Richard Small

Immigration New Zealand has released the final details of the upcoming changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), New Zealand’s main residence pathway for skilled migrants. The changes will take effect on 24 August 2026, and applications under the new settings can be made from that date. The Skilled Migrant Category remains a 6-point system […]

  Upcoming changes for temporary visa holders The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in March 2026. It is currently (in June 2026) awaiting report back from the Select Committee, but it is likely to come into force before the November 2026 election.                Discharge

Previous changes for residents. In our December 2025 blog, we explained the changes to the Immigration Act for residents who face criminal charges. Previously, it was possible to apply to the Court for a discharge without conviction and, if this was granted, to avoid deportation liability. From 27 May 2026, pleading guilty to an offence

We have considerable expertise in this area. For an outline of investor visa options see our website. There have been two recent changes in this space. Investors able to include philanthropy as part of their investment From 1 June 2026, New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa allowed applicants in the Growth Category to invest

Immigration New Zealand announced that on 20 April 2026, there will be changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas. An open work visa allows you to work for almost any employer, in any job or location in New Zealand, without needing to provide Immigration New Zealand with a job offer during the

Median Wage Increase From 9 March 2026, the immigration median wage will increase to $35.00 NZD per hour. This increase will affect many visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa and skilled resident-class visa categories. On 9 March 2026, this increase will automatically apply for: Green List pay requirements, including exceptions from advertising and

Do you want to buy a New Zealand business? From 24 November 2025, the Business Investment Visa categories opened for those with a business background who are looking to invest in New Zealand. The work visa can be valid for up to 4 years, and residence can be applied for during that period. Investors can

The Immigration Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity Amendment Bill was signed into law on 27 November 2025. This Bill makes 10 amendments to the existing Immigration Act 2009. Those changes will come into force over the coming months. Deportation for Residence Class Visa Holders One of the major amendments in this Bill is changes to

In our previous blog post on 1 September 2025, we discussed the Minister of Immigration’s announcement of a new Business Investor visa.  You can read that previous post here. Recently, it has been announced that the new Business Investor visas are now open for applications. This is a visa for experienced business people who would

As part of the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, from 3 November 2025, a handful of new changes came into effect. Student Work Hours From 3 November, eligible students can work for 25 hours per week. This is a change from the previous 20 hours per week limit. This will apply to all