New Zealand’s government has been making significant adjustments to its visa and immigration policies over the past few months, with several new regulations set to take effect on October 1, 2024. These changes, designed to address labor shortages and enhance the efficiency of immigration processes, encompass various areas, from increased visa fees to the introduction of a new temporary work visa and work rights for migrant school leavers.
One of the most notable changes is the increase in visa application fees. Beginning October 1, almost all visa categories will experience a rise in application costs. This means that international individuals seeking to visit or reside in New Zealand will need to factor in these additional expenses as part of their immigration plans.
Another significant update concerns migrant school leavers waiting for family residency visa outcomes. Starting October 1, 2024, these individuals will be granted the right to work part-time. Qualifying students can work up to 20 hours per week from February through November, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer months of December and January. This policy applies to those eligible for a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a New Zealander Visitor Visa. The government believes this change will provide increased financial stability for young migrants while they await residency decisions.
Student visa applications are also impacted by the new policies. From October 1, the cost will increase from NZD 375 to NZD 750. This move, coupled with new guidelines on post-study work visas, is part of New Zealand’s strategy to clarify immigration rules for international students, ensuring a smoother transition for those seeking to work after their studies.
In an effort to address seasonal labor shortages, particularly in sectors like agriculture, ski instruction, and tree planting, New Zealand is introducing a new temporary work visa. This visa, valid for up to nine months, is designed to allow foreign workers to fill the seasonal demand for labor. Applications for this visa must be submitted by May 31, 2025, after which the government may consider a longer-term solution for migrant seasonal workers.
The government has also made changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. The cap for seasonal workers has been increased by 1,250 for the 2024/25 season, enabling more foreign workers to fill labor shortages in critical sectors like agriculture. This highlights New Zealand’s growing reliance on seasonal labor to support its agricultural economy.
New Zealand has also relaxed work visa requirements for specific migrant groups. Partners of foreign students enrolled in level 7 or 8 Green List qualifications can now apply for open work visas. Additionally, secondary school teachers were moved to the Straight to Residence pathway in May 2024, simplifying their path to residency. These changes are aimed at attracting skilled migrants and addressing shortages in key sectors like education.
However, some categories of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders are now subject to stricter regulations. Those working in occupations classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway will no longer be able to sponsor visas for their partners or dependent children. This policy aims to control unsustainable migration levels while not affecting those who already hold partner or dependent visas.
Looking ahead to 2025, New Zealand will introduce a new Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) requirement for foreign cargo ship crew and passengers, effective from April 1, 2025. This requirement mirrors the NZeTA system already in place for cruise ship passengers and crew since 2019. The new policy is expected to streamline immigration procedures for maritime workers, enhancing security and efficiency.
With over 1.4 million NZeTA applications processed in 2023 and a 99.89% approval rate, New Zealand continues to refine its immigration systems to support the growing demand for international travel and labor, while maintaining stringent border controls. These recent updates reflect the government’s commitment to balancing labor needs with sustainable migration, ensuring New Zealand remains an attractive destination for skilled workers, students, and travelers.
