ImmigrateMe

27/10/2026

📢 TODAY’S IMMIGRATION UPDATE | 27 October 2026
Changes to New Zealand student visas 🎓🇳🇿

Immigration New Zealand has announced four changes taking effect today. Here’s what students need to know:

💼 1. Work rights for master’s students
Unlimited in-study work rights for master’s-by-research students have been removed. All master’s students will now have the same work rights: up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during holidays. The primary purpose of a student visa remains studying.

🗣️ 2. Greater emphasis on English language ability
INZ has strengthened its instructions to make clear that English language ability is a key factor when assessing whether a student can meet their visa conditions.

🏫 3. Broader grounds to suspend visa processing
INZ can formally suspend student visa processing in a wider range of circumstances, including while potential non-compliance by an education provider is still being determined.

📅 4. More time after completing your course
Where a student visa would previously expire one month after the course end date, this period is being extended to two months, giving students more time to consider their next steps. The 31 March expiry date remains unchanged for students to whom it applies.

Check the conditions and expiry date recorded on your own eVisa before making work or travel plans.

Read more:
🔗 Working on a student visa:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/

🔗 Genuine intentions to study:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/

Need advice about your student visa or your next steps? Get in touch.

Aurora Christensen
Licensed Immigration Adviser | Licence No. 201700041
ImmigrateMe Ltd
📩 Send me a direct message to arrange a consultation.

19/10/2026

NEW IMMIGRATION UPDATE: New visa opportunities for Indian nationals

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement takes effect today, 20 October 2026. Here’s what it means for workers and students:

✅ Two new work visa pathways — available from today
The India Skilled Work Visa and India Iconic Work Visa offer temporary employment opportunities in eligible skilled occupations and certain professions considered iconic to India.

Together, these categories allow up to 5,000 visa holders in New Zealand at any one time. This is not an annual allocation.

Applicants must meet the relevant requirements, including a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer, qualifications, English language, health, character and identity requirements.

These visas are valid for 3 years and do not provide a pathway to residence.

🎓 Longer post-study work rights for Indian PhD graduates
From 16 November 2026, eligible Indian graduates with New Zealand PhDs can receive a Post Study Work Visa for up to 4 years, increased from 3 years.

📚 Student work rights
Eligible students can currently work up to 25 hours per week while studying, subject to their visa conditions. The agreement guarantees a commitment of 20 hours per week for Indian students if policy settings change in future.

🌏 A working holiday scheme is coming
A new scheme for Indian nationals aged 18–30 will be introduced within 2 years. It will offer 1,000 places annually for stays of up to 12 months. This scheme is not open yet.

Considering one of the new work visas? Check the occupation and eligibility requirements before making plans:

🔗 India Skilled Work Visa
🔗 India Iconic Work Visa

Contact ImmigrateMe if you would like help understanding whether you qualify.

12/08/2026

08/08/2026

mportant update: Parent Resident Visa changes from 5 October 2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced a new hybrid system for selecting Parent Resident Visa Expressions of Interest.

From 5 October 2026:

• Approximately 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order, giving greater priority to families who have been waiting longer.

• Approximately 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot, allowing newer applicants an opportunity to be selected earlier.

• The annual limit will remain at 2,500 Parent Resident Visas.

• Existing EOIs will automatically move into the new system. You do not need to submit a new EOI.

• EOIs will no longer expire, provided applicants confirm every two years that they wish to remain in the pool and keep their information updated.

The next selection will take place on 11 August 2026 under the current system. The first selection under the new hybrid model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.

These changes affect how EOIs are selected. The eligibility and sponsorship requirements for the Parent Resident Visa are not changing.

If you already have an EOI in the pool, information about your position should become available after the new system begins.

Read the full announcement here:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-the-parent-resident-visa-category/

If you would like advice about submitting or maintaining a Parent Resident Visa EOI, contact ImmigrateMe Ltd.

ImmigrateMe Ltd
Licensed Immigration Advice
WhatsApp: +64 27 372 4956
Email: [email protected]

22/06/2026

Don't forget the live Q&A session tonight at 7pm NZST where we will be reviewing the new residence pathways and answering your immigration related questions. Link to the join in the comments!

16/06/2026

BY POPULAR DEMAND — WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN!
Our first LIVE Immigration Q&A was an incredible success, with a large number of group members joining us live and dozens of immigration questions answered.
Because of the overwhelming response, we've decided to run another session!
Whether you're:
Looking at moving to New Zealand
Exploring work visa options
Considering studying in NZ
Trying to understand residence pathways
Navigating partnership or family visas
Unsure where to start
This is your opportunity to ask your questions and get practical guidance from experienced immigration professionals.
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
7:00 PM NZST
Live on Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/s/86933745481?pwd=m9CjK1vJ2ukWKkfmmaukccCva4QdCT.1
60 Minutes
No presentations.
No sales pitch.
Just real questions and real answers.
The last session filled up quickly and generated fantastic feedback from members, so make sure you don't miss out.
Drop your questions below and we'll try to cover as many as possible during the session.
Please note that due to privacy concerns, these live sessions are NOT recorded!

08/06/2026

🚨 PLEASE READ BEFORE ASKING ABOUT JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND 🚨

One of the most common messages immigration advisers receive is:

❓"Can you help me get a job offer in New Zealand?"

The answer is No.

To apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you must first obtain:

✅ A genuine job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer
✅ A Job Check token provided by that employer
✅ The skills, qualifications, experience, and other requirements specified in the Job Check

⚠️ Immigration advisers cannot obtain job offers for clients and cannot assist with finding employment. Our role begins once you have secured a genuine employment opportunity.

🚫 NEVER PAY FOR A JOB OFFER

If someone asks you to pay for a job offer, walk away.

Paying for employment in New Zealand is unlawful and, in most cases, it is a scam. Genuine employers do not sell jobs.

🔎 WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOBS

The two largest job websites in New Zealand are:

👉 Trade Me Jobs
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs

👉 SEEK New Zealand
https://www.seek.co.nz/

📄 YOUR CV AND COVER LETTER ARE CRITICAL

Many applicants spend months applying for jobs without success because their CV and cover letter are not written to New Zealand standards.

Before applying for any role, make sure you have:

✅ A New Zealand-style CV/Resume
✅ A cover letter tailored specifically to the advertised position
✅ Professional English with no spelling or grammatical mistakes
✅ Relevant qualifications and experience clearly explained

Helpful resources:

👉 NZ-Style CV Guide
https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/cvs-and-cover-letters/tips-for-creating-a-nz-style-cv/

👉 Resume Advice
https://www.seek.co.nz/career-advice/article/what-makes-a-great-resume

🛠 FREE CV BUILDERS

You generally do not need to pay someone to write your CV.

Useful tools include:

👉 Careers NZ CV Builder
https://www.careers.govt.nz/tools/cv-builder/

👉 SEEK Resume Tools

✍️ DON'T NEGLECT THE COVER LETTER

A cover letter should not simply repeat your CV. It should explain:

• Why you are applying for the role
• Why you are suitable for the position
• What skills and experience you bring to the employer
• Why the employer should interview you

Cover letter templates:
https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/cvs-and-cover-letters/templates/

📋 BE "DOCUMENT READY"

Many employers prefer candidates who can proceed quickly.

Consider having ready:

✅ Passport copy
✅ Qualifications and transcripts
✅ Employment references
✅ Police certificates (if available)
✅ Any other documents required to support a future visa application

Being document-ready can make the hiring process much smoother once an employer decides to offer you a position.

🍀 Happy job hunting, and remember:

No genuine employer sells jobs.

No genuine adviser can obtain a job offer for you.

The best pathway to New Zealand employment starts with a strong CV, a tailored cover letter, and applying directly to genuine employers.

🇳🇿 Real advice. Real pathways. Real people.

How to do CVs, cover letters and job application forms.

02/06/2026

🚨 FREE LIVE IMMIGRATION Q&A TONIGHT 🚨

Join us tonight at 7:00pm NZT for a completely FREE one-hour immigration advice session with three Licensed Immigration Advisers.

Whether you have questions about:
✅ Student Visas
✅ Work Visas
✅ Residence Pathways
✅ Partnership Applications
✅ Character or Medical Issues
✅ Immigration Changes

Bring your questions and we'll do our best to answer as many as possible during the session.

📅 Tonight – 7:00pm NZT

💻 Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82093486582?pwd=Tr4jVV8wUJWBPj7OdlQH09w8mrrQKA.1

We look forward to seeing you there!

Real advice. Real pathways. Real people.

Licensed Immigration Advice will be provided by Licensed Immigration Advisers. General information only. Individual circumstances may vary.

29/05/2026

🇳🇿 NEW WORK VISA OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES – FROM 16 NOVEMBER 2026 🇳🇿

Immigration New Zealand has announced important new post-study work visa options for international students graduating in New Zealand.

Key changes include:

✔ Introduction of a new 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa (SGWV)
✔ Available for eligible NZQCF Level 5–7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV)
✔ Students must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
✔ English language, foundation, and bridging programmes are NOT eligible

There are also important changes to Post Study Work Visa eligibility:

✔ Graduate Diploma holders who already hold a Bachelor’s Degree may now qualify for a PSWV
✔ This includes Bachelor’s Degrees obtained outside New Zealand
✔ The PSWV may be granted for up to 1 year depending on study duration in New Zealand
✔ The entire Graduate Diploma must have been studied in New Zealand
❌ Recognised prior learning, cross-crediting, or similar exemptions will not count toward eligibility

⚠️ Very important: graduates can only apply within 3 months of their relevant student visa expiring.

These changes may create new opportunities for many international students who previously had limited post-study work options.

Aurora Christensen
Licensed Immigration Adviser
ImmigrateMe
Whatsapp 027 372 4956

28/05/2026

🇳🇿 AUGUST 2026 RESIDENCY PATHWAYS ARE COMING 🇳🇿

Managing a New Zealand Residency application is a huge amount of work — and getting it wrong can have serious consequences.

At ImmigrateMe Ltd, we take enormous pride in providing comprehensive, decision-ready residency management for individuals and families wanting to secure their future in New Zealand.

Our residency management service includes:

✔ Full eligibility assessments for all family members
✔ Detailed review of employment, qualifications, immigration history, and supporting evidence
✔ Advice regarding English language requirements and acceptable evidence
✔ Assessment of immigration risks or potential problem areas before lodgement
✔ Tailored document checklists specific to your pathway and family situation
✔ Assistance gathering and organising documentation correctly
✔ Review of passports, identity documents, qualifications, employment evidence, and supporting records
✔ Guidance regarding translations, certified copies, and Immigration NZ formatting requirements
✔ Preparation and completion of Immigration New Zealand application forms
✔ Drafting of professional cover letters and legal submissions where required
✔ Uploading and organising applications to Immigration New Zealand standards
✔ Lodgement of the application on your behalf
✔ Direct liaison with Immigration New Zealand throughout processing
✔ Responding to requests for further information
✔ Ongoing strategic advice throughout the application process
✔ Monitoring the application right through until final decision
✔ Guidance regarding medicals, police certificates, and timing requirements
✔ Assistance for secondary applicants and dependent children
✔ Full immigration representation and ongoing support

⚠️ Processing times are expected to become extremely long once the new pathways open.

The strongest applications are “decision-ready” from day one.

Payment plans are available by instalment.

If you are considering applying under the upcoming August 2026 residency pathways, now is the time to start preparing.

📩 Get in touch with ImmigrateMe Ltd for professional advice and comprehensive residency management.

Aurora Christensen
Licensed Immigration Adviser
ImmigrateMe Ltd