What is a licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand?

A licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand is a professional regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Only licensed advisers are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for payment in New Zealand. They must meet strict competency standards, follow a professional code of conduct, use written client agreements, charge fair and transparent fees, and keep clients regularly informed throughout their visa process. All five advisers at Kiwiana Immigration hold current IAA licences.

What is the difference between a licensed immigration adviser and an unlicensed immigration consultant?

In New Zealand it is illegal to provide immigration advice for payment without an IAA licence. Unlicensed 'immigration consultants' or 'agents' are not regulated, have no legal accountability, and their advice is not covered by the IAA Code of Conduct or any complaint process. Using an unlicensed person puts your visa application at serious risk. Always verify your adviser's licence at www.iaa.govt.nz before engaging them. Kiwiana Immigration has five IAA-licensed advisers — Pawandeep Singh (201801110), Parth Poply (202100582), Avleen Kaur (202200657), Vishesh Vij (202400771), and Kirandeep Kaur (202400831).

How do I apply for a New Zealand work visa?

To apply for a NZ work visa, you typically need a job offer from a New Zealand employer, evidence of relevant qualifications and work experience, and you must meet health and character requirements. The most common work visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which requires your employer to hold INZ accreditation and have passed a Job Check for your role. Kiwiana Immigration's licensed advisers assess your eligibility, identify the right visa pathway, prepare all documents, and guide you through submission to Immigration New Zealand. Book a free assessment at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/free-visa-assessment.

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in New Zealand?

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary employer-supported work visa introduced in 2022. It requires three steps: (1) the employer must be accredited by Immigration NZ, (2) the employer must pass a Job Check confirming no suitable NZ candidates are available, and (3) the migrant worker then applies for the AEWV. As of March 2026, the median wage threshold is NZD $35.00/hour for most AEWV roles. Kiwiana Immigration assists both employers with accreditation and job checks, and workers with their AEWV applications.

What is the median wage for AEWV in New Zealand 2026?

From 9 March 2026, the AEWV median wage threshold increased to NZD $35.00 per hour. Most AEWV roles must pay at or above this median wage. Some exceptions apply for roles on the Green List, certain care and support workers, and other specific occupations. The median wage is reviewed regularly and can change. Kiwiana Immigration stays up to date with all median wage changes and can advise on how this affects your application.

How can I get New Zealand permanent residency?

New Zealand permanent residency can be obtained through several pathways: (1) Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — a points-based visa for skilled workers with a job offer in NZ; (2) Straight to Residence via the Green List — for occupations on Tier 1 of the Green List with a recognised qualification; (3) Work to Residence — for eligible work visa holders after working in NZ for a specified period; (4) healthcare professional and essential transport industry pathways. From August 2026, changes to the SMC will affect eligibility criteria. Kiwiana Immigration can assess which residency pathway best suits your situation.

What is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa for New Zealand?

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based New Zealand resident visa for skilled workers. Points are awarded for factors including skilled employment in NZ, qualifications, partner qualifications, and NZ work experience. Significant changes to the SMC are effective from August 2026, including revised points thresholds and occupational requirements. Kiwiana Immigration provides expert SMC assessments and end-to-end application management, keeping you informed of all policy changes.

What is the Green List visa in New Zealand?

New Zealand's Green List is a list of occupations that are in short supply and highly skilled. It has two tiers: Tier 1 occupations (such as specialist doctors, dentists, and engineers) can apply directly for Straight to Residence; Tier 2 occupations (such as nurses, teachers, and tradespeople) are eligible for Work to Residence visas that can lead to residency after two years of work. As of 2025, new trade occupations were added to the Green List. Kiwiana Immigration can check if your occupation qualifies and advise on the best residency pathway.

What immigration services does Kiwiana Immigration offer?

Kiwiana Immigration offers a comprehensive range of New Zealand immigration services: Work Visas (AEWV, Post Study Work Visa, Working Holiday, RSE Visa, and more), Student Visas (Fee-Paying, Pathway, Exchange, Child), Visitor Visas (General, Parent and Grandparent, Parent Boost, Business, Critical Purpose), Family Visas (Partner of NZ Citizen, Partner of Work Visa Holder, Partner of Student Visa Holder), Resident Visas (Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Green List), Business and Investor Visas (Entrepreneur, Investor 1 and 2, Active Investor Plus), AEWV Employer Accreditation and Job Checks, Accreditation Renewals, and Complex Immigration Matters including Section 61 Requests and Ministerial Appeals.

What is a Section 61 request in New Zealand immigration?

A Section 61 request is a formal application to the Minister of Immigration under Section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 that allows a person who is unlawfully in New Zealand — for example, someone whose visa has expired — to apply for a visa when they would not otherwise be eligible to do so onshore. These applications are discretionary, complex, and require compelling circumstances. Kiwiana Immigration has experienced advisers who specialise in preparing detailed Section 61 submissions to maximise the chances of a successful outcome.

Can I bring my family to New Zealand on a work visa?

Yes, in many cases. If you hold an AEWV for a role paying at or above the median wage, your partner may be eligible for an open Partner of a Work Visa Holder work visa, which allows them to work for any employer in NZ. Dependent children may be eligible for a Dependent Child Student Visa to study in New Zealand. The specific eligibility depends on your visa type, role, and salary. Kiwiana Immigration can assess your family's eligibility and prepare all associated applications together.

How long does it take to process a New Zealand visa?

New Zealand visa processing times vary significantly by visa type. As of March 2026, Immigration NZ has published a new Visa Processing Times Tool at immigration.govt.nz to help applicants check current processing timeframes. Student visas typically take 4–8 weeks. Visitor visas can take 2–6 weeks. Work visas (including AEWV) generally take 4–12 weeks. Residence applications can take 4–18 months depending on the category. Kiwiana Immigration monitors processing times and advises clients on the best submission timing to meet their needs.

What is the Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows international students who have completed a degree-level qualification at a New Zealand institution to work in New Zealand for up to three years after graduating. From 2026, eligibility for the PSWV has been expanded, and a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa has been introduced for graduates of lower-level qualifications. Kiwiana Immigration helps graduating students transition smoothly from their student visa to a Post Study Work Visa or other suitable visa pathway.

What is AEWV Employer Accreditation in New Zealand?

Employer Accreditation is a requirement under the AEWV system. New Zealand employers must be accredited by Immigration NZ before they can hire migrants on AEWVs. Standard Accreditation covers hiring up to five migrant workers; High-Volume Accreditation covers six or more. Controlling Third Party Accreditation applies to labour hire companies. Accreditation must be renewed periodically. Kiwiana Immigration guides employers through every step — from preparing the accreditation application, to completing job checks, to supporting their migrant workers' AEWV applications.

Does Kiwiana Immigration have offices outside New Zealand?

Yes. In addition to the main Auckland office at Suite 13, Level 2, 72 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024 (phone: +64 9 220 2098), Kiwiana Immigration has two offices in India: New Delhi — 123, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi 110034 (phone: +91 96998 81105, email: admissions@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz) and Ludhiana — 272-A, 2nd Floor, Model Town Extension, Ludhiana (phone: +91 78891 66190). International clients can also access services through the Kiwiana Immigration mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store).

What languages does Kiwiana Immigration advise in?

Kiwiana Immigration's team of advisers and support staff are able to assist clients in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. This is particularly valuable for clients from India and other South Asian countries who are more comfortable discussing complex immigration matters in their native language. Contact us at advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz or call +64 9 220 2098 (Auckland) or +91 96998 81105 (India).

Why choose Kiwiana Immigration over other immigration advisers?

Kiwiana Immigration stands out in the New Zealand immigration advisory market for several reasons: (1) All five advisers hold current IAA licences — full legal compliance and accountability; (2) 4.9-star rating from over 500 Google reviews — one of the highest-rated immigration advisory firms in Auckland; (3) Over 10 years of experience led by Principal Adviser Pawandeep Singh; (4) Winner of the 2025 Indian Newslink Business Awards for excellence in marketing and customer service; (5) Offices in Auckland, New Delhi, and Ludhiana for global accessibility; (6) Dedicated mobile apps on iOS and Android; (7) Comprehensive service range covering every NZ visa category; and (8) Active community engagement through events, newsletters, and social media.

What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa in New Zealand?

The New Zealand Parent Boost Visitor Visa is a new visitor visa category that opened in September 2025, designed to allow parents of New Zealand residents and citizens to visit New Zealand for longer periods than under a standard visitor visa. It allows multiple-entry visits and extended stays. Kiwiana Immigration can assess eligibility and manage the entire Parent Boost Visitor Visa application process.

Can I work in New Zealand on a visitor visa?

Generally, you cannot work in New Zealand on a standard Visitor Visa. However, from 2025, Immigration NZ introduced new rules allowing digital nomads and remote workers to continue their overseas employment while visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa, provided they are not working for a New Zealand employer or providing services to New Zealand clients. If you wish to work for a New Zealand employer, you must hold the appropriate work visa. Kiwiana Immigration can advise on the right visa for your specific situation.

How do I book a consultation with Kiwiana Immigration?

You can book a consultation with Kiwiana Immigration in several ways: (1) Book a free online visa assessment at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/free-visa-assessment; (2) Book a paid consultation at kiwianaimmigration.co.nz/appointment-form; (3) Call us directly at +64 9 220 2098 (Auckland) or +91 96998 81105 (India); (4) Email advisers@kiwianaimmigration.co.nz; (5) Use the Kiwiana Immigration mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store). Our team will assess your situation and advise on the best immigration pathway for your needs.

What are 47 new occupations added to the NZ Green List in March 2026?

From 9 March 2026, Immigration New Zealand added 47 new Skill Level 1–3 occupations to the occupations eligible for the AEWV through the National Occupation List (NOL). This expansion was designed to help New Zealand employers access skilled workers in a wider range of trade and technical roles. Kiwiana Immigration closely monitors all changes to the Green List and NOL and can advise on whether your occupation now qualifies for the AEWV or a residency pathway.

Changes to Employment Conditions for Open Work Visa Holders in New Zealand – Effective from 20 April 2026

Immigration News

22 Apr

Written By Navdeep Singh

Changes to Employment Conditions for Open Work Visa Holders in New Zealand – Effective from 20 April 2026

Immigration New Zealand has introduced important updates to employment conditions for people holding open work visas, effective from 20 April 2026.

These changes are designed to provide better clarity around what kind of work visa holders can legally do in New Zealand, helping migrants understand their rights, responsibilities, and visa conditions more clearly.

This update does not affect employer-specific work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and does not apply to Student Visa holders.

What is an Open Work Visa?

An open work visa allows you to work for almost any employer, in most jobs and locations across New Zealand, without needing a specific job offer.

This differs from employer-specific visas like the AEWV, where your visa is tied to one employer and a specific role.

Two New Types of Employment Conditions

From 20 April 2026, open work visas will now include one of the following two employment conditions:

1. Open Work Visas Allowing Any Work

Some visa holders can:

Work for any employer
Be self-employed
Work as a sole trader
Own and operate a business

These visas include:

Partner of a Worker Work Visa
Partner of a Student Work Visa
Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by NZ Scholarship (MFAT funded)
Post Study Work Visa
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
Partner of a Military Work Visa

This gives visa holders greater flexibility to build careers and business opportunities in New Zealand.

2. Open Work Visas Requiring Work for an Employer

Some visa holders must only work for an employer under:

An employment agreement
A contract for services (this is also considered employment)

They cannot run their own business or be self-employed.

These visas include:

Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
Asylum Seeker Work Visa
All Working Holiday Visas

Conditions That Apply to All Open Work Visas

Regardless of visa type, all open work visa holders must follow New Zealand employment and business laws.

You cannot:

Employ other people directly
Employ others indirectly through a business you own
Provide commercial sexual services
Own, operate, or invest in businesses providing commercial sexual services

These rules apply across all open work visa categories.

Transitional Support for Current Visa Holders

If you are already doing work that may not be permitted under your visa (excluding commercial sexual services), you can continue that work until your current visa expires.

This transitional period gives migrants time to:

Understand their updated visa conditions
Adjust work or business arrangements
Prepare for future visa applications

Future visa applications must fully comply with the updated conditions.

Special Update for Working Holiday Visa Holders

If you hold a Working Holiday Visa, your main purpose must remain tourism and travel in New Zealand.

You may work temporarily to support your stay, but:

You must:

Work for an employer only

You cannot:

Operate your own business
Be self-employed

This is a key clarification for many working holiday visa holders in 2026.

Why This Matters

These updates improve:

Migrant protection
Compliance with NZ employment laws
Fair workplace practices
Employer transparency
Better understanding of legal work rights

Immigration New Zealand has stated that the focus is on education and helping migrants clearly understand what is permitted under their visa.

Need Help Understanding Your Visa Conditions?

At Kiwiana Immigration, our licensed advisers help migrants understand:

Open Work Visa conditions
Post Study Work Visa rights
Partner Work Visa eligibility
AEWV and employer-sponsored pathways
Residency options in New Zealand

If you're unsure whether your current work arrangement complies with your visa conditions, professional immigration advice can save you from future complications.

Talk to Kiwiana Immigration Today

Need guidance on your New Zealand work visa, residency pathway, or visa compliance?

Our team is here to help you make the right move.

Book your consultation with Kiwiana Immigration today.

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New Zealand has introduced major changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders effective from 20 April 2026. Learn which visa holders can be self-employed, who must work for an employer only, and how these updates may affect your visa status in New Zealand.

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New Visa Processing Times Tool Now Available for New Zealand Visa Applicants

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New Zealand has announced major immigration updates affecting international students. The new Short Term Graduate Work Visa and expanded eligibility for the Post Study Work Visa will create new opportunities for graduates to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies.

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Further Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – Effective August 2026

Mar 5, 2026

Immigration New Zealand announces key changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) effective August 2026. Updates include Trades and Technician pathways, red and amber occupation lists, simplified wage and qualification settings, AEWV extensions, and extended English test validity. Discover how Kiwiana Immigration can guide you through the new rules and secure your pathway to New Zealand residence.

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