Visa Matters - Licensed Immigration Advisers

Visa Matters - Licensed Immigration Advisers Visa Matters, where every visa matters!
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Our Mission is to provide our clients with the best chance of visa approval through expert, tailored, and ethical New Zealand immigration advice. Our team possesses decades of New Zealand immigration industry experience, both as immigration advisers and with Immigration New Zealand.

Major AEWV changes are coming into effect from 1 June — with only six days’ notice from the Government.Many Skill Level ...
26/05/2026

Major AEWV changes are coming into effect from 1 June — with only six days’ notice from the Government.
Many Skill Level 3 work visa applicants, including cooks, tradespeople and hospitality workers, may now need to meet English language requirements for the first time.
In his latest opinion piece, Ankur Sabharwal explains:
✔ Who is affected
✔ Possible exemptions
✔ Concerns for employers
✔ What workers should do now
✔ How this connects to future residence pathways
If you are applying for an AEWV or employing migrant workers, this is important reading.
👉 Read the full article: https://visamatters.co.nz/aewv-english-requirement-expands-to-skill-level-3-roles/

15/05/2026

We’re seeing an increase in phone scams, with scammers pretending to be from INZ and using New Zealand mobile numbers.

If you or someone you know receives a suspicious call:
❌ Do not provide any personal or financial information
✅ Hang up immediately

INZ will never contact you by phone asking for payments. Visit our Contact Us page if you need to get in touch with us safely: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact-us/

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has sparked plenty of debate, especially around student visas.But what has ac...
04/05/2026

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has sparked plenty of debate, especially around student visas.

But what has actually changed?

In this opinion piece, our Principal Director, Ankur Sabharwal, breaks down the facts, challenges common misconceptions, and explains what the FTA really means for Indian students considering New Zealand.

Read more on our blog 👉 https://visamatters.co.nz/what-the-india-new-zealand-fta-actually-means-for-indian-students/

Wrong advice nearly cost Danny his future in New Zealand. His relationship was genuine. His evidence was strong. But one...
22/04/2026

Wrong advice nearly cost Danny his future in New Zealand. His relationship was genuine. His evidence was strong. But one critical legal detail was missed, and the pathway he was told to follow didn’t actually exist.

By identifying the error and taking the correct approach, we secured a special direction from the Minister, allowing Danny and his wife to return to New Zealand permanently.

This is a reminder that immigration outcomes don’t just depend on your situation , they depend on choosing the right legal pathway.

If you or a family member has a criminal history, don’t assume New Zealand is out of reach. Get the right advice first.

Read the full story 👉https://visamatters.co.nz/wrong-advice-right-outcome-one-couples-road-back-to-new-zealand/

09/04/2026

Struggling with the culturally arranged marriage visa? Learn the smarter pathway.
💍 Planning a culturally arranged marriage and trying to bring your partner to New Zealand?
This is where a lot of couples get stuck.
There is a visa for culturally arranged marriages. But in reality, it can be much harder to get approved than people expect.
Why? Because Immigration New Zealand isn’t just looking at your relationship. They’re looking at:
• how the marriage was arranged
• who was involved
• whether it meets a very specific definition
• and whether you can prove all of that clearly
That’s where genuine couples often run into problems.
In this video, Ankur breaks down how the visa actually works, why it can be difficult, and the approach we often recommend instead.
👉 If you’re considering this pathway, don’t rely on guesswork.
Read our full explainer for a clear, step-by-step understanding of your options.
And if you want advice tailored to your situation, get in touch with the Visa Matters team. https://visamatters.co.nz/immigration-guides/culturally-arranged-marriage-visa-guide/

28/03/2026

A valid visa does not always guarantee re-entry to NZ. Our director & licensed immigration adviser, Ankur Sabharwal's latest column looks at a real AEWV case where a migrant worker travelled to India for his wedding and never made it back to Auckland after his visa was cancelled while he was overseas. The article also looks at the wider pattern of offshore AEWV cancellations and what work visa holders should do before travelling. Read here:

11/03/2026

Are you on an AEWV visa and planning to travel overseas?

Be careful. Some AEWV holders have been stopped at the airport and questioned before boarding or when returning to New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand can check whether the job linked to the visa is still genuine, ongoing and full-time. Travellers may be asked detailed questions about their employment and leave.

If answers appear unclear or inconsistent, visas can be cancelled and boarding may even be refused.

If you're planning travel on an AEWV, preparation matters.

Talk to Visa Matters before you leave New Zealand, so you understand the risks and what to expect.

📍We've Moved!The Visa Matters team is now in a new location in Hobsonville, West Auckland.Our address has changed, but t...
08/03/2026

📍We've Moved!

The Visa Matters team is now in a new location in Hobsonville, West Auckland.

Our address has changed, but the way we support you hasn't. Whether you're in Auckland, anywhere in New Zealand, or overseas (we have clients in 50+ countries!), we're ready to help.

You don't need to visit our office. We're happy to meet with you online or by phone. This makes it easier for everyone, no matter where you are.

Our new office:
🏢 2/2 Boundary Road, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616

Our contact details remain the same:
📞 Phone: +64 9 969 8472
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Need help with your visa? Want to book a meeting? Just reach out to us. The Visa Matters team is here for you.

27/02/2026

When it comes to immigration matters, clarity is everything.
Many people rely on verbal advice or informal conversations. But immigration decisions are serious, and misunderstandings can be costly.
As licensed immigration advisers, we are required to provide material advice in writing. And that is actually a good thing for you.
Written advice gives you clarity.
It outlines the risks.
It explains what evidence is needed.
It sets out a clear strategy.
You are not relying on memory or assumptions. You have something structured, documented, and accountable.
In immigration matters, that level of clarity makes a real difference.
If you would like professional written advice tailored to your situation, our team is here to help.

Address

2/2 Boundary Road, Hobsonville
Auckland
0616

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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