Riz Vergara - NZ Solicitor

24/05/2026

New changes - New English Language requirements

The Minister of Immigration announced today changes to English language requirements for some AEWV holders will come into effect from 1 June 2026.

Read more about this change on our website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/english-language-requirements-extended-to-aewv-skill-level-3-roles/

19/04/2026

📣From today, open work visas will now have one of two conditions:

✅Some allow any work, including self‑employment.
✅Others require work for an employer.

The changes support clear and consistent visa conditions to support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers. On any open work visa, visa holders cannot employ other people.

👉Visit the INZ website for more details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders/

05/03/2026

Further changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) have been confirmed today ahead of the changes coming into effect in August 2026.

Find out more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/further-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-to-come-into-effect-in-august-2026/

28/02/2026

The Valencianos in Invercargill 🥰

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

📣Changes to open work visas from April 2026

Immigration New Zealand is introducing clearer employment conditions for open work visas from April 2026. The changes support clear and consistent visa conditions support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers.

Open work visas will now have one of two conditions:
✅ Some allow any work, including self‑employment.
✅ Others require work for an employer.

On any open work visa, visa holders cannot employ other people. These changes do not apply to AEWV holders.

👉Visit the INZ website for more details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders/

23/01/2026

⏳The peak visa processing period is here.

If you intended to start studying in Jan – Feb 2026 and haven’t applied yet for a student visa, you should talk to your education provider. If you intend to start studying in March – April 2026 you need to apply now.

🆕 Students use the enhanced Immigration Online system to make an application — with a smarter form, with more guidance to help you apply with confidence.

✅ If possible, apply 3 months ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
✅ Submit a complete application
✅ Double-check your documents

💡 Need help? Visit our website for guidance and support:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/

21/01/2026

Hello, old friend!

Looking at this picture with a smile because I feel that this is such a full circle moment for me.

When I decided to migrate to NZ to be with my husband in 2009, I was already a practicing lawyer in Philippines. I did hear a lot of negativity from a lot of people commenting that I have wasted all my efforts studying 8 years to complete my Juris Doctor degree, months preparing for the Philippine Bar and my 3 years of Philippine work experience in tax, litigation and corporate advisory.

But, no one predicted that the earthquakes in Christchurch would bring the influx of first generation Filipinos who are in need of a solicitor who is dually qualified in Philippine and New Zealand who can speak Tagalog and Cebuano.

After more than ten years of practice and here I am, still in the endless quest of learning and still striving to provide quality legal service and advice in private client, property, immigration and commercial law in New Zealand.

21/01/2026

Such lovely gifts from RPV Financial Services! Thank you Paolo Valerio - Mortgage & Financial Adviser, Elena Pridmore and Masangkay :)