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Immigration

Webinar: Immigration Updates for HR Practitioners
Join us to hear the latest in New Zealand’s constantly changing immigration space. In partnership with HRNZ, Lane Neave Immigration Partner, Rachael Mason, will share the practical guidance and...
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New Invest NZ Guidance Released for Approvals and Recertification of Active Investor Plus Managed Funds and Direct Investments
Invest NZ has published anticipated guidance updates designed to assist managed fund and direct...
Tougher Approach Being Applied to Active Investor Plus Managed Funds and Direct Investments
Immigration New Zealand has announced significant changes to the requirements for approved managed funds...
Active Investor Plus: August 2026 Changes, Policy Clarity and Consequences
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced a package of changes to the Active Investor...
Lane Neave welcomes Arran Hunt to its Immigration Law practice
Lane Neave is thrilled to welcome Arran Hunt, who today, 6 July 2026, joins...
Free webinar: visa pathways and your immigration future in New Zealand 
Working in New Zealand on a visa and unsure what comes next? Or looking at...
Active Investor Plus: philanthropy now allowed under growth category
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced a change to the Active Investor Plus (AI+)...
Workforce impact ahead: English language requirements expand for AEWV roles
From 1 June, Immigration New Zealand will require applicants for ANZSCO / NOL Skill...
Demystifying buying property for NZ investor visa holders – acquisition pathways and tax overlay
On 6 March 2026, the much-anticipated reforms to the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (Act)...
Webinar: Latest immigration policy changes: what they mean for your workforce
Immigration New Zealand recently released fairly substantial policy changes in relation to residence visa...
2026 SMC overhaul: winners, losers & what happens next
If you’ve been following the signals, you’ll know Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has been...
Foreign buyer ban lifted – new property purchase law passed
On Friday 12 December 2025, the New Zealand Government passed, under urgency, an amendment...
Free HR immigration update webinar: start 2026 strong: visa updates for NZ employers 
The immigration and visa landscape in New Zealand is constantly changing – and more...
Free webinar: Your New Zealand medical career – simplified
On 28 October, please join us for a one-hour webinar, tailored for medical professionals...
Helping parents stay longer in NZ: your guide to the Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Immigration New Zealand is introducing a new visa that could make it easier for...
Free immigration and visa webinar: your immigration future in NZ
Are you currently working in New Zealand on a visa and wondering what’s next?...
NZ opens doors: investor visa holders can now buy or build homes
On 1 September, the New Zealand Government announced a major change: investor resident visa...
Webinar – the latest in immigration policies
Being held on Wednesday, this lunchtime webinar is tailored for employers navigating New Zealand’s...
New Business Investor Visa: supporting succession and growth of NZ SMEs
On 27 August, the Minister of Immigration announced the retirement of the long-troubled Entrepreneur...
Webinar – updates, trends, and key changes in immigration policy
If you’re an employer navigating New Zealand’s ever-changing immigration landscape, please join us for...
“Going for Growth” – Active Investor Plus visa refinements expand pool of NZ businesses and funds that can access foreign investment
Refinements to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa programme that come into effect on...
Open for Business – Refinements to the Active Investor Plus Visa
On 9 February 2025, the New Zealand Government announced changes to our Active Investor...
Early Christmas present from Minister of Immigration
With less than a week until Christmas, the Minister of Immigration has announced a suite of...
Spike in interest from Americans wanting to call New Zealand home
Our immigration law experts are experiencing a surge of interest from Americans looking to...
Webinar: Charting your medical career in New Zealand: an insider’s guide to success
Please join us for a free one-hour webinar, aimed specifically for medical professionals who...
Charting your medical career in New Zealand: an insider’s guide to success
Join us for a free one-hour webinar, aimed specifically for medical professionals who are...
Event: immigration deep dive
Let us help you navigate recent changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa Programme...
Employer Accreditation Renewal: no longer a walk in the park
Many employers will have their employer accreditation status coming up for renewal in the...
Racial Harassment in the Workplace – When Group Banter Goes too Far
The Human Rights Review Tribunal (Tribunal) has ordered that an employer pay $10,000 in...
Accredited Employer Work Visas: guide to regional advertising
Many employers will be aware that the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) approach regarding multi-location...
Immigration: an early Christmas present & the Christmas present you may not want?
The early Christmas present: no median wage increase in February 2024 As many employers...
Navigating Job Check delays – top 5 tips for employers
Many employers will be aware of the recent significant delays at the Immigration New...
Changes to Immigration New Zealand’s Green List in early 2024
From March 2024, 17 new roles will be added to Immigration New Zealand’s Green...
A new government; a ‘new dawn’ for New Zealand immigration?
New Zealand has gone to the polls and voted for change. What will this...
No more 90-day trial period for migrant workers
Safeguarding the rights of migrant workers has been a top priority for Immigration New...
90% of investigated businesses found non-compliant with workplace law regulations
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recently confirmed to us under...
Double jeopardy? New approach to provision of false, misleading or withheld information in visa applications
On Friday 1 September Immigration New Zealand (INZ) released Amendment Circular No. 2023-26, a...
Looking for NZ residence?  Consider the transportation sector
Last month saw the end of an era, with the last Expression of Interest...
Skilled Migrant Category Residence – apply now or later?
Introduced in December 2003, the current Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) policy stands as New...
Free workshops: Residence pathways for your parents
If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident, and considering applying for residence...
Post-study Work Visa issued for study “outside” New Zealand during pandemic
In late 2022, an international student who had just completed a Master of Engineering...
Time to play Parent Category Bingo
At the same time as announcing the reopening of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)...
Reopening of Skilled Migrant Category – Going Once, Twice…
The suspension of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) in 2020 caused migrants both onshore...
A disincentive to being diligent: accredited employers and their disclosure obligations
Many New Zealand employers have spent valuable time and money developing sophisticated HR and...
Migrant Check: top 5 things you need to know
The Migrant Check is the third and final stage in the three-step process of...
“Green List” limitations: when the green light turns red
You’ve found a fantastic migrant to bring into New Zealand. They are highly experienced...
Green light for green list? Details released on Skilled Residence Pathways
On 11 May 2022 the New Zealand Government announced a new “Green List” that...
Job Check – top 5 things you need to know
The Job Check is the second stage in the three-step process of securing a...
Active Investor Plus Visa – High Stakes Poker
On Wednesday 19 July the New Zealand Government made a bold move in departing...
One door opens and another closes – border opening with a reset “twist”
In the last week or so a number of major announcements/changes have been announced...
Investment-based visas – border entry timing
The announcements made yesterday were favourable to a significant cohort of New Zealand citizens...
Five-stage border “opening” settings
On 3 February 2022 the New Zealand Government has finally announced its staged process...
Some new resident visa holders now cleared for entry
In a further change announced on 9 December related to the continued fall-out associated...
Extension of border entry for some resident visa holders
In our recent article on ‘Reconnecting’ New Zealand to the World we covered the...
‘Reconnecting’ New Zealand to the World from 1 May 2022
On Wednesday 24 November the New Zealand Government made the long-awaited announcements around timing...
The 2021 Resident Visa – finer policy review
Immigration New Zealand have recently released the full policy that applies to the new...
Immigration news round-up
It’s been another interesting week of developments in the world of immigration and so...
Residence visas for all – kicking the can down the road
In (another) shocking change of direction, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have released high-level details...
Immigration confusion – a sustained loss of traction
Many of you may have questioned why you have not heard from us for...
No jab, no job: authority to determine justifiability
It is arguably the (employment law) question of 2021: can employers terminate their employees...
D-Day for employers of migrant workers
Today, INZ has released some further information in relation to the Accredited Employer Work...
Potential changes to median wage rate
Most readers will be aware that in terms of current immigration policy, the median...
‘Other critical worker’ exception recalibration: don’t be fooled!
On 11 September Immigration New Zealand (INZ) released some policy changes in relation to...
Immigration Monthly Newsletter – July 2020 edition
July 2020 newsletter In this edition: Assessment of “family” under new border criteria Some...
Changes to Essential Skills work visas – effective 27 July 2020
A few weeks ago, when the Minister of Immigration was discussing some proposed changes...
Six-month extension for employer-assisted work visas: the nitty-gritty
In what is widely thought to be the final act of this nature, the...
Entry through the closed border for “critical workers”
INZ has now released its full detailed policy on the requirements that must be...
New border entry criteria from Thursday 18 June 2020
In our most recent article we predicted that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) would make...
Avatar did it – here’s wow you can too – economic border exception process explained
As many readers of this article are aware the New Zealand Government has recently...
Leave without pay could save the day
As many employers face the possibility of making employees redundant, the question of placing...
Immigration update for employers and HR professionals
Webinar: “Immigration update for employers and HR professionals.” Thursday 4 June 2020 12.00 –...
Immigration May Newsletter
In this edition: Tough new labour market testing guidelines for work visa applications Border...
Tough new labour market testing guidelines for work visa applications
As predicted in our recent articles, webinars and comments, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has...
Student visas: a possible “lifeline” for former work visa holders
As the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to widen, many work visa holders in...
Unbridled power – Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill
The Minister of Immigration has introduced a Bill into Parliament today that proposes to...
New Zealand visa and immigration pathways: all you need to know
Webinar: “New Zealand visa and immigration pathways: all you need to know” Friday 8...
Processing priority of visa applications
On 17 April 2020, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that, as of 16 April...
Immigration April Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand start processing some standard visa applications A small...
Immigration New Zealand start processing some standard visa applications
On 17 April 2020 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that they are now able...
Frequently asked questions – for employees
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on countries around the world,...
Frequently asked questions – for employers of migrant workers
Q: We have an employee on an interim visa, are we able to claim...
Relaxation of visa conditions for all workers delivering essential services
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made the long-awaited announcement on temporary visa variations to...
COVID-19: immigration considerations for healthcare workers
As the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grow, the immigration related uncertainties...
Main COVID-19 policy announcements as at 1.30pm, 9 April 2020
Many of you will be aware that there have been numerous policy changes/announcements since...
COVID-19 and migrant worker employees – FAQs for employers
Q: We have an employee on an interim visa, are we able to claim...
During and post lockdown: top tips for employers of migrant workers
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have massive implications for employers of migrant...
Epidemic management notice issued – immigration ramifications and visa processing
For the first time the New Zealand Government has issued an Epidemic Management Notice...
COVID-19 border closure – the fine print
At 11.59 pm on Thursday 19 March 2020 New Zealand, for the very first...
Immigration March Newsletter
In this edition: Upcoming challenges for work visa holders in New Zealand: Act now!...
Immigration February Newsletter
In this edition: Coronavirus update: an evolving situation Maintaining well-being whilst moving countries Investment...
Expect substantial delays to work visa applications
The Associate Deputy Chief Executive of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released a statement...
Travel ban update & change of priority processing on residence applications
Following our recent article Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has reviewed its travel ban in...
New Family (Parent) Category – effective 24 February 2020
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now finally announced the full policy details surrounding the...
Remuneration threshold changes – an update for employers
With February fast approaching, it is important for employers to pay regard to Immigration...
Remuneration threshold changes
With February fast approaching, it is important to pay regard to Immigration New Zealand’s...
Immigration January Newsletter
In this edition: Remuneration threshold changes Introducing expat resettlement expert, Bridget Romanes 2020 investment...
Consultation on migrant exploitation
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) welcomed feedback and proposals for the...
Immigration December Newsletter
In this edition: Consultation on migrant exploitation New capital requirements on banks and the...
The latest on Culturally Arranged Marriage visas
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has been in hot water with the recent uproar around...
Immigration November Newsletter
In this edition: The latest on culturally arranged marriage visas Listed utilities sector in...
New ANZSCO occupations allowing grant of residency and three-year work visas
Statistics New Zealand and the Australian Bureau of Statistics have completed a refresh of...
Immigration October Newsletter
In this edition: Parent Resident Visa Category will open again in February 2020 New...
New Parent Residence Category to open in February 2020
The Minister of Immigration has finally announced that the Parent Resident Visa Category will...
Immigration September Newsletter
In this edition: Problems with Work Visas for Employees of Non-Accredited Labour Hire companies...
Problems with work visas for employees of non-accredited Labour Hire companies
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) seem to be taking a renewed interest in temporary work...
Employer Supported Work Visa changes announced
Today the Minister of Immigration (Minister) has released further details on the long-anticipated changes...
Delays in visa processing timeframes impact employers and employees
If you employ migrant workers and they are looking to apply for visas you...
Immigration August Newsletter
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand: significant processing delays Global financial turbulance? Not in...
Immigration July newsletter
In this edition: Partnership-Based Temporary Visa applications: stuck between a rock and hard place...
A temporary change in location: employers of work-visa holders beware
Scenario: A multinational engineering firm advertises an Engineering Technician vacancy on Seek and LinkedIn...
Lane Neave welcomes two new partners
National law firm, Lane Neave, is proud to welcome two new Partners in recognition...
Calculating base salary – Work to Residence (Talent) Visa
Early last year, we shared with you our observation on Immigration New Zealand (INZ)...
Wellington appointment bolsters Lane Neave national immigration law offering
National law firm Lane Neave has enhanced its immigration service to existing and new...
Travelling to New Zealand — new requirements for visa waiver travellers
From 1 October 2019 some international visitors and transit passengers must hold an Electronic...
Immigration May newsletter
In this edition: Travelling to New Zealand — bew requirements for visa waiver travellers...
Immigration April Newsletter
In this edition: Employer compliance: impact on changes to employer-sponsored work visas NZ’s strengthened...
Compliance for employers and recruitment of migrant workers
Unfortunately, the last six months has seen an increasing number of articles published in...
New residence category for victims of mosque attacks
The Minister of Immigration (Minister) previously indicated that the Government was looking at the...
March Immigration Newsletter
In this edition: Christchurch mosque attacks Population growth rate high, strong demand for housing...
Christchurch mosque attacks
The events which occurred on 15 March 2019 in Christchurch were nothing less than...
Major immigration changes – keeping your employees “in the loop”
As covered in our recent seminar series, significant changes to New Zealand’s immigration system...
February Immigration Newsletter
In this edition: Major changes to employer-sponsored work visas on the way Net migration...
Game changer – major amendments proposed for employer assisted temporary work visas (Chinese seminars added)
In late December 2018 the Government announced its decision to invite feedback on their...
Lane Neave office closure dates
Happy Holidays! We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable festive season....
Employment Relations Amendment Bill: royal assent expected this week
Almost a year after it was introduced, the Employment Relations Amendment Bill finally passed...
Fired for stealing a bag of chips
It is commonly understood that to justify terminating an employee’s employment you have to...
Immigration November Newsletter
In this edition: New policy changes in effect New Zealanders making their mark in...
New immigration policy changes in effect will impact employers
A number of recently announced immigration policy changes are coming into effect on Monday...
Compensation awards in the Employment Relations Authority: an update
A few weeks ago we published an article about the banding approach to assessing...
Trial periods and how to get them right
The future for trial periods is uncertain.  As drafted, the Employment Relations Amendment Bill...
Changes to remuneration requirements on 26 November – Skilled Migrant (Resident Visa) and Essential Skills (Work Visa)
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the remuneration thresholds associated with both...
Employer update – INZ increase fees and seek submissions for skill shortage review
Increase in immigration fees and levies – 5 November Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has...
Employees, social media and bringing the employer in to disrepute
As the role of social media in everyday life becomes more prevalent, the grey...
Fixed term agreements – what is a genuine reason based on reasonable grounds?
Fixed term agreements are a handy tool for employers who don’t require a permanent...
The dos and don’ts of pre employment screening
Employers often want to know what they can and can’t ask in job applications...
Employee surveillance at work – a “how to” guide for employers
Employers often wish to monitor or record their employees while at work, whether for...
Continued focus on migrant worker exploitation
In our previous article on this topic, we wrote about Immigration New Zealand’s recent...
Disciplinary procedures: a recap
A recent example of a flawed dismissal process was outlined in Payne v Bupa...
Are you across the latest employment law amendment bills?
Holidays (Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage) Amendment Bill This Member’s Bill was introduced on 9...
Employment Relations Amendment Bill – Select Committee report released
The Select Committee reported back on the changes proposed to the Employment Relations Act...
Employer’s duty to protect the mental wellbeing of employees
Mental health is currently the primary cause of lost working days in the majority...
A whopper of a mistake
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has barred Burger King from hiring...
Interim visa policy change
Interim visas are granted to visa applicants in New Zealand, in cases where their...
Immigration Newsletter: August
In this edition: Interim visa policy changes Social practices – the unwritten rules of...
Changes to post-study work rights and potential Auckland student exodus
The long awaited announcement by the Minister of Immigration (Minister) on the proposed changes...
Immigration changes employers should be across
There have been a few changes and updates in the immigration space over the...
Immigration Newsletter: July
In this edition: Latest immigration changes you should know about Finding your place in...
Immigration Seminar: A Pathway to Residence (Christchurch)
This free seminar is for Chinese visa holders who are working and/or studying in...
Seminar: Employer Accreditation – What You Need to Know (Wellington & Queenstown)
Managing HR and employment law issues is challenging enough, and when you throw in...
‘Tis the season for employment law queries
We usually get an influx of similar employment law queries at various times throughout...
Proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act Amendment Bill – clarity or confusion?
The Select Committee has completed its deliberations on the Overseas Investment Act Amendment Bill...
Fair Pay Agreements
One of the more controversial labour law changes on the “to do list” of...
Responsibility for a breach of visa conditions falls both on the visa holder and the employer
Most employers will be aware of the importance of checking the visa of a...
Volunteer associations to be excluded from Health and Safety at Work Act duties
A new Bill has been introduced to the House that intends to amend the...
Government priorities update – spotlight on employer accreditation policy and labour market checks
The Immigration Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway, has warned that some immigration policies, specifically in relation...
5 Year Employer Accreditation renewals – non-government entities “do not qualify”
Employers will no doubt be aware of the rigorous and complicated policy requirements that...
Immigration Newsletter: February
In this edition: Do you need a pay rise to qualify for a visa?...
Christmas closure – dates
Happy Holidays! We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable festive season....
Immigration Newsletter: December
In this edition: Immigration New Zealand office restructure and closures Christmas in New Zealand...
Significant new restrictions overseas buyers residential property
The Coalition Government has introduced into Parliament under urgency the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill...
Workplace Law Newsletter: December
In this edition: Authority looks at when an employer can “fairly cry halt” Tis...
New overseas investment restrictions– major direction change for offshore New Zealand land acquisitions
The Coalition Government has made its first big move to change the way in...
Workplace Law Newsletter: November
In this edition: What the new government means for employment law Second HSWA case...
Immigration changes – a new direction under a new Government
It will be somewhat of a relief to both employers as well as migrants...
New immigration changes – a big deal
In this edition of the Immigration Newsletter: New immigration changes – a big deal...
Workplace Law Newsletter: August
In this edition: MBIE releases Holidays Act compliance document New regulations for hazardous substances...
Essential Skills Work Visa policy changes
The Minister of Immigration, Hon Michael Woodhouse, has announced policy changes to the Essential...
Published list of non-compliant employers
In this edition of the our Immigration Law Newsletter: Published list of non-compliant employers...
Queenstown Workplace Law Workshop
This free Workplace Law Workshop will update you on the latest Employment, Health &...
Positive changes to the New Zealand Migrant Investment categories
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented changes to both the Investor Plus and Investor...
Significant immigration policy reforms – “tweaks” that will actually have a major impact
The Government announcement yesterday on the proposed changes to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policy...
LINZ Newsletter: March
In this edition: Increases to retirement age: impact on residence eligibility All on board:...
Employers take note: major immigration compliance changes coming in on 1 April
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the implementation of a very tough new policy...
LINZ Newsletter: February
Employer compliance: impacting your immigration status If you are wishing to secure an employment...
A defining case on premium – the recovery of costs associated with the recruitment of migrant labour
Many employers and recruitment companies alike, who rely in particular on migrant labour to supplement...
New immigration website launched
Lane Neave has launched a more informative, user-friendly website for immigration information, news and...
Are you thinking about moving to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a popular choice for people wanting to move to a developed...
Major Changes to the Skilled Migrant and Parent categories
Significant changes were announced by the New Zealand Government earlier this month around the...
Immigration New Zealand announce policy changes
Major changes to the Government’s New Zealand Residence Program have been announced today by...
Is volunteering considered “work”?
Lane Neave clients often ask for guidance around whether they can participate in “volunteer”...
Workplace Law Newsletter: August
In the August edition of the Lane Neave Workplace Law Newsletter: Procedure when investigating serious misconduct...
Brexodus to New Zealand?
Google searches for “How to move to New Zealand” have become a Google trend,...
Workplace Law Newsletter: July
In the July edition of the Lane Neave Workplace Law Newsletter: Pay equity in New Zealand...
Immigration New Zealand’s Queenstown office set to close / centralised processing
Following a lengthy review, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that the INZ Queenstown...
Workplace Law Newsletter: June
In the June edition of the Lane Neave Workplace Law Newsletter: Three key ways HR...
Workplace Law Newsletter: May
In the May Lane Neave Workplace Law Newsletter: Digger operator awarded $23,000.00 for constructive...
Getting it right: migrant recruitment and labour hire seminar
We invite all Canterbury recruitment and labour hire companies who currently are, or are...