17 guides
Policy News
New Zealand immigration policy has moved constantly since 2024. These pages track what changed, when it took effect, and who it affects — including changes that have been announced but have not started yet.
7 min read
AEWV English Language Requirement Extended to Skill Level 3 Roles
From 1 June 2026 skill level 3 AEWV roles need IELTS 4.0 or equivalent - about half of all AEWV applications. The transitional exemption ends 1 Dec 2026.
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7 min read
The Business Investor Visa Replaced the Entrepreneur Work Visa
The NZ Entrepreneur Work Visa closed on 27 August 2025 and the Business Investor Visa opened on 24 November 2025. What replaced what, and what each costs.
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7 min read
The 2026 General Election and New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand votes on Saturday 7 November 2026. What is already legislated, what is only announced, and which dated changes land either side of the election.
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7 min read
The Immigration Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity Bill
The bill passed its third reading on 21 November 2025. It creates a premiums-for-employment offence and a broader levy base. Commencement is unconfirmed.
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8 min read
Median Wage Rises to $35.00 and 47 Occupations Join the NOL
On 9 March 2026 the NZ immigration median wage rose from $33.56 to $35.00 an hour and 47 occupations joined the National Occupation List. Who is affected.
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8 min read
The Median Wage Was Removed From the AEWV on 10 March 2025
Since 10 March 2025 the NZ median wage is not an AEWV pay requirement. A market-rate test replaced it. Where the median wage still binds, and where it does not.
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7 min read
New Zealand's Two New Seasonal Work Visas
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa opened in December 2025 and the seasonal Specific Purpose Work Visa closed. Both cost from NZ$1,540.
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7 min read
The National Occupation List Replaced ANZSCO for the AEWV
New Zealand built its own occupation classification. From 3 November 2025 the National Occupation List runs the AEWV, while ANZSCO still runs skilled residence.
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6 min read
The NZeTA From Australia Trial for China and Pacific Travellers
Since 3 November 2025 travellers from China and 12 Pacific countries can enter NZ from Australia on an NZeTA. 112,013 requests so far, 178 refused.
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7 min read
The Pacific Visitor Visa Fee Reduction
From 1 June 2026 the offshore Pacific fee band visitor visa fell from NZ$216 to NZ$161 for 12 months. Who qualifies, what is excluded, and when it expires.
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7 min read
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa Opened on 29 September 2025
Parent Boost lets sponsored parents stay in NZ up to 5 years, multi-entry, from NZ$3,100. Income and funds thresholds were raised again on 30 April 2026.
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6 min read
Parent Category Selection Changes on 5 October 2026
From 5 October 2026 the NZ Parent Resident Visa stops being a pure ballot: 90% of selections run in date order and 10% stay random. First draw 10 November 2026.
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7 min read
Post Study Work Visa Eligibility Expands on 16 November 2026
From 16 November 2026, Level 7 graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor's degree become PSWV-eligible in NZ. Who gains, and who does not.
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7 min read
The Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme Modernisation
Announced 28 July 2026, staged 2027 to 2029: graduated accreditation, worker mobility and new accommodation standards. Decisions due end of September 2026.
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13 min read
The Skilled Migrant Category Overhaul: What Changes on 24 August 2026
From 24 August 2026 the NZ Skilled Migrant Category splits into three pathways, adds red and amber occupation lists, and deletes every draft EOI.
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7 min read
Student Work Rights Rose From 20 to 25 Hours a Week
For NZ student visas granted on or after 3 November 2025, in-study work rights rose from 20 to 25 hours a week. Exchange students were brought in too.
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6 min read
Working Holiday Visa Holders Can No Longer Run a Business
From 20 April 2026 NZ working holiday visa holders must work under an employment agreement or contract for services. No sole trading, no business, no employees.
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