As of May 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented several significant updates affecting various visa categories and immigration policies. Here’s a summary of the latest developments:
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🛠️ Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Effective March 10, 2025, several modifications have been made to the AEWV program: 
• Removal of Median Wage Requirement: Employers are no longer mandated to pay the median wage (previously NZD $29.66/hour) for AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders. Instead, wages must meet or exceed the New Zealand minimum wage, which increased to NZD $23.50/hour on April 1, 2025 . 
• Experience Requirement Adjusted: The required work experience for AEWV applicants has been reduced from three years to two years . 
• Visa Duration Extended: For roles classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, the visa duration has been extended to three years . 
• English Language Requirements Modified: Certain ANZSCO skill level 4 roles reclassified as skill level 3 will no longer require proof of English language proficiency . 
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💼 Investor Visa Reforms
Starting April 1, 2025, the Active Investor Plus Visa has undergone changes to attract more foreign investment: 
• Introduction of New Investment Categories: Two new visa categories have been introduced for higher-risk and mixed investments . 
• Minimum Presence Requirements: Investors are now required to spend a minimum number of days in New Zealand over the investment term, varying based on the investment amount . 
• Transfer Methods Updated: Certain transfer methods, such as QDII or QDLP schemes, are no longer accepted under the Active Investor Plus Visa . 
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🌐 Digital Nomad Visa Introduction
The government has announced plans to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing non-residents working for foreign employers to reside and work remotely in New Zealand for up to nine months. Income earned during the first 90 days will be untaxed. This initiative aims to boost economic growth by attracting remote workers . 
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🧳 Visitor Visa Policy Updates
• Pacific Islands Forum Countries: From July 6, 2025, citizens from Pacific Islands Forum countries granted a Visitor Visa can visit New Zealand multiple times within a 24-month period, staying up to six months in any 12-month span . 
• Visa-Free Travel Trial: Beginning November 2025, a 12-month trial will allow citizens from Pacific Islands Forum countries traveling from Australia to enter New Zealand visa-free for up to three months, provided they hold a valid Australian visa and obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) . 
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💰 Visa Fee Adjustments
Effective October 1, 2024, visa fees and levies have been adjusted to better reflect processing costs and the benefits received by applicants. Detailed information on the new fee structure is available on the INZ website . 
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🛂 Policy Enforcement Enhancements
As of March 30, 2025, INZ has strengthened its enforcement of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Applications prepared or submitted by unlicensed or non-exempt individuals will be declined to ensure compliance and protect applicants
