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New Zealand

New Zealand Migration & Global Mobility

Navigating the highly regulated Pacific corridor requires sharp strategic positioning and a forward-looking compliance framework. At Muzy & Meraris LLP, we advise multinational corporations, elite investors, and high-caliber professionals navigating the dynamic policies of Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

From safeguarding corporate employer accreditations to maximising points-based residency tracks, we ensure your application aligns perfectly with the country's economic and regulatory objectives.

1. Employer-Sponsored & Corporate Mobility

Engineered for domestic and multinational enterprises requiring specialised talent deployment and robust immigration risk management.

· Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): The primary temporary work route for New Zealand businesses. Applications must navigate strict labor market checks and skill level classifications:

o Skill Level 3 Framework Expansion: Applications lodged or renewed for ANZSCO Skill Level 3 roles require candidates to satisfy a mandatory minimum English language baseline (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) to safeguard workplace compliance.

o Skill Levels 4 & 5: Subject to tighter maximum continuous stay caps and rigorous localised advertising requirements.

· Sponsorship Accreditation Portfolios: End-to-end legal support for corporations securing or maintaining their INZ Employer Accreditation, protecting your business from sudden labor shortages and structural policy changes.

2. Points-Based Residence & Skilled Migration

For specialised professionals, tradespeople, and technicians looking to establish permanent residency in New Zealand.

· Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: Operating under a streamlined points-based framework that rewards professional registration, recognized qualifications (Levels 7–10), and indexed high-income thresholds.

· The August 2026 Dual Residence Pathways: Transitioning candidates into INZ's specialised long-term residency tracks:

o Skilled Work Experience Pathway: Tailored for professionals in ANZSCO Skill Levels 1–3 holding 5 years of verifiable experience, including at least 2 years in New Zealand earning a minimum of 1.1x the median wage.

o Trades & Technician Pathway: Designed for qualified tradespeople holding a Level 4 qualification or higher, backed by 4 years of post-qualification experience (including 18 months of domestic work at or above the median wage).

· The Green List Straight-to-Residence / Work-to-Residence: Fast-tracked permanent residency routes specifically mapped out for high-demand global talent in health, engineering, ICT, and construction sectors.

3. High-Value Investment & Business Capital

For high-net-worth individuals, venture capitalists, and innovative founders looking to deploy capital in the South Pacific.

· Active Investor Plus Visa: New Zealand’s flagship premium investment pathway. This tier utilises a weighted system that highly rewards high-value, direct corporate investments and venture capital funds over passive investments, delivering a direct mechanism for long-term residency.

· Entrepreneur Work & Residence Streams: Providing clear pathways for builders and visionaries looking to purchase or establish high-growth, export-focused businesses within New Zealand.

4. Academic Mobility & Temporary Entry

Managing study tracks and short-term corporate visitor assets under updated digital system mandates.

· Student Visa Streams: Navigating the elevated 2026 student framework, which offers an increased 25-hour weekly part-time work allowance during term time and expanded work rights for exchange and Study Abroad programs. We manage strict Genuine Student (GS) portfolios, education provider transitions, and up-to-date financial maintenance auditing.

· Post-Study Work Visas (PSWV): Securing open work rights for international graduates completing Level 7 qualifications or higher, allowing them to gain vital local experience.

· Open Work Visa Adjustments: Strategic filing under new employment rules, dividing open work permit holders into strict sub-categories (e.g., open work rights allowing business ownership vs. open work rights strictly requiring employment for an established boss).

· Group & Business Visitor Visas: Coordinated processing via the Enhanced Immigration Online system, structuring itineraries and commercial justifications for corporate boards, tour escorts, and trade delegations.