News
Immigration New Zealand changes its rules, forms and systems all year round. We track the announcements as they land and explain what each one means: who it affects, the dates that matter, and what to do before they arrive. Every article is written or reviewed by a licensed immigration adviser.
Latest update: Sept 2026. For visa categories and how-to guides, see all resources or the monthly processing times tracker.
From 24 September 2026, new applications for most NZ visitor visas can only be made in INZ's enhanced Immigration Online system. Draft applications in the old system are deleted after 8 October. What changes, who is excluded, and the deadlines that matter.
From 16 November 2026, graduates of Level 5 to 7 qualifications who miss Post Study Work Visa eligibility get a new 6-month open work visa, and Level 7 graduate diploma holders with a bachelor's degree join the PSWV. Who qualifies and the traps.
The 24 August 2026 SMC cutover has happened. What missing the EOI deadline actually means, why many profiles are better off now, and which of the three pathways fits you.
The Skilled Migrant Category changed on 24 August 2026: one points pathway became three, a single wage threshold replaced the two-rate model, and the EOI form was replaced. What changed and which profiles the new rules favour.
An SMC Expression of Interest is submitted free through INZ's online form, and is now assessed against three pathways. How to submit one today, plus what the 24 August 2026 cutover changed and what happened to draft EOIs.
From 24 August 2026, Tier 2 Green List, Transport, and Care Workforce Work to Residence visas move to a single wage threshold with no higher rate at residence. Here is what changes.
The biggest AEWV changes since 2024: median wage removed, longer visas, police certificate rules. What every employer and applicant should know.
On 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category gained two new residence pathways, revised points, and a new EOI form. Here is what changed and how the cutover worked.
INZ updated Post-Study Work Visa rules from 19 November 2024: more flexibility for consecutive qualifications, three new field categories, and clearer.
From 26 June 2024, AEWV holders at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway can no longer sponsor partner and dependent child visas.
ANZSCO version 1.3 revised the indicative skill levels of some occupations without adding, deleting or moving any categories. What changed, what skill levels 1 to 5 mean, how to find your six-digit code, and how it drives your New Zealand visa.
INZ updated its guidelines on the Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa. People in arranged marriages overseas can now apply to join their partner.
NZ set NZD 28.18/hr for 27 tourism and hospitality AEWV categories from April 2023. In March 2025 the general median-wage requirement was removed.