Immigration NZ News
We produce regular newsletters featuring topics relevant to anyone with an interest in immigration.
Partnership visa changes make the dates of your evidence important
New age and evidence rules now apply to specified partnership-based visas, affecting when couples can apply and which relationship evidence Immigration New Zealand can consider.
Parent Resident Visa selection changes from October
From 5 October 2026, most Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest will move to a date-order selection system, with a smaller proportion continuing through a ballot.
Build to Rent to join Active Investor Plus Growth category
Build to Rent will become an eligible Growth category investment through approved managed funds from December 2026, adding another option for Active Investor Plus investors.
Occupational English Test: from 12 July, every part must be sat in person
What the end of remotely supervised OET components means for health sector applicants and upcoming test bookings.
Applying for a student visa? Apply at least three months before you plan to travel
Why increased application volumes make early preparation and complete documentation especially important for upcoming study.
Group and Tour Escort Visitor Visas move to Immigration Online from 24 August
What agents and tour operators need to know before these group visa applications move to the new online system.
Business Investor Visa: gifted funds now accepted
What applicants need to show when using gifted or inherited assets to meet Business Investor Visa funding requirements.
Transferring investment funds to New Zealand: what AIP, Parent, and Temporary Retirement clients need to know
How investment funds must be transferred, traced and documented to avoid delays after approval in principle.
Skilled Migrant Category changes: final details confirmed ahead of 24 August
What the new wage-lock rules, qualification evidence requirements and work experience settings mean for skilled residence applicants.
Medical certificate requirements for visitor visas: what determines whether you need one
Visitor visa medical requirements are based on intended length of stay, not just the visa duration applied for.
New work visa options for graduates available from 16 November 2026
New graduate work visa options open from 16 November 2026, including a six-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa.
Active Investor Plus: philanthropy now an eligible investment under the Growth category
AIP Growth category investors can now direct up to 20 percent of their investment into eligible philanthropy
Student visa applications in 2026: what applicants need to know
Key updates to genuine intentions guidance, processing times, and post-study work rights for this year's intake.
Income thresholds for Parent Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa have increased
Updated sponsor thresholds from 30 April 2026 and what counts as eligible income.
Active Investor Plus: $4 billion attracted in just 13 months
What the milestone means for investors considering the Active Investor Plus programme.
New work visa options announced for international graduates
A new pathway for bringing in graduates for short-term roles
Work Visa vs Residence Visa: Which Pathway is Right for You?
Understanding the difference between a work visa and residence is the first step toward building a secure, long-term future in New Zealand.
Student visa peak processing underway for 2026 intake
Key considerations for lodging a student visa during peak processing.
Updated guidance for AEWV holders changing jobs or finishing work
When a Job Change must be lodged and what happens when employment ends.
47 new occupations recognised under AEWV skill levels, with three roles reclassified
How recent occupation updates may affect work visa eligibility.
Investor visa holders can apply to buy residential property from 6 March
How reformed consent settings will affect investor visa holders purchasing residential property.
Open work visa employment conditions changing from 20 April 2026
How new employment conditions will limit or redefine work flexibility for open work visa holders.
Median Wage Increasing to $35.00 from 9 March 2026
What the revised thresholds mean for employers, visa holders and 2026 planning.
Update on NZeTAs and changing passport rules
What’s changed with passports, NZeTAs, and international travel rules, and how it could affect your next trip.
2026 opening dates confirmed for capped Working Holiday Schemes (WHS)
An overview of the Working Holiday Scheme, who can apply, and why timing is so important due to limited places.
Minimum wage increases from 1 April 2026
How the 1 April 2026 minimum wage increase affects workers, employers, and visa requirements.
Investor visa holders given green light to buy a home in New Zealand
What the upcoming property rule changes mean for investor visa holders and their families.
Business Investor Visa now open
The new Business Investor Visa and the key requirements for applicants.
AEWV maximum continuous stays
Understanding the AEWV maximum continuous stay rules and what options may be available once the limit is reached.
Parent Boost Visa is live!
If you or your family are planning a visit to New Zealand and require a visa to enter, now is the time to apply.
New Skilled Migrant Rules Take Effect August 2026
These updates recognise real skills and experience, making it easier for more people to call New Zealand home.
A family visa in under a week? We made it possible for Zainab and Murtaza
What felt like a long road was resolved in under a week, making the transition to New Zealand seamless.
Business Investor Visa (BIV) Launching in November
Entrepreneurs now have a simpler route to residence as the new Business Investor Visa launches.
New Zealand relaxes entry for Chinese tourists
New rules will make it simpler for Chinese travellers to visit or transit through New Zealand.
Working in a trade? A path to residence may be open to you
More trades are joining the Green List, opening new pathways to residence for skilled workers.
Parent Boost Visa lands for 2025 family reunions
New temporary visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to spend up to 10 years in New Zealand.
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