[Oregonkiwi]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10469613

Some immigrants who want to bring additional family members to New Zealand will face tougher rules under changes announced yesterday.

Under the changes, immigrants must be earning around $30,000 a year to sponsor parents to live here. Previously there was no threshold. They must also guarantee to support them for five years - three years longer than is currently the case.

Under the changes, people wishing to bring a partner to New Zealand also face a tougher character test.

Other changes include:

* Allowing multiple entry visas for parents and grandparents, making it easier for them to visit family in New Zealand.

* The withdrawal of the existing Family Quota category.

* Establishing quota places for parents (3100-3400), adult children (250-350) and adult siblings (1100-1250).
[continues]

[veronica]

dont think this an issue for most people on the forum, I think it is mainly to make sure that people who are here on income support don't bring others over to go on income support.

[jspokes]

Hi all

Was interested in checking the details of this (Under the changes, people wishing to bring a partner to New Zealand also face a tougher character test.) as I am shortly submitting a partnership application, but couldn´t find any reference to it at:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/

Are they just slow in updating or am I missing something?

Thanks

[jspokes]

Hi all

Just spoke to NZIS in NZ to clarify what the reported toughening up rules are.

I was concerned that this may delay our application if there were some additional checks they have to make, but they tell me it is primarily related to sexual offenders and those that have committed domestic violence and is covered by the police checks that all sponsors go through, so no worries, just an attempt to keep NZ peaceful and safe place to live.

Thought I´d post if here for information.