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Immigration Consultants New Zealand

Jay Shadforth Immigration Law Advocates Introduction

Before setting up my own New Zealand visa consultant firm in 1999, I had accumulated over five years of experience with New Zealand law firms as an immigration specialist. In 2002 the firm was incorporated into a limited liability company.

The incentive to establish my own firm of immigration consultant in New Zealand came from the desire to provide a professional yet personal service to my clients in appreciation of the importance of their decision; not only to immigrate, but to entrust that decision to our care.

It is a sad fact but true, that the international reputation of the immigration industry is one which has been tarnished by fraud and poor representation. Naturally, this reflects poorly on those dedicated professionals who genuinely know what they are doing and have a passion for their work. It is therefore my aim to provide clients with as much accurate information as possible, in an effort to give clients confidence and assurance, resulting in success!

Whether you are applying for temporary entry, residence, you need to be sure that the very first information and advice you receive is accurate, up-to-date and reliable.

We are specialists on New Zealand immigration appeals to any of the following:

• Appeals to the Residence Appeal Authority
• Removal Review Authority
• Refugee Status Appeals Authority
• Appeals directly to the Minister of Immigration

I have the expertise to ensure the best possible result and welcome your interest.

Immigration Consultants New Zealand

This is a brief overview of New Zealand's immigration policy.

The vast rules, regulations and criteria for immigration into New Zealand are complex. This summary gives brief details about the various categories currently available to those wishing to travel to New Zealand, and is just some of the information available from our immigration consultants in New Zealand.

Visa – An endorsement in a passport or certificate of identity, that indicates that the visa officer at the time of issuing the visa, knows of no reason why the holder of the passport or certificate of identity should not be granted the relevant permit.

A visa merely entitles a person to travel to New Zealand and doesn't have the effect of a permit, nor does it entitle the holder to a permit as of right. A temporary visa authorises the granting of a temporary permit until a specified date or for a specified time of months or weeks.

Permit – An endorsement by an immigration officer in a passport or certificate of identity, which confirms that the holder is a person who requires a permit to be in New Zealand, and may lawfully remain in New Zealand while the permit is current.

• It is unlawful to stay in New Zealand for longer than the time specified in your permit.
• Immigration policy is divided into two specific areas, Temporary and Permanent entry.

Temporary Entry

Visitor – May stay in New Zealand for a total of nine months, in an 18 month period. Some visitors may qualify for an additional three months if they are financially supporting themselves, and have not previously worked, studied or been previously sponsored in New Zealand. 12 months in a 24 month period is the maximum stay as a visitor. Time spent in New Zealand has to be at least the same as the time spent out of New Zealand, before being eligible to return as a visitor.

Study – Short and long term courses are available at various approved educational institutes throughout New Zealand. Students are permitted to remain in New Zealand for a period commensurate with the length of course, or the amount of time their tuition fees have paid for in an approved course of study and educational institute. Special conditions apply for those students who wish to work during their course of study.

Work – Where there is a skills shortage in New Zealand, people from abroad may be permitted to work for up to three years. Other special categories of work apply, included the various Working Schemes and Holiday Schemes with certain countries.

Limited Purpose – Facilitates the entry of visitors and students, though employment not included, who choose to enter New Zealand for an “express purpose”. This could be for a short-term study course, wedding, funeral, conference, seminar, graduation or other significant ceremony, sports tournament, religious event, medical treatment, family emergency, or milestone event.

These people may not otherwise be accepted for temporary entry to New Zealand because of a perceived risk they may overstay at the end of their permitted stay and remain in New Zealand, or they choose the Limited Purpose Visa as their preferred method of entry. This type of visa or permit has many restrictions such as:

• Cannot be extended
• Cannot change the status
• Cannot apply for permanent residence
• Cannot appeal against removal or deportation
• Must leave on expiry of the permit
• Be for an express purpose

Permanent Entry

General Skills Category – A points based system controlled by a monthly pass mark. Applicants may be awarded points for a number of factors such as:

• Qualifications, three-year diploma, degree or trade certificate
• New Zealand qualifications
• Work experience
• New Zealand work experience
• Age (limit of 55)
• Job offer in New Zealand
• Spouses qualifications
• Settlement funds to NZ$100,000 or NZ$200,000
• Family sponsorship

Applicants must be able to score a minimum of 10 points in the qualifications field and at least one point in the work experience field otherwise they cannot be approved under this category.

Family Category – Available to those applicants that are in a genuine and stable de-facto or same-sex relationship, of at least 18 months duration, with a New Zealand citizen or resident, or marriage with a New Zealand citizen or resident, or for those applicants who already have immediate family members such as parents and adult siblings residing lawfully and permanently in New Zealand. This category is subject to other strict criteria including health and character requirements.

Family Quota Category – Introduced in 2001, it provides New Zealand citizens and residents with an opportunity to sponsor family members who do not qualify for residence under any other category of Government residence policy. This is a last resort option and allows for a “quota” of people each year to be chosen by ballot to be considered for residence in New Zealand. The number of places available under this category will be announced by the Minister of Immigration each year. For the year 2002 there were 250 places available in this quota.

For further information about how our immigration consultants in New Zealand can help you, please contact us or visit our New Zealand visa consultant Web site.

Business Immigration

Investor Category – A points based system controlled by an annual pass mark. Applicants may be awarded points for factors such as:

• Investment funds or at least one million New Zealand dollars
• Business experience
• Age, limit of 64

Applicants must score a minimum number of points to qualify as well as meeting other criteria such as English language ability and health and character checks. The main applicant however must meet the minimum standard of English Language with an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of an average module band of 5.0 or higher. Non-principal applicants have the option of either passing the Level 5.0 IELTS test or choosing to purchase pre-paid English language training. The pass mark in this category is currently 12 points.

Entrepreneur – Designed to allow business people who have already established a successful business in New Zealand, provided the business has been successfully operating in New Zealand for a minimum of two years, but do not qualify for residence under any of the other categories.

Employee of Relocating Business – Designed to promote New Zealand as a destination for relocating existing businesses by allowing key staff to relocate to New Zealand with the business.

Long Term Business Visa – Primarily a self-employment work visa, for those wishing to set up a small, medium or large business in New Zealand and applicants may go on to apply for residence under the entrepreneurial category at a later date. This visa can only be renewed once. The term is for up to three years; however the initial visa is issued for nine months with the balance of time being awarded if the New Zealand Immigration Service are satisfied that the business is established and operating as per the proposed business plan, and the capital for the proposed business has been transferred to New Zealand.

For further information about how our immigration consultants in New Zealand can help you, please contact us or visit our New Zealand visa consultant Web site.

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