The New Zealand Government has announced major changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. From August 2026, two new residence pathways will be introduced — the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway. These updates reduce New Zealand work experience requirements, increase points for NZ qualifications, and simplify wage rules. If you’re a skilled worker, tradesperson, or employer, these changes could make it easier to secure residence in New Zealand.

The New Parent Boost Visitor Visa New Zealand 2025 opens on 29 September 2025, allowing parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for up to 5 years, with the option of a second visa extending the visit to 10 years. This long-term Parent Visitor Visa NZ offers families more time together, with requirements including sponsorship by an adult child, proof of financial support, health and character checks, and mandatory medical insurance. Contact Kiwiana Immigration’s Licensed Advisers today to start your Parent Visa New Zealand application and reunite with your loved ones.

Stay updated with the latest New Zealand immigration news, including upcoming changes to student visa work rights, new policies from Immigration New Zealand, and updates on study and work visa pathways. Learn how these changes impact international students, work rights, and future migration opportunities.

New Zealand Immigration Update – Effective 18 August 2025:
New Zealand is expanding its Green List by adding 10 new trade occupations to the Work to Residence visa pathway, creating faster routes to residency for skilled tradespeople. At the same time, the median wage threshold for skilled residence visas will increase to $33.56/hour, aligning with updated labour market data. These immigration changes aim to attract and retain qualified workers in high-demand trade sectors.

📢 New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Announced – From 29 September 2025, parents of New Zealand citizens or residents can apply for a new long-term visitor visa allowing stays of up to 5 years, with a possible 10-year total duration. This visa strengthens family ties without providing a pathway to residence. Eligibility includes sponsorship, financial support, health checks, and insurance requirements.

NZ Government to Cover Teacher Registration Fees

Government Announces Primary Teachers to be Added to the Straight to Residence Pathway

Date: 25 February 2025

The Government has announced that from 26 March 2025, primary teachers will be added to the Straight to Residence pathway on the Green List.

Upcoming Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Median Wage

Starting March 2025, significant updates will be made to the AEWV and median wage policies. Key changes include the removal of the median wage requirement for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders, effective from 10 March 2025, with employers only required to meet the New Zealand minimum wage. The work experience requirement will also be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. Additionally, income thresholds for sponsoring dependent children and partners will rise, and visa durations for certain skill levels will be extended. Stay updated on these important changes to ensure your immigration process stays on track.

New Zealand is enhancing the Active Investor Plus Visa from 1 April 2025 to attract high-value investments and simplify the process. Key updates include two new investment categories (Growth & Balanced), expanded investment options, reduced immigration requirements, and no English language requirement. Investors must place funds within six months, with an option for extension. These changes aim to encourage economic growth and provide more attractive, lower-risk investment opportunities. More details will be released in early March.

Changes to International Student Visa Application Priorities

From 3 February 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will prioritize student visa applications from those in New Zealand applying for a second or subsequent visa with a new provider or course. This ensures students can start their studies without delay. While prioritization helps speed up processing, decisions will still be made in the order applications are received. Students are advised to submit complete applications, including a tuition fee receipt, to avoid delays or refusals.

New Remote Work Rules for Visitor Visa Holders

As of 27 January 2025, New Zealand allows visitors on a visitor visa or NZeTA to work remotely for overseas employers while in the country. This change enables tourists and others on long-term visitor visas to maintain their overseas work without breaching visa conditions, as long as they don't work for New Zealand employers or provide services within the country.