Visa Works NZ

17/06/2026

🚨 Major Changes to New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Residence Pathways Have Been Confirmed 🚨

Immigration New Zealand has now released further details of the upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and Work to Residence pathways, with the new rules taking effect from 24 August 2026.

These changes are designed to make residence pathways clearer and more accessible for skilled migrants, including:
✅ New residence pathways for skilled workers, including the Trades and Technician Pathway and Skilled Work Experience Pathway.
✅ More certainty around wage thresholds, with many applicants only needing to meet the wage threshold that applied when they started gaining eligible skilled work experience.
✅ Updated qualification requirements, including changes affecting overseas trade and technician qualifications.
✅ Changes that align Work to Residence wage requirements with the new Skilled Migrant settings.

For many migrants, these changes could create new opportunities to achieve residence in New Zealand. But whether you qualify, and under which pathway, will depend on your individual circumstances.

If you're:
🔹 Working in New Zealand on a work visa
🔹 Planning your pathway to residence
🔹 Unsure whether to apply under current or upcoming settings
🔹 Wondering how these changes affect your eligibility

Now is the perfect time to get professional advice.

Book a consultation and let's create a residence strategy tailored to your situation.
📞+64(0)228513331

Send me a message or contact me today to discuss your options.
📧[email protected]

Final details on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) have been confirmed today ahead of them coming into effect in August 2026. In addition, details on changes to wage thresholds for Work to Residence is also being confirmed.

Read more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/final-details-about-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-and-work-to-residence-visa/

27/05/2026

One of the hardest parts about immigration changes isn’t always the rule itself - it’s knowing whether it applies to YOU.

This week, Immigration New Zealand announced new English language requirements for some people applying for AEWV's for Skill Level 3 roles.

Since the announcement, I’ve already seen confusion around:
❓Who needs to meet the requirement
❓What counts as acceptable evidence
❓Whether current visa holders are affected
❓How this could impact residence pathways later on

Every situation is different, and immigration advice should never be “one size fits all."

If you’re an employer, worker, or family trying to plan ahead, now is a good time to check where you stand before making big decisions.

That’s exactly what I help people do at Visa Works. I give clear, practical advice so you can move forward with confidence.

📍Queenstown based
💻 Consultations available throughout New Zealand and world wide.

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss your options.

24/05/2026

📢 Important AEWV Update from Immigration New Zealand

From 1 June 2026, English language requirements will be extended to those applying for AEWV's for Skill Level 3 roles.

This means that some applicants who may not previously have needed to show evidence of English ability could now be required to meet minimum English language standards as part of their visa application.

If you are:
✔️ Planning to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa
✔️ Hiring migrant workers
✔️ Already in New Zealand and looking at your next visa steps

…this change could affect you.

Immigration rules continue to evolve, and understanding how these updates apply to your individual situation is important - especially before lodging an application.

At Visa Works, I can help you understand:
🔹 Whether the new English requirements apply to your role
🔹 What evidence may be accepted
🔹 How this could impact your visa pathway
🔹 What steps you should take next

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you or your staff, get in touch for tailored immigration advice.

📍Based in Queenstown
💻 Online consultations available NZ and world wide

15/05/2026

☕Queenstown Locals – A little thank you from Visa Works☕

I’m excited to be partnering with The Coffee Club Remarkables Park to offer something special for our local community.

For a limited time, the first 10 people to book and complete a paid immigration consultation with Visa Works will receive a voucher for 2 free coffees ☕☕ (perfect for a catch-up, a breather, or a treat on us).

Whether you need support with:
✔ Work, visitor, or family visas
✔ Residence pathways
✔ Or just want clear, honest advice on your options

I’m here to help make the process feel simpler and more manageable.

This offer is especially for Queenstown locals 🩷

📩 To claim, simply get in touch and mention this Facebook post when booking.

Looking forward to helping you, and maybe shouting you a coffee too.

Emma, Visa Works

03/05/2026

One of the absolute best parts of my job? Making the call to tell someone they're now a New Zealand resident 🥝💚

Today was one of those days.

My client has just had their partnership based Resident visa approved, and it's such a privilege to be part of their journey. Behind every visa decision is a real life and real people who are building a future, putting down roots, contributing to their community and choosing New Zealand as home.

At a time where there's a lot of anti-immigration noise online, moments like this are a reminder of the bigger picture. The people I work with aren't just "migrants", they're hard working and committed people who add real value to New Zealand and to the communities they have become a part of. The value these new residents bring to New Zealand is real and I can see it in everyone I work with.

I'm grateful to do this work and I'm grateful to my clients for trusting me with one of the most important parts of their journey.

👉 Get in touch today to see how I can help you achieve your immigration goals.

📧[email protected]
📲022 851 3331

13/04/2026

🔮Mythbusting Monday🔮

🚫 Myth: "I don't need to check the exact dates of my previous employment and can just tell Immigration New Zealand the rough dates."

✅ Reality: Accuracy is key! Immigration New Zealand cross checks more than people realise. If you don't check the declarations you are making are accurate then you may be inadvertently providing false or misleading information to INZ. If it is determined that you have provided false information in the course of applying for a visa this can become a reason to decline the entire application.

This is something I see ALL the time. One of the most important things when applying for a visa is to check that all declarations made are accurate. If this is a problem you're facing, or you're not sure how you should be completing the form, get in touch today.

📧[email protected]
📲022 851 3331
www.visaworks.co.nz

Visa Works provides expert immigration advice and assistance for migrants and employers in New Zealand and overseas.

09/04/2026

If you’re feeling confused, stressed, or stuck with your visa situation right now, you’re not alone.

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of people unsure about what their options are, especially with changing visa requirements and timelines.

I’m Emma, a Licensed Immigration Adviser based in Queenstown, and I help individuals and families navigate things like:

✅ Accredited Employer Work Visas
✅ Residency pathways
✅ Partnership visas
✅ Complex or unclear situations

My approach is simple, clear, honest advice without the jargon, so you know exactly where you stand and what your next step is.

If you need help or just want to understand your options, feel free to send me a message and we can go from there.

📧 [email protected]
📲 022 851 3331

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own 🙂

31/03/2026

🎉Today's Win(s)🎉

Wednesday has been a beautiful day for family's with TWO Partnership work visas, TWO dependent child student visas and ONE dependent child visitor visa being approved this morning.

That's two sets of families that are now booking flights and will be travelling into New Zealand together in the coming weeks. 💜

Working with families is one of the favourite parts of my jobs. If you're puzzling over how to re-unite your family in New Zealand, get in touch today for a chat. ✅

📧[email protected]
📲022 851 3331

22/03/2026

🏖️Happy Otago Anniversary Day🏖️

A day to celebrate the history and the people of Otago. I'm spending my day down by the beach - where are you spending yours?

Whether you're out in the sunshine, chasing the kids around or just chilling out...enjoy it, Otago 🧡

18/03/2026

🗓️ 1 April 2026 🗓️

Registrations will open for the Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category of Residence. Registrations can be made from 1 April - 30 April 2026.

If this is something you are interested in, get in touch today to understand what you need to do.

📞 +64 22 851 3331
📧 [email protected]

Registrations will open for the 2026 Samoan Quota and the Pacific Access Category on 1 April 2026 at 08:00 New Zealand Daylight Saving Time (NZDT).

Find out more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/the-2026-pacific-access-category-and-samoan-quota-ballots-open-on-1-april-2026/