Latest News
Keep up to date with the latest immigration trends
and policy changes.
AEWV Update: 87 New Occupations Added Under National Occupation List
On 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) recognised 87 new occupations (Skill Levels 1–3) under the National Occupation List (NOL). This move marked the beginning of a gradual transition away from ANZSCO to reflect the modern labour market better.
What This Means for Migrants. Migrant workers in these new roles will gain access to standard Skill Level 1–3 benefits, including:
5-Year Visas: The ability to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years.
Family Support: Eligibility to support visas for partners and children.
Pathways: Current AEWV holders in relevant Skill Level 4 or 5 roles may be eligible to switch to these new classifications.
To be eligible, applicants must have at least 2 years of relevant experience, OR a recognised qualification.
What This Means for Employers. From 3 November 2025, you can submit Job Checks for these roles. However, strict requirements remain:
Labour Market Test: You must advertise the role and attempt to hire a New Zealander first.
New Job Check: A new application is required. Job descriptions must align with the specific NOL occupation requirements.
Accreditation: Ensure your employer accreditation is active.
View the Full List. These occupations will appear alongside existing ANZSCO codes in the Immigration Online system. See the list here: National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV: Immigration New Zealand.
Unsure if your role qualifies? Book a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Advisers today to assess your eligibility and plan your next steps.
Policy Alert: New RSE Accommodation Rent Caps
A new framework for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) accommodation costs will take effect from April 2026. Following consultation with Pacific representatives and industry leaders, the Government is introducing a tiered system to make rent costs fair, transparent, and consistent.
The New Rent Caps. Weekly rent deductions will now be capped based on the quality of the accommodation provided.
Price Range: NZD $150 to $211 per week.
Assessment Criteria: Allowable rent is determined by factors including bedroom sharing (number of occupants), building age, and bathroom proximity/access.
Incentive: Higher standards of accommodation will allow for a higher rent cap, encouraging employers to invest in better facilities.
Employer Obligations. Strict rules apply to how costs are calculated and deducted:
Actual Cost Only: Employers can only recover the actual cost of providing accommodation. You cannot profit from these deductions.
Legal Compliance: All charges must be "reasonable" and comply with the Minimum Wage Act and Wages Protection Act.
Annual Review: Rent caps will be updated annually to track with inflation.
Why This Matters. This change is part of a broader move to ensure the long-term sustainability of the RSE scheme. By linking cost to quality, the system ensures that workers pay a fair price and that employers are recognized for providing superior living conditions.
Detailed guidance will be released prior to April 2026.
Are you an RSE employer in the Otago region? Contact our team to ensure your accommodation agreements are compliant with these upcoming changes.
Policy Update: Implementation of iQAF and Student Visa Implications
Effective 2026, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) will transition from the Evaluative Quality Assurance Framework (EQAF) to the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF). This regulatory update primarily affects Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Institutes of Technology/Polytechnics. Universities and schools are unaffected.
Transitional Arrangements for Visa Processing. To ensure operational continuity and certainty for stakeholders, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will maintain current assessment standards during the transition:
Rating Continuity: INZ will continue to utilize existing External Evaluation and Review (EER) ratings for 12 months commencing early 2026.
Assessment Baseline: Visa conditions determined by provider quality (specifically part-time work rights for English language students) will be assessed against the provider's EER rating as of the end of 2025.
New Provider Eligibility. Newly established tertiary providers remain eligible to support international student visa applications, provided they meet two core compliance criteria:
NZQA approval and accreditation.
Signatory status to the Code of Practice.
These measures are designed to ensure the regulatory shift does not disrupt enrollment or visa processing for the 2026 academic year. Students and education partners can proceed with confidence in the stability of current immigration settings.
For professional assistance with student visa applications or compliance advice, contact our Team at Vita Nova today.
Important Update: New Police Certificate Rules Effective on December 8, 2025
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing how it accepts police certificates for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Visitor Visa applications. From 8 December 2025, INZ will no longer accept receipts as proof of application.
To ensure faster processing, INZ will stop holding applications open while waiting for documents. You must have a valid police certificate in hand before submitting your application.
The New Standard
Complete Applications: If you upload the actual certificate, you can expect a faster decision.
Incomplete Applications: If you apply without the certificate, you risk a declined application or a shorter visa duration.
Exceptions
If you are from Fiji, Hong Kong, or Israel, you may still upload a receipt, as these authorities send certificates directly to INZ.
Risks of Applying Without a Certificate
If you submit an application without a certificate after 8 December:
Time in NZ more than 24 Months: You get 5 days to provide it. If you fail, your visa may be capped at 24 months.
Time in NZ less than 24 Months (Onshore): You will receive a Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter requiring a formal explanation.
Time in NZ less than 24 Months (Offshore): Your application will likely be declined.
Our Advice
Plan ahead to ensure a smooth process. Check with your local authority; processing times for police checks vary by country. Secure your documents early to avoid risking your visa status.
Need assistance with your AEWV or Visitor Visa? Contact our Queenstown team today to ensure your application is decision-ready.
New Opportunity: The Business Investor Work Visa is Now Open.
As of 24 November 2025, the new Business Investor Work Visa is officially open for applications. This category replaces older entrepreneur pathways, shifting the focus toward experienced business people who can drive growth in established New Zealand enterprises.
For investors looking to make Queenstown or the wider Otago region their home, this visa offers a clear, structured pathway to residency.
Investment Tiers & Pathways. This visa is valid for up to 4 years and allows you to include your partner and dependent children. Your path to residency depends on the level of capital you inject into the business:
Tier 1: High Impact Investment (Fast-Track)
Investment: NZD $2 million.
Outcome: You become eligible for residence after just 12 months of successful operation.
Tier 2: Standard Investment
Investment: NZD $1 million.
Outcome: You become eligible for residence after 3 years of successful operation.
Eligibility Criteria. This category is designed for active managers, not passive investors. To qualify for the initial Work Visa, you must:
Target an Established Business: Invest in a New Zealand entity that has been operating for at least 5 years.
Demonstrate Experience: Prove your background in business ownership (e.g., managing 5+ staff) or senior management (businesses with $1M+ turnover).
Show Financial Stability: Hold at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds for family maintenance.
Personal Requirements: Be aged 55 or younger, and meet standard English language, health, and character checks.
Securing Residency. The transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa is performance-based. It is not enough to simply invest the money; you must actively run the business. To secure residency, you must demonstrate that:
Job Creation: You have maintained at least 5 existing full-time roles and created at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealander (held for 12 months).
Active Management: You have been personally involved in the day-to-day operations.
Time in NZ: You have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand for each year of the investment period.
What This Means for Queenstown. This policy is particularly relevant for the Queenstown Lakes District. The requirement to invest in a business that has existed for at least 5 years aligns well with our region's mature tourism, hospitality, and service sectors.
Rather than starting from scratch, this visa encourages the acquisition and expansion of our iconic local businesses, providing stability for the community and a running start for the investor.
Professional Guidance. Navigating the financial and operational requirements of this visa requires precise planning. Our team in Queenstown can work alongside your financial advisors to ensure your investment target meets Immigration New Zealand’s strict criteria.
Contact us to discuss your eligibility and investment options.
The recent reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme in New Zealand have now been implemented, bringing several significant updates.
From 10 March 2025:
Wage Requirements: Employers are no longer required to meet specific wage thresholds. They must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage and the market rate for the role, though wages in existing agreements remain unchanged.
Work Experience: Employers can now hire migrants with 2 years of relevant work experience, down from the previous requirement of 3 years.
Job Advertising: Employers must confirm that lower-skilled roles were advertised with Work and Income and that suitable candidates were interviewed. While they must keep this evidence for potential future requests, it is no longer required during the Job Check process.
AEWV Duration: The duration for ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles has been extended to 3 years, aligning with the maximum continuous stay. Migrants holding 2-year visas can now apply for an additional year.
Income for Dependent Children: Migrants must now earn at least NZD $55,844 annually to support dependent children. The previous income threshold will apply for children holding or applying for a visa before March 10, 2025.
Role Reclassification: Certain ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles have been reclassified as ANZSCO level 3.
From February 28, 2025:
The wage threshold for AEWV holders supporting open work rights for partners has increased from NZD $25.29 to NZD $26.85 per hour.
The income threshold for the Parent Category has risen from NZD $98,623.20 to NZD $104,707.20.
In April, further changes will be made to work rights for individuals on interim visas awaiting the outcome of an AEWV application. These changes include:
Allowing AEWV applicants to have interim work rights if they apply while holding any work visa or a student visa that permits work during term time.
Counting time spent on an interim visa with work rights toward the total continuous stay under the AEWV and for gaining work experience for work-to-residence pathways.
