Latest Changes in New Zealand’s Visa & Immigration System You Need to Know

The New Zealand government has announced several changes to its visa and immigration system over the last few months.

New changes, among other things, include an increase in visa fees, the introduction of a new temporary work visa, giving work rights to migrant school leavers, and easing visa requirements for specific migrant categories, VisaGuide.World reports.

While some of the changes have already taken place, some others are expected to enter into force starting on October 1, 2024.

New Zealand to Implement Higher Visa Fees From October 1

Foreigners wishing to apply for a New Zealand visa from October 1 onwards will have to spend more on application costs, as the government has decided to increase the visa fees for almost all categories.

According to the country’s Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford, this move was taken to create a more “sustainable immigration system,” among other things.

However, the above-mentioned move was criticised by the Green Party, who called this policy “irresponsible”.

Migrant School Leavers to Enjoy Work Rights Starting on October 1

New Zealand has decided to grant work rights to foreign school leavers awaiting the outcome of their family residency visa application in New Zealand.

As the Immigration authorities explained, qualified applicants can work up to 20 hours per week between February 1 and November 30 and 40 hours per week between December 1 and January 31.

To qualify for such rights, applicants must fulfil several requirements, including having or being eligible to apply for a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a New Zealander Visitor Visa.

The decision, which was announced in July 2024, is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

In addition to migrant school leavers, New Zealand has announced some updates concerning international student visa applications.

From October 1, the fee for a student visa application will increase from NZD 375 to NZD 750. Other updates include some clarity about post-study work visas and new requirements regarding the time of application submission.

Govt Launches New Temporary Visa to Address Demand for Seasonal Workers

The demand for additional workers during seasonal peaks has pushed the New Zealand government to establish a new temporary work visa for this category.

As authorities explained, this visa will be issued for seasonal work that is directly impacted by the weather, such as harvesting, ski instruction, or tree planting.

This temporary visa will be issued for up to nine months, and applications must be submitted on or before May 31, 2025.

As further revealed, the government is considering the option of a longer-term visa for migrant seasonal workers.

Seasonal Worker Cap to Increase by 1,250

New Zealand’s need for foreign seasonal workers is also reflected in the latest policy introduced by the country’s government.

Before introducing the temporary visa for seasonal workers, New Zealand announced an increase to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) cap.

More specifically, the RSE cap will increase by 1,250, meaning more foreign seasonal workers will be allowed to come to New Zealand for the 2024/25 season

Besides the cap increase, the government has new immigration rules concerning migrant workers and employers.

New Zealand Relaxed Immigration Rules for These Migrant Categories

In August 2024, New Zealand decided to ease work visa requirements for spouses of specific categories of foreign students.

Under the new rules, partners of students studying level 7 or 8 qualifications in accordance with the Green List can apply for a work visa with open conditions.

Prior to this policy, New Zealand also relaxed visa rules for foreign secondary school teachers following shortages in this sector.

As of May 1, 2024, the government moved school teachers to the Straight to Residence pathway on the Green List of in-demand occupations, making it easier for this category to obtain a residence permit in New Zealand.

New Zealand Implements Stricter Regulations for Certain Worker Categories

While the above-mentioned categories enjoy easier rules, certain Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) worker categories are subject to stricter rules.

More specifically, those holding an AEWV in occupations at Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5 without a pathway to residency can no longer sponsor work, visitor or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children.

According to authorities, this move was taken to address unsustainable migration. However, this policy will not affect individuals who already have visas as partners, dependent children, or some other categories.

New Zealand to Introduce Electronic Travel Requirement for Cargo Ship Crew & Passengers From April 2025

Foreign cargo ship crew and passengers who wish to enter New Zealand starting on April 1, 2025, will be required to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) explained that the new policy aligns with requirements for cruise ship passengers and crew needing an NZeTA since 2019.

The policy also applies to the crew of foreign vessels, which New Zealand allowed to transport coastal cargo.

In 2023, New Zealand processed about 1.4 million NZeTA, thus marking a notable approval rate of 99.89 percent.