Legal tips and insights.

For businesses in New Zealand looking to fill labour shortages, hiring skilled workers from overseas is often necessary because of skill shortages or the limited availability of workers in more remote towns around the country. This process is governed by a strict immigration policy designed to protect both migrant workers and the NZ labour market: providing those job opportunities to Kiwis first. There is a three-stage process that both businesses and the migrant worker need to go through. For Kiwi businesses, Employer Accreditation is the mandatory first step for any business intending to support a migrant worker's application for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This article outlines what New Zealand businesses need to know about the accreditation process, the requirements, the application stages, and the critical responsibilities that come with hiring workers from overseas.

General information about what a Request for Further Information (RFI) or Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) Letter is and how you should best approach the response.

On today’s episode of the Law Down Under Podcast, we interview Michelle Chen, a specialist immigration lawyer and director of MC Legal. Having grown up with migrant parents, Michelle is driven by her personal experiences to help individuals and businesses alike with their immigration-related enquiries. Michelle is bilingual and has worked and studied in China and has travelled to several countries, including Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam. In 2022, she started her own immigration practice, MC Legal. Michelle now works closely with businesses to ensure their ongoing immigration compliance, and with individuals looking to call New Zealand home. Today we talk with Michelle about how her personal experiences have influenced her work as an immigration specialist. We also take a look at the regulatory framework in New Zealand, and consider the challenges faced by migrants and businesses alike.

Curious about moving to New Zealand? In a recent podcast, Michelle, a New Zealand Specialist Immigration Lawyer, answers listener questions on visas, immigration processes, and essential tips for a successful relocation.

High-level Overview: · Confirming residency pathways for those who meet requirements under the Trades & Technicians Pathway · Confirming the Skilled Work Experience Pathway, with an introduction of traffic light occupation lists, which determine eligibility for residency · Additional Key Changes that matter