New Zealand Immigration — Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is a licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

A licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand is a professional regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Only licensed advisers are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for payment in New Zealand. They must meet strict competency standards, follow a professional code of conduct, use written client agreements, charge fair and transparent fees, and keep clients regularly informed throughout their visa process. All five advisers at Kiwiana Immigration hold current IAA licences.

Question 2

What is the difference between a licensed immigration adviser and an unlicensed immigration consultant?

Accepted Answer

In New Zealand it is illegal to provide immigration advice for payment without an IAA licence. Unlicensed 'immigration consultants' or 'agents' are not regulated, have no legal accountability, and their advice is not covered by the IAA Code of Conduct or any complaint process. Using an unlicensed person puts your visa application at serious risk. Always verify your adviser's licence at www.iaa.govt.nz before engaging them. Kiwiana Immigration has five IAA-licensed advisers — Pawandeep Singh (201801110), Parth Poply (202100582), Avleen Kaur (202200657), Vishesh Vij (202400771), and Kirandeep Kaur (202400831).

Question 3

How do I apply for a New Zealand work visa?

Accepted Answer

To apply for a NZ work visa, you typically need a job offer from a New Zealand employer, evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience, and you must meet health and character requirements. The most common work visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which requires your employer to hold INZ accreditation and have passed a Job Check for your role. Kiwiana Immigration's licensed advisers assess your eligibility, identify the right visa pathway, prepare all documents, and guide you through submission to Immigration New Zealand. Book a free assessment at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/free-visa-assessment.

Question 4

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary employer-supported work visa introduced in 2022. It requires three steps: (1) the employer must be accredited by Immigration NZ, (2) the employer must pass a Job Check confirming no suitable NZ candidates are available, and (3) the migrant worker then applies for the AEWV. As of March 2026, the median wage threshold is NZD $35.00/hour for most AEWV roles. Kiwiana Immigration assists both employers with accreditation and job checks, and workers with their AEWV applications.

Question 5

What is the median wage for AEWV in New Zealand 2026?

Accepted Answer

From 9 March 2026, the AEWV median wage threshold increased to NZD $35.00 per hour. Most AEWV roles must pay at or above this median wage. Some exceptions apply for roles on the Green List, certain care and support workers, and other specific occupations. The median wage is reviewed regularly and can change. Kiwiana Immigration stays up to date with all median wage changes and can advise on how this affects your application.

Question 6

How can I get New Zealand permanent residency?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand permanent residency can be obtained through several pathways: (1) Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — a points-based visa for skilled workers with a job offer in NZ; (2) Straight to Residence via the Green List — for occupations on Tier 1 of the Green List with a recognised qualification; (3) Work to Residence — for eligible work visa holders after working in NZ for a specified period; (4) healthcare professional and essential transport industry pathways. From August 2026, changes to the SMC will affect eligibility criteria. Kiwiana Immigration can assess which residency pathway best suits your situation.

Question 7

What is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa for New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based New Zealand resident visa for skilled workers. Points are awarded for factors including skilled employment in NZ, qualifications, partner qualifications, and NZ work experience. Significant changes to the SMC are effective from August 2026, including revised points thresholds and occupational requirements. Kiwiana Immigration provides expert SMC assessments and end-to-end application management, keeping you informed of all policy changes.

Question 8

What is the Green List visa in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand's Green List is a list of occupations that are in short supply and highly skilled. It has two tiers: Tier 1 occupations (such as specialist doctors, dentists, and engineers) can apply directly for Straight to Residence; Tier 2 occupations (such as nurses, teachers, and tradespeople) are eligible for Work to Residence visas that can lead to residency after two years of work. As of 2025, new trade occupations were added to the Green List. Kiwiana Immigration can check if your occupation qualifies and advise on the best residency pathway.

Question 9

What immigration services does Kiwiana Immigration offer?

Accepted Answer

Kiwiana Immigration offers a comprehensive range of New Zealand immigration services: Work Visas (AEWV, Post Study Work Visa, Working Holiday, RSE Visa, and more), Student Visas (Fee-Paying, Pathway, Exchange, Child), Visitor Visas (General, Parent and Grandparent, Parent Boost, Business, Critical Purpose), Family Visas (Partner of NZ Citizen, Partner of Work Visa Holder, Partner of Student Visa Holder), Resident Visas (Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Green List), Business and Investor Visas (Entrepreneur, Investor 1 and 2, Active Investor Plus), AEWV Employer Accreditation and Job Checks, Accreditation Renewals, and Complex Immigration Matters including Section 61 Requests and Ministerial Appeals.

Question 10

What is a Section 61 request in New Zealand immigration?

Accepted Answer

A Section 61 request is a formal application to the Minister of Immigration under Section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 that allows a person who is unlawfully in New Zealand — for example, someone whose visa has expired — to apply for a visa when they would not otherwise be eligible to do so onshore. These applications are discretionary, complex, and require compelling circumstances. Kiwiana Immigration has experienced advisers who specialise in preparing detailed Section 61 submissions to maximise the chances of a successful outcome.

Question 11

Can I bring my family to New Zealand on a work visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. If you hold an AEWV for a role paying at or above the median wage, your partner may be eligible for an open Partner of a Work Visa Holder work visa, which allows them to work for any employer in NZ. Dependent children may be eligible for a Dependent Child Student Visa to study in New Zealand. The specific eligibility depends on your visa type, role, and salary. Kiwiana Immigration can assess your family's eligibility and prepare all associated applications together.

Question 12

How long does it take to process a New Zealand visa?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand visa processing times vary significantly by visa type. As of March 2026, Immigration NZ has published a new Visa Processing Times Tool at immigration.govt.nz to help applicants check current processing timeframes. Student visas typically take 4–8 weeks. Visitor visas can take 2–6 weeks. Work visas (including AEWV) generally take 4–12 weeks. Residence applications can take 4–18 months depending on the category. Kiwiana Immigration monitors processing times and advises clients on the best submission timing to meet their needs.

Question 13

What is the Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows international students who have completed a degree-level qualification at a New Zealand institution to work in New Zealand for up to three years after graduating. From 2026, eligibility for the PSWV has been expanded, and a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa has been introduced for graduates of lower-level qualifications. Kiwiana Immigration helps graduating students transition smoothly from their student visa to a Post Study Work Visa or other suitable visa pathway.

Question 14

What is AEWV Employer Accreditation in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Employer Accreditation is a requirement under the AEWV system. New Zealand employers must be accredited by Immigration NZ before they can hire migrants on AEWVs. Standard Accreditation covers hiring up to five migrant workers; High-Volume Accreditation covers six or more. Controlling Third Party Accreditation applies to labour hire companies. Accreditation must be renewed periodically. Kiwiana Immigration guides employers through every step — from preparing the accreditation application, to completing job checks, to supporting their migrant workers' AEWV applications.

Question 15

Does Kiwiana Immigration have offices outside New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to the main Auckland office at Suite 13, Level 2, 72 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024 (phone: +64 9 220 2098), Kiwiana Immigration has two offices in India: New Delhi — 123, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi 110034 (phone: +91 96998 81105, email: admissions@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz) and Ludhiana — 272-A, 2nd Floor, Model Town Extension, Ludhiana (phone: +91 78891 66190). International clients can also access services through the Kiwiana Immigration mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store).

Question 16

What languages does Kiwiana Immigration advise in?

Accepted Answer

Kiwiana Immigration's team of advisers and support staff are able to assist clients in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. This is particularly valuable for clients from India and other South Asian countries who are more comfortable discussing complex immigration matters in their native language. Contact us at advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz or call +64 9 220 2098 (Auckland) or +91 96998 81105 (India).

Question 17

Why choose Kiwiana Immigration over other immigration advisers?

Accepted Answer

Kiwiana Immigration stands out in the New Zealand immigration advisory market for several reasons: (1) All five advisers hold current IAA licences — full legal compliance and accountability; (2) 4.9-star rating from over 500 Google reviews — one of the highest-rated immigration advisory firms in Auckland; (3) Over 10 years of experience led by Principal Adviser Pawandeep Singh; (4) Winner of the 2025 Indian Newslink Business Awards for excellence in marketing and customer service; (5) Offices in Auckland, New Delhi, and Ludhiana for global accessibility; (6) Dedicated mobile apps on iOS and Android; (7) Comprehensive service range covering every NZ visa category; and (8) Active community engagement through events, newsletters, and social media.

Question 18

What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a new visitor visa category that opened in September 2025, designed to allow parents of New Zealand residents and citizens to visit New Zealand for longer periods than under a standard visitor visa. It allows multiple-entry visits and extended stays. Kiwiana Immigration can assess eligibility and manage the entire Parent Boost Visitor Visa application process.

Question 19

Can I work in New Zealand on a visitor visa?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you cannot work in New Zealand on a standard Visitor Visa. However, from 2025, Immigration NZ introduced new rules allowing digital nomads and remote workers to continue their overseas employment while visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa, provided they are not working for a New Zealand employer or providing services to New Zealand clients. If you wish to work for a New Zealand employer, you must hold the appropriate work visa. Kiwiana Immigration can advise on the right visa for your specific situation.

Question 20

How do I book a consultation with Kiwiana Immigration?

Accepted Answer

You can book a consultation with Kiwiana Immigration in several ways: (1) Book a free online visa assessment at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/free-visa-assessment; (2) Book a paid consultation at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/appointment-form; (3) Call us directly at +64 9 220 2098 (Auckland) or +91 96998 81105 (India); (4) Email advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz; (5) Use the Kiwiana Immigration mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store). Our team will assess your situation and advise on the best immigration pathway for your needs.

Question 21

What are 47 new occupations added to the NZ Green List in March 2026?

Accepted Answer

From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand added 47 new Skill Level 1–3 occupations to the occupations eligible for the AEWV through the National Occupation List (NOL). This expansion was designed to help New Zealand employers access skilled workers in a wider range of trade and technical roles. Kiwiana Immigration closely monitors all changes to the Green List and NOL and can advise on whether your occupation now qualifies for the AEWV or a residency pathway.

Case Studies

Case Study: Retail Manager Residence Application Support

Retail Manager Residence Case Study