Immigration Chambers
New Zealand

New Accommodation Cost Rules for RSE Workers from April 2026 From April 2026, a redesigned accommodation cost framework will come into force for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in New Zealand, reshaping how employers calculate, charge, and recover accommodation costs. This approach establishes clear rent caps, transparent quality-based criteria, and strict compliance obligations, ensuring fairness for workers while providing certainty for employers. A Standardised

Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa New Zealand – Complete Guide A Comprehensive Guide for Internationally Recognised Talent The Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa is designed for internationally recognised professionals whose skills and achievements contribute to New Zealand’s artistic, cultural, and sporting excellence. This detailed guide explains eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, sponsorship obligations, entry rules, and visa conditions in a cle

Official Update on VAC Service Fee Changes Effective January 2026 From 1 January 2026, applicants submitting New Zealand visa applications through Visa Application Centres (VACs) in selected countries will be required to pay a revised service fee. This adjustment applies exclusively to VAC service charges and does not alter Immigration New Zealand’s visa application fees. The revision aligns with inflationary pressures and increased operational costs across global VAC network

Planning to Study in New Zealand in 2026? What Do the New EER-Based Visa Rules Mean for You As dedicated immigration professionals, we provide a complete, authoritative breakdown of how New Zealand’s updated education quality assurance system will affect your New Zealand Student Visa application in 2026. With New Zealand preparing to shift from the long-standing Evaluative Quality Assurance Framework (EQAF)  to the new integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) , students

Can I Apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa If I Am Already in New Zealand? As New Zealand continues to refine its immigration pathways, many migrants already living in the country are seeking clarity on whether they can transition to a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa while staying onshore.  At Immigration Chambers, we assist migrants every day with this important question. In this comprehensive guide, we explain exactly  how the process works, who qualifies, and what steps yo

How Do You Check and Change Your New Zealand Work Visa Conditions As trusted immigration professionals, we offer a clear, updated, and practical guide to checking, understanding, and changing your New Zealand work visa conditions. In this blog, we simplify every essential detail, visa conditions, restrictions, employer or job changes, Variation of Conditions (VoC) rules, and stay limits, so you can stay fully compliant and avoid visa risks. Our goal is to help every migrant m

As immigration policies evolve, we ensure that migrant workers and accredited employers receive precise, updated guidance to maintain compliance. The latest change to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)  police certificate policy requirements, effective 8 December 2025, introduces stricter documentation rules that directly impact application outcomes.  We present a precisely structured, deeply detailed guide to safeguard applicants from declines, shortened visa durations

Securing a Business Investor Work Visa requires nominating an acceptable New Zealand business that meets strict regulatory, financial, and operational standards. As immigration specialists, we provide an in-depth, structured, and compliance-focused guide to help investor migrants confidently prepare a high-quality application that aligns with Immigration New Zealand (INZ)  requirements. Understanding Acceptable Investments for a Business Investor Work Visa When applying for a

Obtaining a pathway to New Zealand citizenship through investment remains one of the most strategic long-term immigration decisions for global investors. While NZ does not  offer New Zealand Citizenship  by direct investment, the country provides high-value investor residence visa pathways that can ultimately lead to permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship. In this extensively detailed guide, we present a clear, authoritative explanation of how investors can secure r

The New Zealand Business Investor Visa is now open for applications , giving international investors a chance to acquire and actively operate well-established businesses across the country. This refreshed category aims to attract experienced entrepreneurs who can support business continuity, protect local employment, and drive sustainable economic growth. As a newly introduced immigration option, the New Zealand Business Investor Visa  provides a strong avenue for investors s

Easier Entry to New Zealand for Pacific Visitors from Australia From 3 November 2025, new travel rules will allow Pacific Islands Forum passport holders to enter New Zealand from Australia without applying for a visa. Instead, eligible travellers can use the convenient New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for short-term visits. This change, launched as a 12-month trial, aims to strengthen regional relationships and make travel more accessible for Pacific communitie

What proof of funds do I need for a New Zealand visitor visa When applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, one of the most critical requirements is demonstrating adequate proof of funds to support your stay. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires applicants to provide clear evidence that they can cover travel, accommodation, daily living expenses, and return travel without relying on public funds. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the proof of funds requi

Respond to a PPI Letter from Immigration New Zealand Receiving a PPI letter can feel overwhelming, but it also presents a crucial opportunity to protect your immigration future. As experienced immigration professionals, we provide a meticulous, structured, and evidence-driven framework that empowers applicants to respond confidently, strengthen their case, and significantly improve their chances of approval. This guide goes deeper and delivers more actionable value than typic

Do Seasonal Jobs Qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in NZ The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary pathway for employers to hire skilled migrants from overseas. As immigration policies evolve, many workers and employers alike are asking, can seasonal jobs qualify for the AEWV? Understanding how seasonal work fits within the AEWV framework is essential for both applicants and employers seeking to remain compliant with Immigration New Zealand

AEWV Update: New Seasonal Visas Opening on 8 December 2025 From 8 December 2025, New Zealand introduces two major additions to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). These visas are designed to streamline seasonal hiring, strengthen workforce flexibility, and ensure fair recruitment practices for accredited employers across the country. Understanding New Zealand’s New Seasonal Visas Frame

As leading immigration specialists, we ensure employers and skilled migrants understand the National Occupation List (NOL) changes impacting Accredited Employer Work Visa  (AEWV) eligibility from 3 November 2025. This comprehensive guide details 87 newly recognised skilled occupations, updated visa pathways, employer requirements, and benefits for workers and their families. What is the National Occupation List (NOL)? Launched in November 2024 and updated again on 1 July 2025

Becoming an Accredited Employer in New Zealand is the essential first step for any business aiming to hire skilled migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. At Immigration Chambers, we assist employers in navigating the entire Employer Accreditation NZ process, from preparing an accredited employer application to ensuring full compliance with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) standards for long-term workforce success. Understanding Employer Accreditat

Pathway from Business Investor Work Visa to Business Investor Resident Visa in New Zealand At Immigration Chambers, we assist entrepreneurs and investors in turning their New Zealand business ventures into a permanent home. The Business Investor Resident Visa provides a clear route for those who have successfully operated and invested in a New Zealand business under a Business Investor Work Visa . This visa allows you to live, work, and invest indefinitely in New Zealand, pro

In New Zealand’s competitive employment landscape, the ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled international talent defines long-term business success. For employers operating under the Accredited Employer NZ framework, understanding immigration compliance and visa management is no longer optional, it is a strategic necessity. Partnering with licensed immigration advisers allows businesses to strengthen compliance, accelerate recruitment, and safeguard their accredited s

The New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa offers ambitious entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to establish, operate, and grow a thriving business in one of the world’s most stable economies. As experts in immigration and business strategy, we present this in-depth guide to help you navigate every stage of the process,  from investment criteria to the pathway toward permanent residence. Understanding the Business Investor Work Visa The Business Investor Work Visa  e