Your Future in New Zealand, Starts Here

Expert guidance from Licensed Immigration Advisers

Committed to delivering personalized immigration solutions for your unique journey to New Zealand

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Years Experience

1000+

Visas Approved

97%

Success Rate

Licensed Advisers

Regulated by Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA)

Expert Knowledge

Specializing in all New Zealand visa categories

Personalized Service

Tailored solutions for your unique circumstances

Proven Success

High approval rates across all visa types

Ako Immigration community event celebrating cultural diversity in New Zealand

Our Services

At Ako Immigration, we provide tailored immigration solutions for everyone involved in the journey. Whether you are an aspiring migrant looking to build a new life, a visitor exploring our shores, or a New Zealand employer navigating the complexities of hiring international talent, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

General information: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements.

Note: There are other types of work visas that may be suitable for your situation—please contact us directly to discuss the best option for you.

Work Visas

Work Visas allow skilled migrants to live and work in New Zealand for an approved employer. The primary pathway is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), designed for workers with a full-time job offer from a certified New Zealand employer.

AEWV application support
Job search guidance
Employer accreditation advice
Work to residence pathways

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Work Visas

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)Best for: Skilled workers with a job offer from a certified NZ company.
Post-Study Work VisaBest for: International students who have recently graduated in New Zealand.
Partner of a Worker Work VisaBest for: Spouses or partners of people already working in New Zealand.

Residence Visas

Residence Visas grant the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently. Pathways include the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), the Green List (Straight to Residence and Work to Residence), and Family & Partnership-based residence.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Partnership-based residence
Parent and family visas
Residence pathway guidance
Partner of a NZ Resident/Citizen Visa

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Residence Visas

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)Best for: Qualified professionals, degree holders, and high-earners.
Straight to Residence (Green List)The Green List is a list of high-demand occupations in New Zealand that make it easier for skilled workers to get visas and residence.
Work to Residence (Tier 2, Care Workforce & Transport Sector)Best for: Tradespeople, Teachers, Healthcare, and Transport workers on the Green List.
Family & Partnership ResidenceBest for: Partners or dependent children of NZ citizens and residents.
Partner of a NZ Resident/Citizen VisaBest for: Spouses or partners of people who are New Zealand residents or citizens.

Visitor Visas

Visitor Visas allow individuals to enter New Zealand temporarily for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Most visitors require either a General Visitor Visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arriving.

Tourist visa applications
Family visitor visas
Visa extensions and variations
Travel condition advice

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Visitor Visas

General Visitor VisaBest for: Tourists, family visits, and short-term explorers.
NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority)Best for: Travelers from "Visa Waiver" countries (e.g., UK, USA, Germany).
Business Visitor VisaBest for: Professionals attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Parent & Grandparent Visitor VisaBest for: Family members of NZ citizens or residents.

Student Visas

Student Visas allow international students to study full-time at approved New Zealand institutions. Ako Immigration provides guidance on visa applications, institution placement, and post-study work pathways.

International student visa applications
Pathways advise
Education consultancy services
Post-arrival support

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Student Visas

Fee-Paying Student VisaBest for: International students enrolled in full-time study at a school or tertiary institution in New Zealand.
Dependent Child Student VisaBest for: Children of eligible work or student visa holders who wish to study in New Zealand.
Student PlacementBest for: International students seeking assistance with course and institution placement.

About Ako Immigration

Ako Immigration Services Ltd, established in July 2019, is dedicated to supporting the immigration journeys of migrants, visitors, and New Zealand employers. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals by providing personalised solutions tailored to their individual needs.

Our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers has extensive knowledge of New Zealand immigration law and policy, combined with a genuine passion for assisting people in achieving their goals of living, working, or visiting New Zealand.

Based in Tauranga, we work with clients from around the world, delivering expert guidance throughout every stage of the visa application process with professionalism, integrity, and care.

Mission

Committed to delivering personalised immigration assistance

Vision

Successful migrants who will contribute to New Zealand's workforce.

Values

Integrity, expertise, compassion, and professionalism.

Tap to Meet Sally ➔

Trusted Licensed Immigration Advisers
based in Tauranga, NZ

Regulated by the IAA

2019

Established

Meet Sally
Severo Welthe

Managing Director

Licensed Immigration Adviser

Meet Sally Severo Welthe, a licensed immigration adviser and Managing Director of Ako Immigration Services Ltd. Since founding her agency in 2019, Sally has been helping individuals and families successfully navigate New Zealand’s immigration system with confidence.

As a migrant herself, she understands the realities and challenges of starting a new life in a different country. Her personal experience, combined with professional expertise, allows her to provide clear, practical, and compassionate guidance tailored to each client’s journey.

Sally holds a Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, along with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. She is also a certified ESOL tutor.

Beyond her professional work, Sally is actively involved in the community, volunteering her time to support the community and migrants through education and free immigration clinics. With a strong commitment to integrity and client success, Sally is dedicated to helping you achieve your New Zealand goals.

2019

Established

Client Success Stories

Hear from those who have successfully made New Zealand their home

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about New Zealand immigration

You usually need a job offer from an accredited employer and a work visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), depending on your occupation and eligibility.

Most visa applications are submitted online through Immigration New Zealand. You will need to meet specific requirements, provide supporting documents, and pay the application fee.

Processing times vary depending on the visa type, application completeness, and current workload at Immigration New Zealand. We monitor your application and keep you informed throughout.

Yes. In many cases, partners and dependent children can apply for visas based on your visa type and eligibility. We can advise on the best pathway for your family.

Many student visa holders can work part-time during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks, depending on their visa conditions.

Residence visas generally require skilled employment, family connections, or other qualifying pathways, along with health and character checks.

For most work visas, including the AEWV, a valid job offer from an accredited employer is required.

Yes. We specialise in AEWV applications, which replaced the Essential Skills Work Visa in 2022. We assist employers with accreditation and job check requirements, and workers with their applications — covering job offer review, immigration compliance, and preparing strong submissions to maximise approval chances.

Yes, a 15-minute free consultation can be booked through our website or Facebook page.

In New Zealand, only Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs) or lawyers may legally provide immigration advice for a fee. LIAs are regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), ensuring professional and ethical guidance. We stay current with policy changes and navigate complex processes to maximise your chances of success.