Greatlife Immigration Services Ltd

11/10/2026

🌞 PLANNING A VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND THIS CHRISTMAS? APPLY EARLY! 🇳🇿

🎄 Are you planning to spend Christmas and the summer holidays in New Zealand with family and friends?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has issued an important reminder: apply for your Visitor Visa as early as possible!

September to March is one of the busiest times of the year for visitor visa applications. Missing documents or insufficient evidence can cause delays — and nobody wants uncertainty when planning a family holiday.

At Greatlife Immigration Services, we can help you prepare a well-supported application.

✅ 1. Prove that you are a genuine visitor
One of the most important parts of a Visitor Visa application is demonstrating that you intend to visit New Zealand temporarily and will leave before your visa expires.

INZ considers your individual circumstances. Useful supporting evidence may include:

✔️ A letter from your employer confirming your employment and approved leave, including your expected return-to-work date.

✔️ Evidence of your home, property ownership, rental agreement or other housing arrangements.

✔️ Evidence of family responsibilities and commitments in your home country.

✔️ Vehicle registration, insurance documents, business ownership or other evidence of your ongoing commitments.

✔️ Your travel history and previous compliance with visa conditions.

✔️ A clear explanation of why you want to visit New Zealand, who you will visit and what you intend to do.

Remember: Every application is assessed on its own merits. No single document guarantees approval, and you should provide evidence that genuinely reflects your circumstances.

💰 2. How much money do you need?
If you are paying for your own visit, INZ generally requires evidence of at least:

NZD $1,000 per month for living expenses and accommodation; or

NZD $400 per month if your accommodation has already been paid for.

NZD$1,050.00 to $1,200.00 visa application fee and adviser cost, depending on the number of visitors.

You must also show that you can pay for your travel out of New Zealand, unless an acceptable sponsor is covering that cost.

Evidence can include bank statements and other documents showing that the funds are genuinely available to you.

Alternatively, you may qualify with an acceptable sponsor. Individual sponsors generally need to be New Zealand citizens or eligible residents. Simply having a friend or relative in New Zealand does not automatically make that person an acceptable sponsor.

📄 3. Submit a complete application
Depending on your circumstances, your application may need:

✔️ An acceptable passport photograph and passport details.

✔️ Evidence of sufficient funds or an acceptable sponsor.

✔️ Documents supporting your reason for visiting.

✔️ Evidence of your accommodation and travel arrangements.

✔️ English translations of documents that are not in English.

✔️ Medical or chest X-ray evidence, if required.

✔️ Evidence that you intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your visit.

Incomplete applications can result in delays or a decline.

⏳ 4. How long can you stay in New Zealand?
A Visitor Visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The permitted stay depends on the visa granted.

Multiple-entry Visitor Visa: Generally allows stays totalling up to six months in any 12-month period.

Single-entry Visitor Visa: May allow a stay of up to nine months in an 18-month period.

These are maximum limits, not automatic entitlements. Your eVisa specifies the conditions that apply to you.

A visa's expiry date is not necessarily the date by which you must leave after a particular visit. Always check the permitted stay and travel conditions carefully.

If you are planning an extended visit, medical and chest X-ray requirements may also apply, depending on your circumstances.

✈️ 5. Do not book non-refundable flights too early
INZ recommends waiting until your Visitor Visa is approved before booking non-refundable travel.

You should prepare your travel plans in advance, but remember that submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

🤝 LET GREATLIFE IMMIGRATION SERVICES HELP YOU
A Visitor Visa application is about more than completing an online form. It is important to present your circumstances clearly and provide the evidence needed to support your application.

At Greatlife Immigration Services Limited, we assist clients with visitor visa applications and supporting documentation.

We can help you understand the requirements, identify potential concerns and prepare an application that accurately reflects your circumstances.

📩 Planning to visit New Zealand for Christmas or the summer holidays? Contact us early to discuss your Visitor Visa application.

Greatlife Immigration Services Limited
Professional New Zealand immigration assistance since 2008.

Every application is assessed individually by Immigration New Zealand. No visa outcome can be guaranteed.

Information provided by Licensed adviser Jan Barnard, license number 201000222, licensed in 2010.

Contact one of our advisers on Email: [email protected]

15/09/2026

IMMIGRATION NEWS:

Latest estimates of people overstaying their visas released
New estimates have been released, which show that on 1 July 2026 there were an estimated 19,153 people in New Zealand who had overstayed their visas.

These estimates used a refined methodology to improve their accuracy. As a result of these refinements, the overall estimate has decreased around 8.7 percent from last year’s estimate of 20,979 people overstaying their visas.

Each year we process about 1 million visa applications and 1.6 million NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) requests, with around 3.6 million arrivals from non-New Zealand citizens each year.

The advisers at Greatlife Immigration Services is ina position to assist those who have overstayed, through some or other reason. The longer we wait the more difficult it becomes to legalise you, but I had an overstayer froma Pasific Island overstayed for 7 years, and was successful in obtaining a visa for him to remain in New Zealand. Contact us on [email protected]
Jan barnard, licensed adviser since 2010. Licence number: 201000222

We have established a priority phone line from Monday to Friday for people to contact us about this specific situation. Call 0508 558 855 (toll free from NZ landlines) or +64 9 914 4100 and press option 7. For information about what options are available to you, check:

09/08/2026

The parent retirement category is currently running on a ballot system like lotto;-names are selected randomly and removed after two years. Why they are removed after two years, no one knows, or will tell. Now the Government is changing it, maybe for the better, and it sounds fairer. The Government is making changes to the Parent Resident Visa EOI selection process, with a new hybrid selection model taking effect from 5 October 2026. Under this model, about 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order through the pool, while 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot. The total number of visas that can be approved in principle each year remains at 2,500. Other criteria remain, such as sponsorship income requirements. Currently, one sponsor must earn $109,200.00 for one parent, and NZD $145,600.00 for two parents. Where there are two sponsors, they need to earn $145 000 for one parent. Anyone who needs assistance with the application can email our advisers at [email protected]. Information by Jan Barnard, licensed adviser no 2010 000222

12/07/2026

18/06/2026

Immigration released the latest update about the residence additions. NOTE: Advisers are attending a webinar on 23 June to listen to how the policy will be interpreted. Further details will then be available.
If you need to be placed on our email notification, please email me your name and email address to [email protected]

INZ banner
Final details confirmed for Skilled Migrant Category changes
Final details on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa have been released, which come into effect on 24 August 2026.

The SMC changes introduce 2 new pathways – the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades and Technician pathway. There are also increased points for New Zealand qualifications and reduced New Zealand skilled work experience required under the Points-based pathway.

Final details include:

clarifying how wage thresholds are applied
updating evidential requirements for qualifications
removing the 120 credit requirement for Trades and Technician pathway qualifications gained overseas
confirming that Trades and Technician pathway qualifications from New Zealand must have at least 120 credits, which can be made up of more than 1 qualification (where lower qualifications are a prerequisite for higher)
clarifying that self-employment cannot be counted as directly relevant work experience under the 2 new pathways
strengthening settings that support genuine skilled employment.
Wage settings simplified for Work to Residence pathways
Changes are also being made to the Work to Residence Visa pathways in August to align with the updated SMC wage settings.

Applicants will not be required to meet a higher wage threshold if the rate has increased since they started counting their work experience.

These changes apply to the Tier 2 Green List, Care Workforce, and Transport Work to Residence Visa pathways. The change simplifies the process and makes it clearer for applicants.

Jan Barnard: Licensed adviser 201000222
[email protected]

24/05/2026

WORK VISA APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS.
In quite a major change, the Government is now requiring all new work visa applicants to take English language tests prior to submitting work visa applications.
This will be a major blow for Filipino, Sri Lankan, and other country workers who did not receive an English education in school.

IMMIGRATION ANNOUNCEMENT
From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.

Currently, people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL (National Occupation List) skill level 4 or 5 must show they can speak and understand English. They can meet this requirement through their English ability from citizenship, working and studying or by taking an English language test.

English language requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa

From 1 June 2026 people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL skill 3 will also need to meet this requirement.

Extending English language requirements supports better integration, helps migrants understand their rights and obligations, and raise concerns about non-compliant employers.

The requirement does not apply to Job Change applications.

People already on an AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026 who want to apply for a new AEWV will not have to meet the new requirements.

Transitional arrangements for people who already have an AEWV
No one with a current AEWV will be affected retrospectively while their visa is valid.

To ensure fairness and continuity, the following targeted transitional arrangements will apply:

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.

For migrants, the change does not affect existing visas, employment, or current lengths of stay. The transitional arrangements are designed to ensure people already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce are treated fairly and given enough warning to arrange and sit a test and obtain the report before their visas expire. It also sets clear expectations for future applicants, noting that not all individuals will be covered by an exemption.

For employers, the change provides greater consistency and clarity across skill levels and allows forward planning when recruiting into skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026.

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.

Contact our licensed advisers for any visa requirements.
Jan Barnard and Monique Calitz.
[email protected]

22/05/2026

RESIDENCE IN NEW ZEALAND

Proposed changes
Residence criteria currently include the Greenlist and the skilled migrant 6-point category.

Immigration New Zealand has announced major proposed changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa system, expected to take effect from late August 2026. The proposed changes introduce new residence pathways based on occupation, salary, work experience, and salary.

Below is an overview of the proposed changes.
The Government is proposing 2 new residence
pathways
Trades and Technician Pathway
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Different occupations will fall under different rules and requirements.
TRADES AND TECHNICIAN PATHWAY
Workers in approved trades and technician occupations may qualify for residence if they meet ALL of the following requirements:
• Work in an approved Trades and Technician occupation
• Hold a relevant Level 4 qualification or higher
• Have at least 4 years of directly relevant work experience after qualification
• Have at least 1.5 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand
• Be paid at least the SMC median wage during the required New Zealand work experience period
Current proposed wage threshold:
Approximately $38.50 per hour.
Examples of occupations currently included under this pathway include: NOTE: I only named the most common occupations
• Roof Tiler
• Glazier
• Mechanical and Engineering Trades
• Diesel Motor Mechanic
• Motor Mechanic
• Motorcycle Mechanic
• Automotive Electrician
• Lift Mechanic
• Fitter
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal and Welding Trades
• Welder
• Metal Fabricator
• Metal Machinist
• Sheetmetal Trades Worker
• Metal Casting Trades Worker
This is not the full list.

SKILLED WORK EXPERIENCE PATHWAY
Applicants who are not eligible under the Trades and Technician pathway may still qualify under the Skilled Work Experience pathway.
Proposed requirements include:• Employment in a skilled occupation (ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3)
• At least 5 years of directly relevant work experience
• At least 2 years of skilled work experience in New Zealand
• Paid at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage
The proposed wage threshold is currently $38.50 per hour.

AMBER LIST OCCUPATIONS
Some occupations have been placed on an “AmberList”.

Workers in these occupations may still qualifyfor residence, but stricter rules apply.

Proposed requirements include:
• At least 5 years of relevant skilled workexperience in New Zealand
• At least 2 years earning 1.2 times the SMC median wage. Approximately $42.00 per hour

Examples of Amber List occupations include:

• Accommodation and Hospitality Manager
• Hotel or Motel Managers
• Hotel Service Manager
• Bed and Breakfast Operator
• Caravan Park and Camping Ground ManagerFood Service
• Chef
• Baker
• Pastrycook
• Café or Restaurant ManagerManagement and Administration
• Customer Service Manager
• Office ManagerICT Roles
• ICT Customer Support Officer
• ICT Support Technician
• Web Administrator

Applicants in Amber List occupations may also still qualify under the existing Skilled Migrant Category 6-point system ifthey meet higher income, qualification, or registration requirements.

RED LIST OCCUPATIONS

Some occupations have been placed on a “RedList”.
These occupations are not eligible for the new residence pathways and must apply under the existing Skilled Migrant Category6-point system.

Examples include:• Retail Manager
• Hospitality, Retail and Service Manager NEC
• Hairdresser
• Beauty Therapist
• Massage Therapist
• Hair and Beauty Salon Manager

Applicants in these occupations generally need one of the following
:• Income at least 1.5 times the median wage
• A recognised Bachelor qualification or higher
• Recognised occupational registration
IMPORTANT WAGE RULE CHANGES
Immigration New Zealand has also proposed important wage assessment changes.

Under the new rules:
• Applicants only need to meet the wage threshold that applied when they started gaining skilled work experience
• Applicants will not need to meet future increased median wage thresholds later when applying for residence
• A 5-month grace period may apply if the wage threshold increases after a workvisa is granted
This may help protect applicants from future median wage increases.

Based on the proposed August 2026 SMC settings:
• Estimated SMC median wage: approximately $35.00 per hour
• 1.2 times the median wage: approximately $42.00per hour

Further details regarding eligibility and application procedures will be released later.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The proposed occupation lists and requirementsmay still change before implementation

NEED ADVICE?
If you would like us to assess youreligibility for residence under the proposed new rules, please contact our office for professional advice and assistance. Jan Barnard and Monique Calitz, Licensed Advisers.
[email protected]

08/04/2026

JOB SEEKERS! From one of our recruiters. Heavy Fabricators / Boilermakers – New Zealand Opportunity
Relocate to New Zealand | Long-Term Career | Stable Work / Taranaki
Are you a skilled Boilermaker / Heavy Fabricator looking for a long-term opportunity?
We are working with a well-established New Zealand engineering company that is expanding its workshop operations and is actively seeking high-quality tradesmen with strong fabrication backgrounds.
This is a career move, not a short-term contract.
We are hiring 10 Boilermakers / Fabricators over the next 6 months.
Why New Zealand?
Stable, long-term employment (not shutdown-based work)
Safe, family-friendly lifestyle
Strong demand for skilled trades
Clear pathway to residency (for the right candidates)
The Role
You will be working in a modern workshop environment, focusing on heavy fabrication projects, including:
Pressure vessels
Structural steel
Tanks and piping systems
Stainless and carbon steel fabrication
What We’re Looking For
Qualified Boilermaker / Fabricator
Proven experience in:
Heavy fabrication (oil & gas, petrochemical, structural)
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
Strong welding ability (MIG / TIG / Stick)
Good English communication skills
Ability to work independently and within a team
Highly regarded:
Experience in pressure vessels or coded work
Leadership experience (leading hand/supervisor potential)

What’s On Offer
Starting from NZD $39+ per hour
Skill-based pay increases
Overtime opportunities
Long-term, secure workload
Employer support with visa process (AEWV)
What Makes This Different
Workshop-based (no FIFO lifestyle)
Consistent hours and income
Opportunity to grow into leadership roles
Work with a company investing in expansion and people
Who This Suits
Fabricators currently in oil & gas / heavy industry
Tradesmen wanting to relocate with family
Skilled workers looking for stability over contract work
Professionals ready for a long-term move
Next Steps
If you are serious about relocating to New Zealand and building a long-term future:
Send your CV and project experience for consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Send your CV's to me for perusal and verification. Email our team at: [email protected]

05/03/2026

The Government has announced more details about the changes to the residence category, which is more favourable to a lot of work visa holders who do not currently meet residence requirements.
Note; it is quite involved and will need carefull assessment and evaluation of current visa holders situation. Feel free to email me your name and occupation, and I'll provide further details.
Further detail on Skilled Migrant Category changes released
Last year, the Government announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to introduce 2 new pathways – the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway – increased points for New Zealand qualifications, and reduced New Zealand skilled work experience required under the Points-based pathway. These changes will come into effect in late August 2026.

Further details about these changes have been released today, including 3 important lists:

The Trades and Technician Pathway list – Migrants working in these occupations qualify for this pathway if they have a relevant Level 4 or above qualification, and 4 years of directly relevant skilled work experience gained post-qualification, including 1.5 years in New Zealand at the SMC median wage.

The Amber list – Migrants working in these occupations are not eligible for the Trades and Technician Pathway and can only apply for the Skilled Work Experience Pathway if they have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.

The Red list – Migrants working in these occupations cannot use these new pathways. They will only be able to apply for residence under the SMC if they can claim 6 points under the existing pathway. This may be achieved by earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage, holding a bachelor’s Level 7 qualification or higher, or having a recognised occupational registration. They must also meet the required skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Changes have also been confirmed that will apply to all SMC pathways from late August 2026, including:

Median wage requirements simplified: Migrants applying based on their work experience will not need to meet the latest SMC median wage when they apply for residence. Instead, they must meet the SMC median wage rate (or the rate for their pathway) in effect at the time they began to gain their New Zealand skilled work experience.

Grace period for some median wage calculations: If a migrant begins skilled work experience within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the day the visa was granted will be used, even if the median wage has increased in the meantime.

Clarification of qualification requirements: Migrants claiming points for Level 8 or 9 qualifications must also hold a bachelor’s degree (which can be gained in any country). Applicants claiming 5 points for a New Zealand Level 9 master’s degree are exempted from this requirement (though must hold a bachelor’s degree if they are claiming 6 points for a New Zealand master’s degree).

Longer English test validity for some migrants: English language test results will be valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a valid occupational registration.

New occupational registration recognised: Qualified Statutory Accountants in New Zealand who have membership with the Certified Practising Accountants Australia will receive 6 points under the SMC.
From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 more months of skilled work experience can apply for a further Accredited Employer Work Visa to complete the skilled work experience they need to apply for residence.

Email Jan Barnard at [email protected]

28/02/2026

One of our recruiters have this vacancy. Email me if this fits your skills and experience. The employer is not poaying your migration costs, so make sure you have about $8000.00 available for everything if you apply.

I'm reaching out to my international network for experienced Hydraulic Technicians for an accredited employer.

You will need to have experience with either high pressure industrial or mobile hydraulics, manifolds, cylinders, rams, hose bending, fluid testing, etc. If you have only worked as a Mechanical Fitter, it is likely not suitable.

Email [email protected]