Immigration NZ has recently announced several changes, the most significant of which relate to the Parent Residence Category and removal of the Sibling and Adult child Category.
The New Parent category involves an Expression of Interest (EOI) system and two tiers, each with separate requirements.
In order to gain residence status, an applicant must meet the requirements for either one of the two tiers as well as the generic requirements such as health and character certificates.
The first selection of EOIs took place on August 16, 2012.
There were places for 1000 people in this selection. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) advised that those who had completed their EOI under Tier I on or before August 15, 2012 were selected. There were 595 EOIs representing 1001 people. They will now undergo preliminary verification.
The number of applications from China was the highest (43%), followed by UK (28%), South Africa (10%) and India (6%).
The next selection is scheduled for November 16, 2012.
Details of the two categories in this category are:
Tier I: The minimum sponsor income required is $65,000 (sponsor or partner) or $90,000 (sponsor and partner combined). The partner’s income can be counted only if he or she is a citizen of New Zealand or has been a permanent resident for at least three years.
Tier II: The minimum sponsor income required under this category is $33,675 (sponsor or partner). There is no provision for combined income. The partner’s income can be counted if he or she is a citizen of New Zealand or has been a permanent resident for at least three years.
Medical test
Another important change is that as of July 30, 2012, international students will no longer be required to submit a medical certificate, regardless of the duration of their studies. But they must submit their chest X-ray certificate if they are from countries listed as TB risk. This will save the students a lot of money and time.
All temporary entry class and residence class visa applicants can re-use previously submitted medical and chest X ray certificates provided they are less than 36 months old, unless there are identified risk factors.
INZ has also changed its medical forms.
There are now three forms, namely General Medical Certificate (main medical form), Limited Medical certificate (for refugee status applicants, partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents) and Chest X ray Certificate.
Arunima Dhingra is a licenced Immigration Adviser by the IAA and director of Aims Global Education & Immigration Services Ltd.
