Auckland South Immigration Consultants

19/08/2026

🇳🇿 PARENT RESIDENT VISA CHANGES ANNOUNCED

New Hybrid Selection Model from 5 October 2026

The New Zealand Government has announced important changes to the Parent Resident Visa selection process.

🔹 What's changing?

From 5 October 2026, a new hybrid selection model will apply:

✅ Around 90% of EOIs will be selected based on date order
✅ Around 10% will be selected through a ballot
✅ The annual cap remains at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas
✅ Current EOIs will automatically transition to the new system — no new EOI is required
✅ EOIs will no longer expire after 2 years, provided applicants confirm every 2 years that they want to remain in the pool and keep their information updated
✅ No additional fee will be required for this confirmation

📅 Important Dates

11 August 2026 – Next Parent Resident Visa selection under the current system

5 October 2026 – New hybrid selection model takes effect

10 November 2026 – First selection under the new hybrid model

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What does this mean for families?

The Parent Resident Visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for residence in New Zealand.

The changes are intended to make the selection process fairer and more predictable, while still providing opportunities for newer applicants.

⚠️ Important: The changes affect how EOIs are selected. Existing Parent Resident Visa eligibility requirements remain in place.

📞 Thinking about sponsoring your parents for residence?

Speak with our experienced immigration team before submitting or updating your EOI.

Auckland South Immigration Consultants
📍 Unit 101, 17 Putney Way, Manukau, Auckland
📞 021 168 7230 | 0800 168 472
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.asic.co.nz

Helping families stay together in New Zealand. 🇳🇿❤️

05/08/2026

🏢 Professional Office Space Available – Manukau CBD

Looking for a professional and affordable office space for your business? We have one private office available in a premium Manukau CBD location.

✅ Flexible arrangements – we'll work with your pricing and what works for you
✅ Right opposite Manukau Bus Station
✅ Walking distance to Westfield Manukau
✅ High-speed internet included
✅ On-site parking available
✅ Shared meeting room and office facilities

Perfect for immigration advisers, lawyers, accountants, consultants, recruiters, start-ups, and other professionals.

📍 Unit 101, 17 Putney Way, Manukau
📞 021 168 7230 | 022 354 9066
📧 [email protected]

Contact us today to arrange a viewing and find a workspace that suits your business.

29/07/2026

📢 NEW ZEALAND ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO THE RECOGNISED SEASONAL EMPLOYER (RSE) SCHEME 🌿🇳🇿

The New Zealand Government has announced a package of improvements to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, designed to make the programme simpler, more flexible, and more effective for employers and seasonal workers.

These changes follow a review of the scheme and are intended to support New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries while continuing to protect workers.

Key Changes Include:

✅ Simpler Recruitment & Accreditation

Longer accreditation periods for employers with a strong compliance history.
New employers will receive an initial 1-year accreditation, with eligibility for 3 or 6-year accreditation based on their track record.

✅ Faster Agreement to Recruit (ATR) Process

Employers endorsed by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will benefit from a streamlined ATR process.
Suitable New Zealand workers will continue to receive priority for available jobs.

✅ Greater Flexibility for Workers

Easier movement between accredited employers in certain circumstances.
Stronger support for workers experiencing exploitation.

✅ Improved Complaints & Worker Support

Better processes for raising concerns and accessing assistance.
Clearer roles for Immigration New Zealand, the Labour Inspectorate, and Country Liaison Officers.

✅ More Transparency Around Worker Costs

A standard cost recovery agreement.
Clear information on costs employers may recover from workers before they travel to New Zealand.

✅ Greater Flexibility in Work Duties

Workers may undertake incidental tasks that support their primary role, such as operating machinery where appropriate.

✅ Enhanced Pastoral Care

Worker accommodation will be required to provide internet access, helping workers stay connected with their families and communities.
📅 When will these changes take effect?

The changes will be introduced in stages from early 2027.

Current RSE rules remain unchanged, and there are no immediate changes for employers or workers.

If you're an employer looking to hire seasonal workers or would like to understand how these upcoming changes may affect your business, our experienced immigration advisers are here to help.

📍 Auckland Office
17 Putney Way, Manukau, Auckland

📍 Hamilton Office
11 Prisk Street, Melville, Hamilton 3206

📞 NZ Free Call: 0800 168 472
📱 Mobile: 021 168 7230
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.asic.co.nz

Open 7 Days a Week

09/07/2026

📢 NEW ZEALAND PATHWAY STUDENT VISA IMPROVEMENTS FROM 20 JULY 2026 🎓🇳🇿

Planning to study in New Zealand? Great news! The New Zealand Government has announced improvements to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV), giving international students greater flexibility and more study options.

What's changing from 20 July 2026?

✅ More flexibility for secondary school students (Years 12 & 13)
Students will no longer need to nominate a specific tertiary course when applying. Instead, they'll simply need to identify the qualification level they intend to study and their preferred education provider.

✅ Expanded study pathways
The Pathway Student Visa will now cover study pathways leading to or between NZQCF Levels 1–4, including:
• English language courses
• Foundation programmes
• Vocational certificate programmes

✅ More time for English language study
Eligible first-time PSV holders progressing to NZQCF Levels 1–8 can now spend up to 30 weeks studying English before beginning their main qualification—an increase from the previous 20 weeks.

These enhancements provide students with greater flexibility to explore their educational options while making New Zealand an even more attractive destination for international study.

Remember, applicants must still meet all Pathway Student Visa requirements, including health and character checks, and demonstrate that they are genuine students.

🎓 Thinking about studying in New Zealand?

Let our experienced team help you choose the right study pathway and guide you through your student visa application.

📍 Auckland Office
17 Putney Way, Manukau

📍 Hamilton Office
11 Prisk Street, Melville, Hamilton 3206

📞 NZ Free Call: 0800 168 472
📱 Mobile: 021 168 7230
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.asic.co.nz

Open 7 Days a Week

25/06/2026

🎉 EXCITING NEWS – ASIC IS NOW IN HAMILTON! 🎉

Auckland South Immigration Consultants (ASIC) is proud to announce the expansion of our services into Hamilton, bringing trusted immigration advice and support closer to clients throughout the Waikato region.

Whether you're applying for a New Zealand or Australian visa, seeking residence, studying abroad, or looking for employer immigration support, our experienced team is here to help every step of the way.

✅ New Zealand Visa Applications
✅ Australian Visa Assistance
✅ Student Visas
✅ Work Visas
✅ Residence Applications
✅ Employer Accreditation Support
✅ Visitor Visas
✅ Citizenship Applications
✅ Licensed Immigration Advice

We are also OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, making it easier than ever to access professional immigration services when you need them.

📍 Auckland Office:
17 Putney Way, Manukau, Auckland

📍 Hamilton Office:
11 Prisk Street, Melville, Hamilton 3206

📞 NZ Free Call: 0800 168 472
📱 Mobile: 021 168 7230
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.asic.co.nz

Thank you to our clients and community for your ongoing support. We look forward to helping even more individuals, families, students, and businesses achieve their migration goals from our new Hamilton location.

Wondering "is there an expert immigration consultancy near me?" For a list of the best advisers in NZ, check out Auckland South Immigration Consultants.

25/06/2026

📢 Important Update: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) & Work to Residence Changes Confirmed

Immigration New Zealand has announced the final details of significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa and Work to Residence pathways, effective from 24 August 2026.

Key Changes Include:

✅ Simplified wage threshold rules – most applicants will only need to meet the wage threshold that applied when they started their skilled employment.

✅ Work to Residence pathways aligned with the new wage settings, providing greater certainty for migrants.

✅ Bachelor's degree points increase from 3 to 4 points under the SMC points system.

✅ New qualification evidence requirements for applicants claiming Level 8 and Level 9 qualifications.

✅ Overseas Trades and Technician qualifications no longer need to meet the 120-credit requirement.

✅ Self-employment experience cannot be used to meet work experience requirements under the new Trades and Technician or Skilled Work Experience pathways.

✅ Stronger genuine employment requirements across skilled residence pathways to protect the integrity of New Zealand's immigration system.

These changes may affect your eligibility for residence and the way your application is assessed.

If you are planning to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence, Straight to Residence, or one of the new residence pathways, now is the time to understand how these changes may impact you.

📞 Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants for professional advice and assistance.

📞 0800 168 472
📧 [email protected]
🏢 17 Putney Way, Manukau

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 the Work to Residence (WTR) pathway.

25/05/2026

📢 Important AEWV Update – English Language Requirements Extended to Skill Level 3 Roles

From 1 June 2026, applicants applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) Skill Level 3 occupations will also need to meet minimum English language requirements.

Currently, these requirements only apply to Skill Level 4 and 5 roles.

✅ Applicants may meet the English requirement through:
• Citizenship from an English-speaking country
• Previous work or study completed in English
• Approved English language test results

📌 Transitional Arrangements Apply

The new requirements will NOT apply to:
✔ AEWV Job Change applications
✔ Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa applications
✔ Current AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 applying for another Skill Level 3 AEWV
✔ Applicants who already provided English evidence in a previous AEWV application

⚠ Important:
Anyone applying for a Skill Level 3 AEWV from 1 June 2026 onwards must meet the new English language requirements, even if the employer received a job check token before that date.

Need advice or assistance with your AEWV application?
Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants today.

📞 0800 168 472
📧 [email protected]
🏢 17 Putney Way, Manukau

From 1 June 2026, new English language requirements will apply to people applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) Skill Level 3 roles. Currently, English language requirements only apply to AEWV applicants in skill level 4 and 5 occupations. F...

22/05/2026

📢 PAC & Samoan Quota Resident Visa Ballot Draw Completed

The 2026 ballot draws for the Pacific Access Category (PAC) Resident Visa and Samoan Quota (SQ) Resident Visa were completed on 20 May 2026.

✅ Successful ballot reference numbers are expected to be published by 29 May 2026 on the Immigration New Zealand website.

This year, invitations may be issued to:
🇼🇸 1,100 Samoan citizens
🇹🇴 250 Tongan citizens
🇫🇯 250 Fijian citizens
🇰🇮 75 Kiribati citizens
🇹🇻 75 Tuvaluan citizens

📌 Important: Applicants selected from the ballot will receive an invitation to apply for residence and must submit their application within 8 months.

💡 New income threshold:
From 30 April 2026, applicants applying with dependent children must meet a minimum annual income requirement of NZD $55,404.96.

For official information, visit:
🌐 https://www.immigration.govt.nz

Need assistance with your residence application?
Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants today.

📞 0800 168 472
📧 [email protected]
🏢 17 Putney Way, Manukau

The ballot draws for the Pacific Access Category (PAC) Resident Visa and Samoan Quota (SQ) Resident Visa will take place on 20 May 2026, with successful ballot results expected to be published by 29 May 2026. These residence pathways recognise New Zealand’s special relationship with Samoa and the ...

16/03/2026

🎓 New Graduate Work Visa Options Coming to New Zealand (Late 2026)

The Immigration New Zealand has announced important updates to graduate work visa pathways to better support international students and New Zealand’s workforce needs.

Key updates include:

🔹 New Short Term Graduate Work Visa
Eligible graduates who complete a qualification in New Zealand may apply for a 6-month open work visa to help them find employment and potentially transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

🔹 Expanded Post Study Work Visa Eligibility
From late 2026, graduates who complete a Graduate Diploma (Level 7) may become eligible for a Post Study Work Visa, provided they also hold a Bachelor’s degree (from New Zealand or overseas).

These changes aim to support international graduates while helping New Zealand address important skills shortages.

📖 Read more from Immigration New Zealand:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-and-updated-post-study-work-visa-options

💼 Need advice on student visas or post-study work options?
Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants (ASIC) for professional guidance.

📞 0800 168 472
📧 [email protected]
🏢 17 Putney Way, Manukau

We are introducing a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa and extending Post Study Work Visa eligibility to better align graduate pathways with New Zealand’s skills needs.

09/03/2026

🚨 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Changes Coming in August 2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced further details about upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which will take effect from late August 2026.

These updates aim to make it easier for skilled migrants to gain residence and help New Zealand employers retain experienced workers.

🔑 Key Changes Include:
✔ New Trades and Technician residence pathway for skilled workers in specified occupations
✔ Introduction of Red and Amber occupation lists to manage immigration risk
✔ Simplified median wage requirements for SMC pathways
✔ Changes to qualification points, with extra points for qualifications completed in New Zealand
✔ English language test validity extended to 5 years for some applicants
✔ New recognised occupational registration pathway for accountants with CPA Australia
✔ From 2027, some Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders may be able to extend their visa for up to 12 months to complete skilled work experience required for residence.

These changes are designed to support New Zealand’s workforce needs while providing clearer residence pathways for skilled migrants already contributing to the economy.

📖 Read the official update from Immigration New Zealand:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-announced/

📞 Need help understanding how these changes affect you?
Contact Auckland South Immigration Consultants (ASIC) today.

📧 [email protected]
📞 0800 168 472
📍 17 Putney Way, Manukau, Auckland

The Government has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa that will help employers retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth.