NZIO

19/04/2026

📣From today, open work visas will now have one of two conditions:

✅Some allow any work, including self‑employment.
✅Others require work for an employer.

The changes support clear and consistent visa conditions to support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers. On any open work visa, visa holders cannot employ other people.

👉Visit the INZ website for more details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders/

18/03/2026

🛂✨ Border Patrol NZ is back Tuesday 24 March! ✨🛂

Series 15 lands with 12 brand new episodes, following Immigration New Zealand Border officers on the frontline, working alongside our colleagues at New Zealand Customs, and Ministry for Primary Industries, to keep our border safe.

🎬 Fun fact: Border Patrol is one of the longest running border TV series, having been on our screens for over two decades.

📺 Tune in 7.30pm Tuesdays on TV One and TVNZ OnDemand - you won’t want to miss this.

👉 Read more about the behind the scenes of Border Patrol:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/border-patrol-15-seasons-of-protecting-new-zealands-border/

11/03/2026

From 1 June 2026, it will be easier and more affordable for Pacific visitors to reconnect with whānau, attend important events, and strengthen community ties in New Zealand.

For a 12‑month period, visitor visa fees for eligible Pacific nations will drop - lowering the total cost of a Visitor Visa down to $161 from $216 (including the standard immigration levy of $41). For comparison, the total visitor visa cost for other visa‑required nationalities is $441.

This fee reduction only applies to individuals applying outside of New Zealand.

This change reflects our commitment to supporting strong Pacific connections and builds on wider work to make travel simpler and more accessible.

Read more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals/

03/03/2026

🌏 Travel Disruptions & NZ Visa Update 🇳🇿

The ongoing situation in the Middle East is causing flight cancellations and delays. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) continues to operate as normal, taking a pragmatic and empathetic approach where people are affected by circumstances beyond their control.

If you hold a temporary NZ visa (visitor, work, student):
✔️ Check your visa expiry date
✔️ Review your travel conditions
✔️ Confirm flights before travelling

If your visa is expiring:

▪In NZ: You must apply for a new temporary visa before expiry (you cannot extend it). You may receive an Interim Visa if you apply in time.
▪Outside NZ: If your visa expires offshore, you must apply for a new visa before returning.

⚠️ There is no automatic extension or grace period.

The ongoing situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt international travel, including flight cancellations and delays through key transit hubs.

23/02/2026

📣Changes to open work visas from April 2026

Immigration New Zealand is introducing clearer employment conditions for open work visas from April 2026. The changes support clear and consistent visa conditions support safer, fairer, and more compliant work practices for both migrants and employers.

Open work visas will now have one of two conditions:
✅ Some allow any work, including self‑employment.
✅ Others require work for an employer.

On any open work visa, visa holders cannot employ other people. These changes do not apply to AEWV holders.

👉Visit the INZ website for more details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-employment-conditions-for-open-work-visa-holders/

18/02/2026

Thinking about a New Zealand visa? Here’s an important update 👇

From 9 March 2026, New Zealand’s immigration median wage will rise to NZD 35.00/hour (up from NZD 33.56).

This wage is still important for many people — especially if you’re:
✔️ planning your next visa
✔️ working towards residence
✔️ hoping to bring family to New Zealand

The good news?
If you already have a visa, your employer doesn’t need to increase your pay unless you apply for a new one.

✨ Planning ahead makes all the difference — if you’re unsure how this change affects you, it’s worth checking early.

29/01/2026

📢 AEWV update – key points only

• AEWV holders usually need a Job Change if changing employer, location, or role duties
• Job Change applications now need less information (but must include a job offer/employment agreement)
• Employers must give migrants the job token number, not the unique link
• Some promotions and certain restructures may not require a Job Change
• Accredited employers must notify INZ within 10 days when employment ends (including fixed-term)

Need help with Job Changes or compliance? Message us 👍

14/01/2026

🚨 Important Update for Special Ukraine Visa Holders 🇺🇦🇳🇿

The Ukraine Resident Visa category closes to new applications on 16 March 2026. If you’re on a Special Ukraine Visa and want to stay in New Zealand permanently, you must apply before this deadline.

⏰ Applications received after this date cannot be accepted under current policy.
✅ Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
👨‍👩‍👧 Partners and dependent children can be included.
📝 No English language test required.

You can also apply for another Special Ukraine Visa while your residence application is being processed, so you can stay lawfully in NZ.

📩 Have questions or need guidance? Contact us today — we’re here to help you secure your future in New Zealand.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/ukraine-resident-visa-category-closing-in-march-2026/?utm_source=Immigration+New+Zealand&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=C0383_UkranianResidenceVisa_13Jan2026&utm_content=Ukraine+Resident+Visa

29/10/2025

⚠️ Service Outage Alert: Immigration New Zealand Online Platforms

A global Microsoft internet services outage 🌐 is currently impacting several of Immigration New Zealand’s online systems, including RealMe, NZeTA, and Immigration Online.

🚫 Users are currently unable to:
- Submit NZeTA applications
- Apply for visas online
- Access visa verification services

This outage has also affected some of INZ’s internal systems, which may limit the support they can provide until services are restored.

🔧 Immigration New Zealand’s technical teams are working closely with Microsoft to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

ℹ️ Updates will be posted on the banner of the Immigration New Zealand website.

15/09/2025

📢 Student Visa Work Hours Increase

From 3 November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours/week during the semester (up from 20).

✔️ Applies to new visas granted from that date.
✔️ Current visa holders must apply for a variation of conditions or new visa.
✔️ Full-time work rights during breaks remain unchanged.
✔️ Year 12–13 students still need school & parental permission.

Send a message to learn more

03/09/2025

🌍 New INZ Data on Visa Overstayers (2025) 🌍

Immigration New Zealand has released its latest estimate of people currently in NZ who have overstayed their visas.

🔹 As of 1 July 2025, around 20,980 people were identified as overstaying.
🔹 This is the first estimate using a new methodology since 2017, giving greater accuracy.
🔹 Overstayers make up a tiny fraction of the millions of temporary arrivals each year.
🔹 Top nationalities include Tonga, China, USA, Samoa, and India.
🔹 In 2024/25, 1,259 people left NZ unlawfully—either deported or via self/voluntary departure.

👉 The estimate will now be updated annually to improve transparency and strengthen immigration policy.

📖 Read the full update here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/immigration-new-zealand-releases-2025-estimate-of-number-of-people-who-have-overstayed-their-visa/?utm_source=Immigration%20New%20Zealand&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=C0353_LIA_NewOverStaying_Numbers_04Sept2025&utm_content=btn