Visas & Advice Detail
Young Silver Ferns win new visas
New Zealand Immigration recently introduced two New Zealand visas that are set to benefit would-be young migrants.
The 'Silver Fern' policy will allow certain people to enter the land of the long white cloud to live and work. Specifically, the Silver Fern Job Search Visa and Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa will allow young skilled migrants gain a chance of working and living in New Zealand.
Under this addition to Kiwi immigration policy young people with recognised qualifications will be able enter New Zealand to search for skilled employment for up to nine months using the new Silver Fern Job Search Visa. Applicants for the Silver Fern Job Search Visa must be aged between 20 and 35 years old, live outside New Zealand, and have a qualification that meets the qualification requirements under the Skilled Migration Policy. Applicants must also be able to show proof of having a minimum of NZ$4,200 maintenance funds that will support them during their stay in New Zealand; More details are available from www.immigration.govt.nz
Meanwhile the Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa will be issued for the duration of the applicant's offer of employment. To be issued with a Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa applicants must hold a Silver Fern Job Search permit or a Silver Fern Practical Experience permit, as well as an offer of skilled employment for a term of at least 12 months.
New Zealand immigration changes for the Silver Fern Visas became effective on 29 March 2010. The principle behind the new visa class is to give young people the opportunity to search for work in New Zealand, and then move to a two-year working visa once they secure a position.