For many migrants in New Zealand, the long-term goal isn’t just building a life here it’s being able to share that life with family.

The Parent Category Resident Visa is designed to support this. But like most things in immigration, it’s not as straightforward as people expect.

Here’s what you need to know.

Every year, thousands of people from the Pacific apply for a chance to live permanently in New Zealand through two unique visa pathways the Samoan Quota visa New Zealand and the Pacific Access Category visa NZ.

These visas operate on a ballot (lottery) system, which can be confusing if you’ve never applied before. This guide explains how the Samoan Quota ballot works, who can apply, and what happens if you are selected.

New Zealand’s Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed to help employers meet labour shortages during busy seasonal periods. For industries that experience predictable peaks in demand, this visa provides a way to bring in experienced workers for short periods while still ensuring New Zealanders are given the first opportunity to apply.

If you are an employer planning for seasonal labour, or a migrant worker with relevant experience, here’s what you need to know.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme places clear and ongoing obligations on employers. While gaining accreditation through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is a significant step, maintaining compliance is just as important.

Understanding your responsibilities helps protect your accreditation status and ensures your migrant workers are properly supported and legally employed.

For industries that rely heavily on peak-season labour, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) provides a structured way to bring in experienced seasonal workers for up to three years.

Administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), this visa is designed for genuinely seasonal roles that sit outside standard work visa settings but still require skilled, experienced workers.

If your business operates in tourism, snow sports, agriculture, or primary processing, this pathway may be worth considering.

Applying for residence under the Partnership Category is not simply about proving you are in a relationship. The requirements are detailed, strict, and carefully assessed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

If you are planning to apply or support your partner’s application understanding the rules is essential.

If you’re an accredited employer in New Zealand looking to hire a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the Job Check is a key step in the process. It’s where Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses whether the job you’re offering is genuine, compliant, and meets current immigration and employment requirements.

This blog breaks down the Job Check process in plain English, what INZ looks for, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

From April 2026, the way accommodation costs are set and charged for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers will change. The Government has confirmed a new pricing framework designed to bring greater fairness, clarity, and long-term consistency to RSE accommodation costs.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of New Zealand’s primary pathways for employers to hire migrant workers when there are genuine skill or labour shortages. To hire under this visa, an employer must first become accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

AEWV accreditation gives employers the legal authority to recruit and sponsor overseas workers for up to five years, and it’s a gateway for many migrants to live and work in New Zealand and in some cases eventually apply for residency.

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme plays a vital role in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries. Introduced to address genuine labour shortages during peak seasons, the scheme allows approved employers to recruit overseas workers for seasonal work when suitable New Zealand workers are not available.