Immigration newsletter 1 August 2007

Quite a number of changes to New Zealand immigration policy became effective on July 30th. Both the residence programs and the temporary programs are affected. Overall it is easier to gain bonus points under skilled migration. However bonus points have been removed from one category under skilled migration. Recognized qualifications for an applicant and for an applicant's partner, study in New Zealand, and work experience are all worth more points. Also, more points are now earned with fewer years of work experience in-country. 

There is now an increased salary requirement for new Work-to-Residency applicants, and the Expression of Interest will now apply only to the principal applicant. The Refugee Family Support Category will replace the previous Refugee Family Quota system, with new Tier 1 registration applications being accepted from November 12th. 

Temporary entry options have been changed to now allow Bulgarians and Romanians the same consideration as all European Union citizens. There have also been changes to student visas. Studying in New Zealand now set English language fluency standards and limit work permits for partners and spouses. For students who are studying toward a qualification specified under the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), their partner must also be studying for a qualification on the list. 

Finally, please note that most of the application fees have gone up, although a few have not changed and some have been adjusted downward.

In conjunction with major changes to New Zealand immigration policies, a number of changes have been made to official job categories used to apply for skilled migration. From July 30th, the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) have been amended. 

The lists are complex, detailing precise occupations needed for each region of the country. 

The New Zealand Settlement Strategy plan has been revised to better assist immigrants in adjusting to their new life as Kiwi's. 16 government agencies are involved in the planning to 'proactively' help newcomers settle in New Zealand. Additional government funding is being allocated immediately for the settlement initiatives. 

In announcing the revisions, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe emphasized the importance and the contributions of immigrants to New Zealand. While noting that the government would 'not be a soft touch' toward immigrants expecting a "free ticket" to the welfare system, he made it clear that people would be welcomed and find generous assistance integrating into Kiwi society and the labor market.

The European Union is attempting to pressure the United States Congress into amending the U.S. Visa Waiver Program so that it applies equally to nationals of all EU Member States. Currently, people from most Western EU nations do not need a visa to visit the U.S. However, citizens of the new EU nations must apply for a visit visa and pay the relevant Government fee. U.S. President George Bush is also attempting to pressure the Congress to include "more" EU nations. Currently, if more than 2% of a country's citizens are refused visas or violate their visa conditions during the previous fiscal year, then all citizens of that country require a visa to travel to the U.S. Negotiations now appear ready to raise that limit to 10%.

As part of the new 2006 Immigration and Integration Law that went into effect in May 2007, France will now allow family members of skilled international staff to work during an assignment. The changes apply to intra-group transfers and people coming in under a "Comp?tences et Talents" visa (the Skills and Talents category). Family members of Skills and Talents permit holders may now qualify for a "Private and Family Life" residence permit, valid for one year. The permit is renewable and allows the family member to work.

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