IMMIGRATION ALERTS

A global Microsoft outage has forced Immigration New Zealand to suspend all visa processing until further notice and to block most applications through its Enhanced Immigration Online platform. The NZeTA remains unaffected, and planned immigration system changes have been postponed from 16 to 23 November 2026.

New Zealand will remove 17 occupations from the Tier 2 Green List Work to Residence pathway on 8 March 2027, with 13 moving to the SMC Trades and Technician pathway and four to the SMC Skilled Work Experience pathway. Four special education teaching roles move to Straight to Residence, Career Counsellor is removed, and transitional arrangements protect people already counting qualifying work.

Immigration New Zealand has tightened eligibility for nine partnership-based visa categories, requiring both partners to be at least 18 at application and recognising only evidence gathered after both turned 18. The rules effectively set a minimum age of 19 for partnership-based residence and do not apply to applications lodged before 25 September 2026.

New Zealand expands Business Visitor Visa activities and formalises Specific Purpose Work Visa criteria from 20 October 2026.

India–New Zealand FTA takes effect: 5,000 TEE visas, 4-year post-study rights for PhD graduates, and a 1,000-place working holiday scheme

New Zealand clarifies AEWV location rules: job checks must name every work site, with a 30-working-day travel allowance.

New Zealand tightens Active Investor Plus Visa rules from September 28, 2026. Managed funds need investment plans; declined applications face six-month wait.

New Zealand introduces 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expands Post Study Work Visa for Graduate Diploma holders from 16 November 2026.

New Zealand relaxes Active Investor Plus Visa rules: Build to Rent eligible from December 2026, philanthropy up to NZD 1M, NZ$5M property purchase pathway.

New Zealand confirms Australian citizens and permanent residents can live, work, and study without a work visa. NZeTA required for permanent residents.

Immigration New Zealand has announced that from 24 September 2026, new applications for most visitor visas will be available exclusively through the enhanced Immigration Online system. The old online system will close for these visa types from 8 October 2026.

New Zealand has announced a major overhaul of the Parent Resident Visa selection process, replacing the random ballot with a hybrid model where 90% of EOIs are selected in chronological order. The annual cap of 2,500 visas remains unchanged, and EOIs will no longer expire after two years. The new system takes effect from 5 October 2026.

New Zealand's Seasonal Work Visa under the RSE scheme offers 20,750 positions for 2026 with guaranteed minimum wage of NZ$23.95/hour, employer-paid airfare, and strong worker protections. Learn how to apply, eligibility requirements, and upcoming changes to the scheme.

New Zealand has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, introducing tiered accreditation, simplified recruitment, enhanced worker protections, and flexible work rules. The changes will be phased in from early 2027 through 2029, with current settings remaining in place until then.

New Zealand moves key visa categories to enhanced digital system from July 2026. Group Visitor, ADS, Tour Escort, and family visas now fully online. No paper submissions.

New Zealand expands Pathway Student Visa from July 20, 2026. 30-week English study, switch courses without new visa, NZQCF Levels 1-4 coverage.

New Zealand digital nomad scheme 2026: work remotely on a visitor visa for up to 9 months. No formal income requirement, 275-day tax exemption. Full guide.

New Zealand has announced sweeping reforms to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, effective August 2026. The changes introduce two new residence pathways – Skilled Work Experience Pathway (5 years experience + 2 years in NZ) and Trades & Technician Pathway (Level 4+ qualification + 4 years experience + 18 months in NZ). Key changes include reduced work experience requirements, removal of wage uplift obligations, stronger recognition of NZ qualifications, and str

Immigration New Zealand has announced that from July 13, 2026, all Occupational English Test (OET) results submitted for immigration purposes must be completed in-person at a supervised test centre. The change aims to strengthen system integrity and ensure accurate English language assessment. At-home OET results completed by July 12, 2026, remain valid.

New Zealand's Refugee Health Scholarship Programme opens for applications on 1 July 2026, offering former refugees and their children the opportunity to build careers in healthcare. The initiative addresses health workforce shortages while promoting diversity and culturally responsive care. Applications close 1 October 2026 for the 2027 intake.