In most cases, depending on the nationality of the applicant, the visa holder can work in New Zealand for up to one year. For most nationalities, there will be a condition that the visa holder can only work for a specific employer for a maximum of three months. This encourages foreign workers to gain exposure to different work environments in New Zealand with diverse employers and work colleagues.

Along with enabling a visa holder to engage in employment, the working holiday visa also enables them to undertake short-term study for up to six months. In many cases, this allows for the worker to undertake work and study simultaneously, especially for short-term courses such as English language certificates.

A prospective foreign worker would need to hold comprehensive medical insurance over the duration of their visa along with holding sufficient funds for their maintenance and daily expenses.

For certain nationalities, such as Canadian citizens and British Citizens, applicants may be able to extend their visas for a total duration of 23 months and 36 months, respectively.

Once a worker has used their maximum entitlement under the Working holidays scheme, amounting to 12 months for most nationalities, and 23 months and 36 months for Canadian and British Citizens, they are unable to apply for a further visa of the same category.

However, should any visa holder wish to remain in New Zealand for a longer duration, they are able to explore other visa categories including a fee-paying student visa and an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

The post No Job Offer? No Problem. Working Holiday Visas Explained appeared first on Corban Revell.

A visa refusal can stop you in your tracks. After months of waiting, planning, and paperwork, a single decision can feel like the end of the road. But in most cases, it isn’t.

Behind almost every immigration refusal or delay, there’s context, sometimes complex, often human. And with the right approach, there are usually still ways forward.

We see it often: applications refused on technical grounds, medical concerns that can be managed, or paperwork that didn’t tell the full story. Immigration law can seem black and white, but real life rarely is.

If your residence application is declined, you have 42 days to appeal to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT). The Tribunal can look at the immigration officer’s decision and decide whether it was correct, something it cannot do for temporary visa appeals.

A residence appeal can be made on one or both grounds:

1. The decision was wrong under immigration policy

This means something in the decision wasn’t applied correctly or didn’t match the evidence.

2. You have special circumstances that justify an exception

Sometimes, even if the immigration officer was correct to decline the resident visa application because you failed to meet the instructions, the Tribunal can exercise its powers to grant residency as an ‘exception to instructions’.  In such situations, key factors such as health issues, family circumstances, personal hardship, or long-standing connections to New Zealand can be taken in account by the Tribunal

This process is detailed, but it gives you a real chance for your story to be fully heard.

If Your Temporary Visa (Work, Visitor, Student) Was Declined

The temporary visa system works differently, and what you can do next depends on whether you still hold a visa right now.

If you still hold a valid visa (including an interim visa)

You may submit a Reconsideration Request within 14 days of the decline.

This request must:

• clearly explain why you believe the decision should be changed
• include all documents and evidence to support your case
• meet the strict 14-day deadline

It’s a paper-based process Immigration NZ will not call or interview you so the supporting evidence and clarity of the submission matter greatly.

If you do NOT hold a visa (or you miss the 14-day window)

You may be able to lodge a deportation appeal with the IPT within 42 days of becoming unlawful.

This appeal follows a completely different test. The Tribunal will not re-evaluate the immigration officer’s earlier decision. Instead, it will look exclusively at whether you meet the very high threshold for:

• exceptional humanitarian circumstances, and
• whether deportation would be unjust or unduly harsh, and
• whether allowing you to stay would not be against the public interest

This is a tougher test than the “special circumstances” test used for residence appeals which is why guidance really matters here.

If you submitted a reconsideration request and it is later declined, the 42-day deportation appeal period starts again from the date of that decision.

These processes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re under pressure or time is tight. That’s when clear guidance makes a real difference.

When Health or Character Issues Come Up

Sometimes an application is derailed by something unexpected: a medical condition, a past conviction, or a technical character concern. In these cases, a health or character waiver may allow the application to proceed.

These waivers recognise that people are more than their records or diagnoses. With supporting evidence from medical specialists, employers, or community leaders, Immigration New Zealand can consider the full picture, not just one part of it.

For Employers Bringing in Skilled Workers

For businesses hiring from overseas, immigration compliance is now a crucial part of recruitment. Employers must be accredited, job checks must meet set standards, and every role must be shown to be genuine and fairly advertised.

We work alongside employers to:

• apply for or renew accreditation
• prepare compliant job check documentation
• liaise with Work and Income where required

Handled properly, these steps can save weeks of delays and ensure both employer and employee remain fully protected under immigration and employment law.

Immigration issues are rarely just legal, they’re personal. They affect families, futures, and livelihoods. That’s why we focus not just on the process, but on the people navigating it.

Our goal is always the same to find a path forward, restore clarity, and help our clients move on with confidence, no matter how complex the challenge might seem.

The post When Immigration Decisions Don’t Go to Plan appeared first on Corban Revell.

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for up to five years – extendable to ten – giving families the chance to plan life together without constant worry.

“This visa is a real step forward for families wanting to stay connected in New Zealand,” says Ritvik Roop, immigration solicitor at Corban Revell Lawyers. “It gives parents and children more certainty, so you can focus on enjoying family life rather than stressing over visa applications.”

Applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa will open online via Immigration New Zealand from 29 September 2025. Many families find it helpful to have expert guidance to make the process smoother. Corban Revell Immigration Law team can help you confidently navigate requirements, minimise mistakes, and ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

Parent Boost Visa: What You Need to Know

• Applications: Online from 29 September 2025
• English Language Requirement: None
• Fees: NZD $3,000 for most applicants; $2,450 for Pacific fee band applicants, plus International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100
• Health Insurance: Must cover emergency care, repatriation, return of remains, and cancer treatment
• Processing Time: Around four months, depending on documentation and health checks
• Multi-entry Visa: Your parents can travel to and from New Zealand. A mid-visa medical assessment in the third year ensures ongoing eligibility

“Even with instructions online, the process can feel a little overwhelming,” says Ritvik. “Having a professional guide you through can make the process much less stressful.”

Sponsorship and Financial Requirements

• Parents can be sponsored by adult children, with siblings able to share sponsorship responsibilities.
• Your parents’ stay can be supported in three ways: through the income of their sponsors, your parents’ own income, or your parents’ assets, like savings, investments, pensions, or property, whether held in New Zealand or overseas.
• Immigration New Zealand will assess whether your family can adequately support your parents during their stay.

“Financial rules can be tricky, particularly if you have overseas income or assets,” says Ritvik. “We help you understand exactly what counts, so your application is robust and complete.”

When You Might Benefit From Legal Guidance

While you can apply on your own, families often seek help in areas like:

• Financial and documentation complexity: Ensuring all income and asset documentation meets Immigration New Zealand requirements
• Health and insurance obligations: Choosing compliant insurance and managing mid-visa medical checks
• Visa strategy: Comparing Parent Boost with other parent visas, coordinating multiple applications, or handling joint sponsorship
• Peace of mind: Minimising delays, avoiding mistakes, and knowing your application is handled correctly

“We provide guidance where it really matters,” Ritvik notes. “So you can focus on what really counts – spending time with your loved ones.”

Comparing Parent Boost With Other Parent Visas

• Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Short-term stays (up to 18 months within a 3-year period)
• Visitor Visa: Up to 9 months, or up to 3 months for citizens of visa-waiver countries using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
• Parent Resident Visa: 2,500 places per year via ballot
• Parent Retirement Resident Visa: Residence via investment of at least NZD $1 million for 4 years

“Choosing the right visa can be confusing,” Ritvik says. “We help you understand your options and pick the path that’s right for your family.”

Health and Insurance Requirements

• Your parents must maintain comprehensive health insurance from approved New Zealand or overseas providers.
• Medical assessments are required before arrival and mid-way through the visa. Mid-visa health checks may require a short stay offshore

“We help families manage these requirements smoothly, so you can spend your time together without worrying,” Ritvik says.

How Corban Revell Can Help You

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a fantastic opportunity to spend extended quality time with your parents. Corban Revell Immigration Law can guide you through every step, including:

• Understanding sponsorship and financial obligations
• Meeting health and insurance requirements
• Comparing visa options and planning your long-term family stay
• Managing mid-visa checks, renewals, or changes in family circumstances

“Every family is different,” Ritvik says. “We give friendly, practical guidance so you can just enjoy being with your loved ones.”

If you’d like help or have questions about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, contact Corban Revell’s Immigration Law team or reach out directly to Ritvik.

The post Imagine Family Time Without Borders: The New ‘Parent Boost Visitor Visa’ appeared first on Corban Revell.

The updates affect how long you can stay, who you can bring with you, and what kind of pay you need to be offered. Here’s what you need to know.

Median Wage Requirement Replaced with Market Rate

Until now, most AEWV applicants needed to be paid at least the median wage, which currently sits at $29.66. But from 10 March 2025, that requirement was removed. Instead, applicants now only need to be offered the market rate for their specific occupation.

Corban Revell solicitor Ritvik Roop, who specialises in immigration, explains that this change means employers and workers are no longer tied to a fixed median wage. “Instead of being stuck with the median wage, employers now just need to offer the market rate for the role, which should make it easier to find migrant workers for positions that reflect what others in the industry are being paid,” he says.

A Pathway for Lower-Skilled Roles

The 2025 changes also introduce a new classification known as Appendix 7, which includes certain lower-skilled occupations such as cooks, scaffolders, and slaughterers.

Workers applying for AEWVs under these Appendix 7 roles will now be treated as if they are applying for an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Skill Level 3 position. This reclassification brings several key changes:

• Applicants will be eligible for a work visa of up to five years, rather than being limited to shorter durations.
• No English language test will be required as part of the application process.
• These visa holders will also be eligible to support partners on partnership visas and children on dependent visitor or student visas, as long as they meet any additional income or remuneration requirements tied to those visa types.

Ritvik highlights that this change gives employers and workers more security, especially in industries that rely heavily on these roles. “By allowing for longer visa durations and removing the English language requirement, the new rules offer a clearer path for both workers and employers, making these critical roles more accessible,” he says.

Renewals Available for Existing AEWV Holders

There are provisions in place for those who already hold an AEWV, provided their visa application was lodged on or before 9 March 2025.

If you’re in this group, you may be able to apply for a further work visa using your existing job check token – the reference number that connects your visa application to an employer-approved job.

However, the conditions of the job must remain the same, meaning the same occupation, same employer, same remuneration, and same work location.

The duration of the new visa will depend on both the skill level of the role and the date you applied for your first AEWV. Depending on these factors, you may be granted a visa that extends your total time in New Zealand to up to three or five years.

More Stability, Less Confusion

“These changes are designed to offer more stability and less confusion for workers who are already in the system,” says Ritvik. “It makes renewals a lot more straightforward, as long as the job conditions stay the same.”

While these changes provide more flexibility, understanding how they apply to your specific situation is important.

If you’re unsure about what the new AEWV settings mean for you or your family, feel free to get in touch with Ritvik Roop for expert advice.

The post Working in Aotearoa: What the 2025 AEWV Changes Mean for Migrants appeared first on Corban Revell.

Recent changes have been announced by the government, in relation to the existing Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV). If you are an employer hiring Level 4 or Level 5 jobs such as carers, clerks, receptionist, farm workers, cleaners and some others, your workers if granted a visa can only spend a total of 3 years across their work visas before being subject to the stand down period. These changes would apply to those Level 4 or Level 5 workers who are applying for their first visas on or after 7 April 2024, but there are additional exceptions if these workers’ occupations fall under the Green List, the Transport Sector or if they are being remunerated at $47.41 or higher.

For job checks applications for ANZSCO Skill level 4-5 occupations, the employers must:

1. Advertise the role for a period three weeks, instead of the earlier required two weeks, on a public website (i.e “Trademe”, “Seek”, “Indeed”, etc),
2. Liaise with work and income with the aim of hiring suitable New Zealand Citizens and/or Residents; and
3. Provide a declaration as to why no suitable New Zealanders could be found.

For the migrant workers, there are more stringent work experience/ qualification requirements and in some instances, the workers must also meet specific English language requirements for the work visa (i.e IELTS, PTE or TOEFL).

We hope employers will find this quick guide useful. However, if you are unsure if the job you need is Level 4 or Level 5, what to do when applying for a Job Check or what requirements need for advertising the position, get in touch with us today to discuss and to ensure that the Job Check is completed correctly the first time to avoid having to repeat the process.

Contact

Ritvik Roop
DDI: 09 837 5736
Email: rroop@corbanrevell.co.nz

The post Quick Guide: Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visas appeared first on Corban Revell.

Eligibility

Applicants must have met the criteria on 29 September 2021.

To be eligible the Applicants must:

• have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021, and
• be on an eligible visa or have applied for an eligible visa before 29 September 2021 that is later granted.

Applicants must also meet one of the three criteria

• have lived in New Zealand for three or more years, or
• earn at or above the median wage ($27 per hour), or
• work in a role on a scarce list.

If an Applicant meets the criteria for eligibility but are in Australia and have been unable to return to New Zealand by 29 September 2021, they may also be considered eligible.

If you require further specific advice on whether you are eligible and assist you in the process, please contact one of our lawyers.

The advice above is current at the time of writing, 30 September 2021. This article is published for general information purposes only. Legal content in this article is general and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

The post 2021 Resident Visa – Fast-Tracked Residency appeared first on Corban Revell.