Immigration News & Articles
Biosecurity Levy Reduced by 30% for Incoming Air Passengers in New Zealand
1 week ago | 117 viewsThe biosecurity component of the Border Processing Levy for most arriving air passengers will decrease by 30 percent, from $16.92 to $12.03, as the costs of rebuilding border operations after COVID-19 have been paid off. The levy funds essential biosecurity services like x-ray screening and detector dogs, which protect New Zealand's economy and environment, particularly benefiting farmers and other primary industries. The government plans to use levy funds to modernize border biosecurity through investments in new technology, including a digital border program and enhanced passenger processing systems.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Border Processing Levy biosecurity air travel New Zealand Traveller Declaration detector dogs digital border programmeNew Zealand Citizenship Wait Times Cut by 72% with Faster Processing
3 weeks ago | 244 viewsCitizenship application wait times in New Zealand have decreased by 72% since Labour last governed, with average processing now taking 51 days compared to 180 days in October 2023. Despite consistent application numbers over the past three years, the Government has focused on efficient service delivery to reduce stress and provide certainty for applicants who have already spent at least five years in the country. Minister Brooke van Velden thanked the processing teams and emphasized the importance of reliable government services, noting applications can be submitted online or by post.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Labour New Zealand citizenship Department of Internal Affairs Government citizenship applications wait times citizenship processing New Zealand GovernmentCheck Your Passport Expiry Now: Renew Early to Beat 2026-27 Rush in NZ
1 month ago | 314 viewsMinister Brooke van Velden urges New Zealanders to check and renew their passports ahead of a predicted surge in applications due to the 10-year passport validity anniversary. Over 1.3 million passports will expire in the next two years, with 622,000 expected to apply for renewal in 2026 and 759,000 in 2027. The Department of Internal Affairs has improved processing times from 25 to 3 days, encouraging travelers to renew passports early via the easy online system.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs New Zealand passport expiry passport renewal Department of Internal Affairs passport applications 2026 passport expiry 2027 passport expiry passport processing timesNew Visa-Free Pathway Boosts New Zealand Tourism with 13,000+ Visitors
2 months ago | 248 viewsNew Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
Tags: New Zealand Chinese travellers Pacific travellers Australian visas Erica Stanford Louise Upston NZeTA tourism Christchurch QueenstownNew Zealand Business Investor Visa Now Open for Experienced Investors
2 months ago | 287 viewsNew Zealand has launched the Business Investor Visa to attract experienced investors who will actively contribute to established businesses, supporting economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment pathways: $1 million for a three-year work-to-residence option and $2 million for a 12-month fast-track to residence. This initiative aims to sustain local businesses, protect jobs, and bring fresh capital and expertise into the economy as part of broader efforts to boost investment and growth.
Tags: Business Investor Visa New Zealand Immigration Erica Stanford investment business growth Active Investor Plus visa economic growth overseas investorsNew Zealand and Iceland Strengthen Cooperation on Working Holidays, Taxation, and Geothermal Energy
3 months ago | 329 viewsNew Zealand and Iceland are strengthening cooperation in areas such as working holidays, taxation, and geothermal energy, as announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters during his visit to Iceland. Initiatives like a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme aim to enhance collaboration between the two island nations, fostering opportunities for young people to engage, learn, and contribute internationally. The Double Tax Agreement and exploration of geothermal energy aim to bolster economic ties and address future energy needs, with Mr Peters highlighting the importance of learning from Iceland's expertise in this field during his broader visit to the Nordic region.
Tags: New Zealand Iceland Winston Peters Halla Tómasdóttir Erica Stanford Daði Már Kristófersson Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson Working Holiday Scheme Double Tax Agreement Geothermal EnergyParent Boost Visitor Visa Applications Now Open for New Zealand Citizens and Residents | Up to 5 Years Stay
4 months ago | 422 viewsApplications are open for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand, allowing parents of citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, meeting health, financial, and insurance requirements. The visa aims to balance the desires of migrants with parents overseas for longer visits while protecting public services. Additionally, initiatives like smart skilled migrant residency pathways are part of efforts to attract talent, support businesses, and boost the economy.
Tags: Parent Boost Visitor Visa New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford visitor visa health system skilled migrant residency pathways talent attraction economic growth National ACTNew Skilled Migrant Residence Pathways to Boost Kiwi Businesses
4 months ago | 611 viewsThe New Zealand Government is introducing two new skilled migrant residence pathways to help businesses attract and retain the workforce they need. These pathways include the Skilled Work Experience pathway for migrants with at least five years of relevant work experience and the Trades and Technician pathway for migrants with specified qualifications and work experience. The government aims to balance attracting higher-skilled workers with managing migration levels responsibly, prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs, and ensuring that skilled and experienced migrants are placed in occupations where they are most needed.
Tags: Kiwi businesses Government Nicola Willis skilled migrant residence pathways Economic Growth Minister Immigration Minister Erica Stanford skilled workers New Zealanders immigration solutionsImmigration Minister Erica Stanford Leads Delegation to Promote Active Investor Plus Visa in the US
4 months ago | 589 viewsImmigration Minister Erica Stanford is leading a delegation to the United States to promote New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa, which has attracted over $1 billion in proposed investments since April 1, with US investors showing the most interest. The trip aims to engage with potential investors interested in New Zealand's business opportunities and economic growth, highlighting the country's appeal as a safe and pro-business environment. Minister Stanford will visit New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco for events organized by Invest NZ, emphasizing the importance of attracting investment to support economic development and create opportunities for New Zealanders.
Tags: Erica Stanford Immigration Minister United States Active Investor Plus visa Invest NZ New Zealand investors economic growth delegation potential investorsNew Zealand Immigration System Strengthened: Deportation Rules & Compliance Enhanced
5 months ago | 593 viewsThe Government is proposing changes to the Immigration Act to enhance deportation settings and immigration compliance in New Zealand, aiming to strengthen the integrity and trust in the immigration system. The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill will expand deportation liability for serious criminal offenses, false information provision, and historic crimes, among other measures. Additionally, the Bill will increase penalties for migrant exploitation to combat this crime and improve compliance within the immigration framework.
Tags: Erica Stanford Immigration Minister deportation settings immigration compliance New Zealand Immigration Act deportation liability migrant exploitation residence class visa holders compliance frameworkNew Zealand Opens Doors to Overseas Investors for Home Ownership under Active Investor Plus Visa
5 months ago | 564 viewsOverseas-based investors with a New Zealand investor residence visa can now buy a house in New Zealand to stimulate economic growth, despite the ban on foreigners purchasing residential housing. The Active Investor Plus residency visa, requiring a minimum investment of $5 million, aims to attract high net worth individuals to deepen their connection to New Zealand and contribute to the economy by allowing them to own a home. This policy change balances the desire to limit foreign ownership while attracting significant investors to invest in the country, potentially bringing in a total minimum investment of $1.8 billion.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Prime Minister New Zealand Investor residence visa Active Investor Plus Foreign buyer ban Overseas Investment Act New Zealand economy High net worth investorsNew Zealand Introduces Business Investor Visa to Boost Economy
5 months ago | 614 viewsThe Government of New Zealand is modernizing visa settings to attract experienced businesspeople through the new Business Investor Visa, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation. The visa offers two investment options: a $1 million investment with a three-year work-to-residence pathway and a $2 million investment with a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway. This initiative replaces the Entrepreneur Category, aims to deliver real economic benefits, and is part of a broader refresh of business visa settings to support the country's economy.
Tags: Government modernising visa settings businesspeople New Zealand Business Investor Visa Erica Stanford investment Immigration New Zealand economic benefitsMinister of Internal Affairs Celebrates Decrease in Citizenship Application Wait Times
5 months ago | 616 viewsMinister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden notes a significant decrease in the number of people awaiting citizenship decisions, with the current backlog reduced to just over 13,700 from a high of 37,690 in April 2022. Efforts to streamline processes and reduce wait times have led to improved efficiency and quicker processing times, with the oldest applications now being picked up within two months compared to an 11-month delay in the past. Van Velden emphasizes the importance of celebrating the milestone of becoming a New Zealand citizen and acknowledges the contributions of individuals waiting for citizenship to the economy and communities.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Minister of Internal Affairs Citizenship by Grant application Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand citizen citizenship delays citizenship processing economy communities backlogNew Seasonal Visas in New Zealand: Boosting Businesses and Prioritizing Jobs for Kiwis
6 months ago | 789 viewsThe Government is introducing two new seasonal visa pathways to assist New Zealand businesses in accessing necessary workers during peak periods, while also prioritizing job opportunities for New Zealanders. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is a three-year visa for experienced seasonal workers in various industries, while the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is a seven-month visa for short-term roles. Visa holders must spend time offshore before returning, and employers must advertise roles and engage with MSD to prioritize New Zealand workers.
Tags: Government New Zealand businesses workers jobs Immigration Minister Erica Stanford Global Workforce Seasonal Visa Peak Seasonal Visa employers seasonal industriesGovernment Strengthens Immigration System for Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity: Key Changes Unveiled
7 months ago | 1536 viewsThe Government is taking another step to strengthen the fiscal sustainability and integrity of the immigration system following the successful first reading of the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill. “Our immigration system needs to be smart, responsive and flexible to keep pace with the changing geopolitical context. The changes proposed will help ensure our settings appropriately respond to risk and are sustainable,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
Tags: Erica stanford Immigration King ’ s counsel Stanford Victoria casey