Visa Works NZ

24/08/2026

New residence pathways are OPEN! 🇳🇿❤️

Today is an exciting day for skilled migrants and their families, with the new residence categories now open.

I think this is a really positive step - giving more people options and pathways to build a long-term future in New Zealand.

New Zealand needs skilled people, and retaining people who are already here, working, contributing and putting down roots is so important for our economy and our communities.

But with new pathways come new rules, requirements and plenty of detail to work through. And just because a pathway is open, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right pathway for you.

If you’re wondering “Could this be an option for me?”, now is a great time to get advice and understand where you stand.

I’d love to help you work through the options and make a plan for your next step. 💛

Emma Collins
Visa Works | Licensed Immigration Adviser

16/08/2026

One week to go until the new Skilled Migrant Category changes take effect. 👀

But here’s something that might surprise you…

The results of a recent Official Information Act (OIA) request showed no internal training documents for Immigration New Zealand officers relating to the new SMC settings.

We can only assume that training will happen alongside the processing of live applications.

And that’s one reason I think having a Licensed Immigration Adviser in your corner could be more important than ever.

The new SMC settings are complex. There are new requirements, new pathways and plenty of detail that needs to be considered when preparing an application.

As your LIA, I can:

✔️ Make sure your application meets the relevant policy requirements
✔️ Identify potential issues before they become problems
✔️ Provide supporting evidence and arguments where needed
✔️ Advocate for you if questions or concerns are raised by INZ
✔️ Keep you up to date as the new settings start being applied

Don’t leave your residence application to chance.

If you’re considering applying under the new SMC, or you’re simply not sure where you stand, get in touch with me today.

I’d love to help you understand your options and make sure you’re ready.

Emma
Visa Works | Licensed Immigration Adviser

12/08/2026

Want to bring your partner to New Zealand? ❤️

I know how difficult it can be when you’re living in New Zealand but the person you want to share your life with is somewhere else.

There are a number of partnership visa options, but the right one will depend on your circumstances - your relationship, your partner’s situation and your plans for the future.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to help you work through your options and understand what’s possible.

Let’s get you one step closer to being together. ❤️

Emma
Visa Works | Licensed Immigration Adviser

11/08/2026

Are you working in an occupation on the Red or Amber List? 🤔

You might be wondering what the recent residence pathway changes mean for you and whether you still have a pathway to residence in New Zealand.

The good news is, being on the Red or Amber List doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your residence options.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand which pathways may be available to you and what you need to do to position yourself for the future.

📩 Not sure what your options are? Get in touch with Visa Works today.

I’d be happy to talk through your situation and help you understand your next steps.

Emma | Visa Works
Licensed Immigration Adviser

022 851 3331

10/08/2026

👉 Want to bring your family to New Zealand but unsure what your options are?

That’s where I come in! I understand the importance of having family close by. Get in touch for a chat through your options.

[email protected]
⁨022 851 3331⁩

07/08/2026

Good news for those in the ballot for the Parent Category resident visa - 90% of invitations will come from a queue - bringing a bit of fairness back to the lottery system.

There are tens of thousands of entries in the ballot - this won’t be a fast queue to get to the front of. At least parents can have a bit of certainty.

Get in touch if you’re an NZ resident or citizen and want to bring your parents to live with you in New Zealand.

[email protected]
022 851 3331

Big news for families waiting to bring their parents to NZ: the Parent Resident Visa is getting fairer.

From November, 90% of places go in date order, not random ballot. No more reapplying and paying again every two years.

Family reunification shouldn't come down to luck.

06/08/2026

Reviews like this make my day. 😊

Thank you for trusting me with your resident visa and for your lovely words. I’m so happy we achieved a great result together. 💖

Emma - Visa Works

15/07/2026

🎉Visa Works turns ONE today!🎉

Today marks one year since I took the leap and started Visa Works.

It's hard to believe how quickly the year has gone. Running a business has been one of the biggest challenges I've taken on, but also one of the most rewarding.

I genuinely LOVE what I do.

Every day I get to help people navigate what can be one of the most stressful and life-changing experiences of their lives. Whether it's helping someone secure a work visa, celebrating a resident visa approval, reuniting families, or simply giving people clarity about their options, I never lose sight of the fact that behind every application is a real person with real hopes and dreams.

Starting Visa Works also gave me something I deeply value - the flexibility to build a career I love while being present for my family. It means I can work from wherever I need to, attend school events, be there for the little moments with my children, and still give my clients the time, care and attention they deserve. Life can be a bit of a juggling act, but that balance is something I'll never take for granted.

I am grateful to everyone that has trusted me, referred someone my way and shared advice and encouragement. Thank you to my family, who gave me the confidence to take the leap. Every bit of support has helped me shape Visa Works into what it is today.

Thank you for being part of the journey ❤️

13/07/2026

🎉Today's Win!🎉

There's nothing quite like receiving the email that says Resident Visa Approved.

This wasn't a straightforward application. During the assessment Immigration New Zealand raised substantial concerns about whether my client met the requirements for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Rather than giving up, we carefully addressed each concern with detailed submissions, supporting evidence, and strong advocacy on behalf of the client.

Yesterday, all that work paid off.

✅ Skilled Migrant Resdient Visa Approved.

It's a reminder that a request for further information or formal letter of concern doesn't always mean the end of the road. Sometimes, it's how you respond that makes all the difference.

Congratulations to my client on reaching this incredible milestone. Wishing you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter as the newest New Zealand'er 🇳🇿

If you've received difficult questions from Immigration New Zealand or you're unsure about your eligibility, professional advice can make a real difference.

Get in touch today to discuss your options

📧[email protected]
📲022 851 3331

28/06/2026

🔎The new Skilled Residence policy has now been confirmed. But, what does it actually mean for you?🔍

When Immigration New Zealand announced the final details of the changes to the Skilled Residence pathways, there was a lot to take in.

Over the past few weeks, Licensed Immigration Advisers and Lawyers have been working through the finer details of the policy, analysing how the changes will apply in real-life situations and discussing these together.

The reality is that many people still don't know whether the changes:
✔️Create a pathway to residence for them
✔️Make them eligible sooner than expected
✔️Mean they should wait before lodging an application
✔️Affect their current AEWV or future plans

Every person's circumstances are different, and the answer isn't always obvious.

If you've been wondering whether these changes could benefit you or your family, now is a great time to have that conversation.

If you book a consultation, I'll take the time to understand your situation, explain how the new policy applies to you, and help you plan your best pathway forward.

Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to gain clarity and confidence about your future in New Zealand.

📧[email protected]
📲022 851 3331