requirements, widening the range of eligible opportunities. They can also purchase businesses through a New Zealand resident entity, reflecting standard commercial practice and simplifying the investment process. The Government is also introducing greater flexibility in how investment funds are sourced, allowing gifted capital where it has been lawfully earned.",
  "reviewMethod": "Official-source daily scan followed by independent Gemini 3.8 Flash exact-claim and materiality verification.",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "component-nz-oet-in-person-20260713",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Occupational English Test must be completed in person",
  "policyEffect": "From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) used for an immigration application must be completed in person at a supervised test centre, and online testing from home is not permitted. Computer-based OET tests with a remotely administered speaking component completed before 13 July 2026 remain acceptable. OET@Home is not an acceptable English language test and has never been accepted.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-07-13",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Applicants using the occupational english test for immigration applications",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) used for an immigration application must be completed in person at a supervised test centre, and online testing from home is not permitted.; Computer-based OET tests with a remotely administered speaking component completed before 13 July 2026 remain acceptable.",
  "policyCategory": "Evidence requirements",
  "policyTool": "Language test delivery",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/update-on-english-language-testing-for-immigration-applications",
  "preciseCitation": "Update on English language testing for immigration applications; effective 13 July 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), you must take all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) in person at a supervised test centre. You will not be able to complete the test online from home. … If you take the test on or after 13 July 2026, you must go to a test centre. … From midnight 12 July 2026 NZST, we will only accept in-person tests for applications where OET is used as the English language test. … If you completed the computer-based OET test with a remotely administered speaking component before 13 July 2026, you can still use those results for your application. The OET@Home test is not an acceptable English language test for Immigration New Zealand purposes and has never been accepted.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp-72b77647510c36fd775e",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Improvements and Flexibility for the Pathway Student Visa (PSV)",
  "policyEffect": "New Zealand announced updates to the Pathway Student Visa to increase flexibility. Changes include removing the requirement for Year 12 and 13 students to specify an exact tertiary discipline upfront, allowing usage for NZQCF Levels 1 to 4 (including foundation and vocational programs), and extending the maximum English language study duration for first-time holders from 20 to 30 weeks.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-07-20",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "International students applying for or holding Pathway Student Visas (including Year 12 and 13 students transitioning to tertiary study, students enrolled in NZQCF levels 1-4, and students undertaking English language courses)",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Students still must meet core requirements including health, character, and genuine student status. Year 12 and 13 students must still state their planned subject area, level, and provider at application, but their visa conditions only record the qualification type and provider.",
  "policyCategory": "eligibility",
  "policyTool": "visa_conditions",
  "sourceName": "immigration.govt.nz",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/improvements-to-the-pathway-student-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Announcement: Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa to better support international students (Published 20 July 2026)",
  "evidencePassage": "On Monday 20 July 2026, the following changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) took effect. Year 12 and 13 students have more flexibility if their plans change. They still need to confirm their subject area, level and provider during their application, but their PSV conditions only specify the tertiary qualification and the education provider. There are more study pathways at lower levels. Students can use the PSV for study pathways that lead to, or move between, New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework ( ) levels 1 to 4. This includes English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates. Students have more time to complete English language study. Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF levels 1 to 8 can spend up to 30 weeks studying English before starting their next qualification. This is an increase from 20 weeks.",
  "reviewMethod": "Official-source daily scan followed by independent Gemini 3.8 Flash exact-claim and materiality verification.",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp3-1e5210d9e0ba3c03bba4",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Pathway Student Visa Flexibility and Condition Amendments",
  "policyEffect": "Immigration New Zealand introduced operational manual amendments to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) instructions. First, Year 12 and 13 secondary school applicants are no longer locked into a specific tertiary course/discipline; conditions only specify the tertiary qualification level and approved education provider. Second, the PSV scope is expanded to cover study pathways leading to, or moving between, NZ Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Levels 1 through 4. Third, maximum allowable preparatory English language study for first-time PSV holders progressing to NZQCF Levels 1–8 was extended from 20 to 30 weeks.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-07-20",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "International students / secondary & tertiary students",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: conditions only specify the tertiary qualification level and approved education provider.; Third, maximum allowable preparatory English language study for first-time PSV holders progressing to NZQCF Levels 1–8 was extended from 20 to 30 weeks.",
  "policyCategory": "Temporary stay / study conditions",
  "policyTool": "Conditions flexibility / extension of preparatory study duration",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/improvements-to-the-pathway-student-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, Operational Manual Changes: Pathway Student Visa Conditions Update, 20 July 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "works well for students with clear study plans. These changes will give more flexibility to students planning their studies, especially those whose plans become clearer over time. This includes more: options for secondary school students study pathways at lower levels, and time to complete English language studies. Together, these changes mean students can keep their options open for longer and choose from a wider range of study pathways. What is changing On Monday 20 July 2026, the following changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) took effect. Year 12 and 13 students have more flexibility if their plans change. They still need to confirm their subject area, level and provider during their application, but their PSV conditions only specify the tertiary qualification and the education provider. There are more study pathways at lower levels. Students can use the PSV for study pathways that lead to, or move between, New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework ( ) levels 1 to 4. This includes English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates. Students have more time to complete English language study. Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF levels 1 … to 8 can spend up to 30 weeks studying English before starting their next qualification. This is an increase from 20 weeks. Changes to Pathway Student Visa conditions On Monday 20 July 2026, PSV conditions for students progressing from school to tertiary study became more flexible. When applying, students still need to tell us: the subject area they plan to study, for example, science, health or engineering the level they plan to study, for example bachelor’s degree, and the education provider they intend to study with, for example the University of Otago. However, their visa conditions only state the qualification type and education provider. For example, “Bachelor’s degree at University of Auckland”. This means students can change disciplines, with their provider’s approval, without needing to apply for a new student visa. Before 20 July, PSV conditions specified both the qualification and the discipline a student intended to study, for example, “Bachelor of Science at University of Auckland”. This meant that if a student decided to change disciplines after finishing secondary school, like switching to a Bachelor of Arts, they would need to apply for a new student visa before they",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp5-ed749b7eeaa23ba4808c",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Hepatitis B and C removed from resident-visa high-cost health list",
  "policyEffect": "For resident-visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026, hepatitis B and hepatitis C no longer cause an automatic finding that the applicant lacks an acceptable standard of health. Applicants must still meet New Zealand's health requirements and are assessed on their individual medical circumstances.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-08-03",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Resident-visa applicants with hepatitis b or hepatitis c whose applications are submitted on or after 3 august 2026",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: For resident-visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026, hepatitis B and hepatitis C no longer cause an automatic finding that the applicant lacks an acceptable standard of health.; Applicants must still meet New Zealand's health requirements and are assessed on their individual medical circumstances.",
  "policyCategory": "Residence class visas / medical and health admissibility settings",
  "policyTool": "Health instructions modification / de-listing default disqualifying medical conditions",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/hepatitis-b-and-c-removed-from-resident-visa-high-cost-health-conditions-list",
  "preciseCitation": "Hepatitis B and C removed from resident visa high-cost health conditions list; effective for applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026.",
  "evidencePassage": "Resident visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026, applicants with hepatitis B or hepatitis C will no longer be automatically assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health. … Applicants will still need to meet New Zealand’s health requirements. However, INZ medical assessors will now consider the individual medical circumstances of each applicant with hepatitis B or C rather than automatically finding they will impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health or education services.",
  "reviewMethod": "Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 },
 {
  "stableRecordId": "fcp6-4ddc75b509c0391603de",
  "countryCode": "NZ",
  "country": "New Zealand",
  "title": "Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Three-Pathway Restructuring, Wage Threshold Anchor, and Overseas Evidentiary Instructions",
  "policyEffect": "Restructures the Skilled Migrant Category into three distinct residence pathways (Points-based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician pathways), introduces wage threshold anchoring tied to the start of skilled work experience accrual, and adjusts evidentiary requirements for overseas work experience. Phase scope: Operative across all SMC residence applications lodged on or after 24 August 2026.",
  "operativeDate": "2026-08-24",
  "year": 2026,
  "affectedGroup": "Skilled migrants, technicians, tradespersons, and accredited employer sponsored workers",
  "materialConditionsAndExceptions": "Validated condition or limit: Restructures the Skilled Migrant Category into three distinct residence pathways (Points-based, Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician pathways), introduces wage threshold anchoring tied to the start of skilled work experience accrual, and adjusts evidentiary requirements for overseas work experience.; Phase scope: Operative across all SMC residence applications lodged on or after 24 August 2026.",
  "policyCategory": "Labor migration / permanent residence",
  "policyTool": "Points system, pathway creation, wage threshold anchoring, and evidentiary standards",
  "sourceName": "Immigration New Zealand",
  "sourceUrl": "https://immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/final-details-about-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-and-work-to-residence-visa",
  "preciseCitation": "Immigration New Zealand, 'Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas', 18 June 2026",
  "evidencePassage": "Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is announcing final details on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) ahead of these changes taking effect on 24 August 2026. In addition, INZ is also announcing changes to the wage rate rules for work to residence visas.",
  "reviewMethod": "Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews",
  "legalReviewStatus": "Automated source validation is not independent human legal review. The finding should not be treated as legal advice."
 }
]