Fermah Advocates - Immigration Advisers

19/03/2026

Immigration New Zealand has just made it easier to understand how long visa applications may take 👇

A new processing time tool now gives clearer, more detailed timelines across a wider range of visa types — helping people better plan their travel, study, or work in New Zealand.

Instead of guessing, applicants can now see when 50% and 80% of applications are typically processed, giving a much more realistic expectation of wait times.

A great step toward more transparency and less uncertainty in the immigration process 👏

Give it a go here : https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/waiting-for-a-visa/processing-a-visa-application/how-long-it-takes-to-process-an-application/check-visa-application-processing-time/

If you would like us to check on your behalf, please get in touch!

08/03/2026

📢 Big Changes Coming to New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Residence Pathway

Immigration New Zealand has announced further updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) that will come into effect in late August 2026.

Key highlights include:
✅ Confirmation of the new 'Trades and Technician pathway', creating clearer residence opportunities for many skilled trades.
✅ Introduction of 'Red and Amber occupation lists' to better target genuine skill shortages.
✅ Simplified median wage settings for applicants across SMC pathways.
✅ Extended English language test validity for some applicants.
✅ A future option to extend an Accredited Employer Work Visa to gain the work experience required for residence.
✅ Additional recognition of qualifications completed in New Zealand.

🔎 If you are currently on a work visa or planning your pathway to residence, these changes could impact your eligibility and timeline.

👉 Send us a message or book a consultation to discuss your pathway to residence in New Zealand.

Fermah Advocates are Licensed New Zealand Immigration Advisers offering expertise & personal commitment to everyone on their immigration journey.

01/03/2026

📢 Important Update for Open Work Visa Holders in New Zealand! 🇳🇿

Heads up, everyone! Immigration New Zealand has just announced upcoming changes to the employment conditions for people holding Open Work Visas, coming into effect from 20 April 2026.

Here’s what you need to know:

👉 Open work visas will now fall into two clear employment condition categories — this helps make it easier to understand what types of work you can and cannot do under your visa.
✨ Some visa holders (like partners of workers, post-study work visas and partners of NZ citizens) can continue to work in any job, anywhere in NZ — including running your own business, freelancing, and sole-trading.
📌 Other visa holders (including working holiday visas and certain protection visas) will need to work for an employer under a contract or agreement.

🔎 What to do now:
✔️ Check your current visa conditions — especially if you work for yourself or in a non-traditional role.
✔️ If you’re unsure about how these changes affect you, reach out to us for more info.

26/02/2026

🇳🇿✈️ UK border rule changes are leaving many dual citizens frustrated and facing unexpected hurdles. Thousands of Kiwi–UK nationals now need a valid British passport or travel documentation to enter the UK — and many only found out at the last minute, describing the change as an “absolute shambles” and struggling with confusion and cost.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by shifting immigration requirements — whether it’s for travel, visas, residency, or family reunification — you don’t have to navigate it alone.
A licensed immigration adviser can help you make sense of the rules, avoid costly mistakes, and set you up for success.

📩 Reach out today to get clear, reliable guidance tailored to your situation. Your journey matters — make sure you’ve got the right support every step of the way!

Dual British citizens need UK passports to travel there from today - but can try their luck with an expired passport if they have to.

06/01/2026

2026 is here, and if there’s one thing you’ve been putting off, let this be the year you finally sort your visa out.

No more “I’ll do it later.”
No more confusion or stress.
Just clear advice, a solid plan, and real progress toward your future in New Zealand!

Whether you’re looking to study, work, settle, or extend your stay, now is the perfect time to take that step. 🌍✈️

💬 Make 2026 the year you get your visa sorted.
📞 Call us today to get started.

Fermah Advocates are Licensed Immigration Advisors in New Zealand offering expertise & personal commitment to all on their immigration journey.

03/12/2025

If your visa application is taking longer than expected you can get in touch with us to ask why.
0800 151615
Get that visa approved in time for Christmas! 🎄

25/11/2025

Make sure you keep up to date with the latest visa changes from Immigration New Zealand!
If you'd like additional information or require some assistance with your visa application, let us know!
www.fermahadvocates.co.nz

📢 Important changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications from 8 December 2025

To speed up processing and reduce delays, all AEWV applicants will need to upload a valid, complete police certificate with their application. Uploading only a receipt of application for a police certificate will no longer be accepted.

🌍 Exceptions apply for Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel, where authorities send certificates directly to us - in these cases, proof of application is fine.

💡 These changes help us make decisions faster for everyone.

👉 Read more here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/police-certificate-requirement-changes-for-accredited-employer-work-visa-applications/

17/11/2025

🌟 New Seasonal Visas Open 8 December 2025! 🌟

Exciting news for those looking to work in New Zealand! Starting December 8, 2025, new Seasonal Work Visas are available to help meet the growing demand. These visas are designed to support accredited businesses that rely on temporary workers during peak seasons.

Visa Categories:

✅ Peak Seasonal Worker Visa – For people seeking short-term, seasonal work in New Zealand.
✅ Global Workforce Seasonal Visa – For workers hired by employers who offer repeat seasonal roles over three years.

Whether you're looking for new opportunities or need assistance navigating the visa process, our immigration experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

🔍 Need more information or help with your application?
Drop us a message today for expert immigration advice and support! 📩

Fermah Advocates are Licensed Immigration Advisors in New Zealand offering expertise & personal commitment to all on their immigration journey.

23/10/2025

🚨Exciting news: There are upcoming changes to student visa work rights that could impact you! 🇳🇿📚

Starting 3rd November, most international students will have the ability to work unlimited hours during their studies! 🕒 This is a big step towards supporting students who want to gain valuable work experience while studying in New Zealand.

✨ Here’s a quick rundown of what’s changing:

Unlimited work hours: Most students will now be able to work as many hours as they like while studying.

Flexibility: These changes are designed to support students in balancing their academic and financial needs.

📅 For more details on these changes and to make sure you’re fully informed, check out the full announcement here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights/

Remember, if you're already in New Zealand or planning to come soon, it's important to stay up to date with these changes to make the most out of your study and work experience. 💼

Flick us an email or message if you have any questions about how these changes could affect you!

Fermah Advocates are Licensed Immigration Advisors in New Zealand offering expertise & personal commitment to all on their immigration journey.

23/09/2025

📢 Big Changes to New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category Visa – Coming 2026!

The New Zealand Government has announced major updates to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa to make it easier for skilled workers and tradespeople to settle long-term.

Key Highlights:

🔹 Two New Residence Pathways
✔️ Skilled Work Experience Pathway – 5 years relevant experience (2 in NZ), must earn at least 1.1× median wage
✔️ Trades & Technician Pathway – Level 4+ qualification, 4 years post-qual experience (18 months in NZ at or above median wage)

🔹 More Points for NZ Qualifications
– Easier for graduates to qualify for residence.

🔹 Shorter NZ Work Requirements
– Many applicants will only need 2 years of NZ work (down from 3).

🔹 Wage Thresholds Simplified
– You’ll only need to meet the median wage, not higher bands.

📅 These changes take effect from August 2026.

Let us know if you'd like to get started on your journey to becoming a New Zealand resident!

Fermah Advocates are Licensed Immigration Advisors in New Zealand offering expertise & personal commitment to all on their immigration journey.

14/09/2025

🎓 Student Visa Changes – Important Update! 🛂

From 18 August 2025, all student visa applications for New Zealand must be made using the new enhanced Immigration Online system.

✅ New, smarter application form
✅ Faster updates + email alerts
✅ More upfront info & documents required

📝 Affected visa types include:

Fee Paying Student Visa

Pathway Visa

Scholarship & Exchange Visas

English Language Student Visa

⚠️ Key dates:

17 Sep 2025 – Last day to submit saved drafts in the old system

18 Sep 2025 – Paper applications no longer accepted

👉 Apply early — Immigration NZ recommends applying at least 3 months before your study starts.

Need help with your application? Message us today — We can guide you through the new system and ensure everything’s done right ✅