Just what I've been worrying about. Much longer and they'll shut us out altogether. They say we can visit though, but then we can do that now and without a visa. I don't see they're giving us anything, or am I missing something?
Tougher criteria for immigrants' family members
NZPA | Friday, 12 October 2007
Some immigrants who want to bring additional family members to New Zealand will face tougher rules under changes announced today.
Under the changes immigrants must be earning around $30,000 a year in order to sponsor parents to come and 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).
Mr Cunliffe said the changes made it easier to bring family members to New Zealand to visit, but tightened up criteria for residency in some instances.
"Parents and grandparents play a key role in family life. The new policies will make it easier for family from offshore to visit," he said.
"Enhanced character and sponsorship requirements ensure a transparent and sustainable family residence programme."
Mr Cunliffe said there would be no change to the overall distribution of different categories within the immigration programme with 60 per cent of places remaining available for skilled migrants, 30 per cent for family and 10 per cent for humanitarian placements.
Mr Cunliffe said the multiple entry visa for extended family members would make it a lot easier for them to visit.
Under the change family members can apply for a visa that allows multiple visits over a three-year period. Applicants will be able to stay for six months at a time up to a maximum of 18 months within the three years.
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