IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS IN NEW ZEALAND ©Saunders & Co Lawyers 2019 Whether you are looking to migrate, are already in NZ and seeking advice on your options, or in need of assistance to resolve a particular immigration issue, our highly experienced team is here to help. We pride ourselves on giving honest advice on the available options, comprehensive and high- quality representation at a competitive price, and a level of communication second to none. At Saunders & Co we can advise on the visa that is right for your needs, and assist in preparing the appropriate paperwork for the relevant visa application. From the planning stages of your move to New Zealand, through to your obtaining citizenship, we can assist with every step of your migration journey and beyond. VISITOR VISA If you are not from a country covered by visa waiver provisions, or you have unusual personal circumstances (such as health or character concerns, or you are travelling for something other than a holiday), you will most likely need to apply for a visitor visa. The main element of this application is to demonstrate a genuine and lawful reason for the visit to NZ. STUDENT VISA Whether you are looking to undertake primary, secondary or tertiary study, we can assist in obtaining a student visa for you or your children. To obtain a student visa you will require an offer of placement at an educational institute along with proof of sufficient funds (which will vary depending on the circumstances). In some circumstances, proof of insurance is also required. You may also be granted work rights while holding a student visa and upon completion of your study, you may be eligible for a post study open work visa. WORK VISA There are various types of work visas that are available under NZ’s immigration policy. Determining the most appropriate type of work visa requires an analysis of the job on offer and your existing experience and qualifications. In most circumstances in order to obtain a work visa, proof of a valid job offer is required along with evidence that you are qualified for that job and evidence that no New Zealander has been found for the role. The length of visa granted will depend on the visa type, the level of skill that Immigration NZ deems the position to have, and/or the wage rate offered. RESIDENCE VISA A residence visa will allow you to work anywhere in NZ without any requirement to stay with one authorised employer (with a few exceptions). It also allows you to move freely within NZ without any requirements to renew the visa. There are a number of avenues for obtaining residence in New Zealand, through skills, investment, partnership or family connections. We encourage you to pursue residence as soon as you are eligible to do so. Residence visa applications are complicated and take substantially longer to be processed by Immigration NZ than temporary visas. POTENTIALLY PREJUDICIAL INFORMATION Potentially prejudicial information letters can be sent by Immigration NZ during the processing of an application. These indicate concerns held and warn that, unless addressed, the application may be declined. If you receive such a letter, you should treat it very seriously. Preparing a response to such a letter often takes time and so should be actioned as early as possible, but any response needs to be thorough and well thought out. In most instances, we are able to alleviate Immigration NZ’s concerns by addressing the issues in a clear and concise manner using our knowledge of their policies and procedures.