NEWS & INSIGHTS

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre . We are reminding Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and their employers to plan ahead if they are approaching their maximum continuous stay (MCS).  The MCS is the total amount of time someone can stay in New Zealand on 1 or more AEWVs. Once a migrant reaches their maximum stay, they must spend 12 months outside of New Zealand before they can be granted another AEWV. Employers cannot continue to employ AEWV holde

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre . Further improvements are coming for international student visa applications, following their move to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. In August 2025, we launched our redesigned student visa application process to make it more efficient for everyone. The new dynamic application form means you only need to answer questions relevant to your client’s situation. The form includes guidance and easy

Read more on Immigration New Zealand news centre . On 8 December 2025, job check and visa applications will open for the new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa, under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework. Announced in August, these visas are being introduced to help accredited employers access more workers during periods of peak seasonal activity. A Global Workforce Seasonal Visa can be granted for 3 years if your clients have an employment agreemen

Read more on Immigration New Zealand news centre . From 3 November 2025, we will recognise 91 new occupations from the National Occupation List for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. These roles will be at skill levels 1 to 3. An employer must first advertise the role and genuinely try to appoint a suitable New Zealander. Where that is not possible, an employer must be accredited and apply for a job check to hire a migrant worker in one of these roles. Their j

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre . We are seeing an increase in applicants submitting photos that have been digitally enhanced. All identity photos must be natural and unaltered. Applicants must not use editing or artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance their images. If your client’s photo does not meet our standards, their visa or NZeTA application will be delayed or could be declined.

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre . From 3 November 2025, all Guardian Visitor Visa applications should be submitted via the enhanced Immigration Online system. The enhanced system offers better application tracking and a more streamlined experience for applicants. Updated guidance and support materials are built into the form. Applicants will still be able to access draft and submitted applications using the old application form after 3 November. We will n

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre . Earlier this year, the Government outlined its International Education Going for Growth Plan to strengthen New Zealand as a study destination, while maintaining education quality and immigration integrity.  For many international student visa holders, changes from 3 November 2025 will:  increase the hours eligible tertiary and secondary school students can work while holding a student visa, from 20 to 25 hours per week. S

Read more on Immigration New Zealand's news centre New Zealand is enhancing its Skilled Migrant Category to attract & retain skilled...

Read more on the Immigration New Zealand news centre about Chinese Visitors or Pacific Visitors

Read more on Immigration New Zealand's news centre This update comes after more than a year of deliberation. At first, some tradies were...

Read more on Immigration New Zealand's news centre