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If you are planning to visit, study, or work in New Zealand, these policy changes from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for 2025–2026 are important to know. I’ll explain the main updates in simple English. I will also give clear steps you can follow, and I’ll point out where to Submit NZeTA Online and read official NZeTA Visa Information. My goal is for you to finish this article with no doubts about the basics.

Why these changes matter

Immigration rules decide who can enter New Zealand, how long they can stay, and what work they may do while in the country. The government changed rules to help the economy, protect local workers, and stop abuse of migrant workers. Many changes affect people who want a working visa new zealand or who plan short visits with an NZeTA. These updates make some routes easier and some checks stricter. 

New seasonal work routes (from 8 December 2025)

From 8 December 2025, New Zealand introduced new seasonal visa options for people who want short-term farm, orchard, or tourism work. The Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) was closed for new seasonal hires and replaced by visas like the Peak Seasonal Visa and the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa. These new visas let people work for a season and are part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. If you are looking for short seasonal work, check whether the new seasonal visa fits you.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) changes

The AEWV system now uses clearer forms and stronger checks on employers. Immigration New Zealand updated questions, wage thresholds, and employer checks to reduce the risk of worker exploitation. One important change is that INZ can pause job-change requests if there are serious concerns about an employer. If you plan to apply for a working visa new zealand, prepare to show clear evidence of your offer, pay, and documents from your employer. 

National Occupation List (NOL) replaces ANZSCO for some uses

New rules introduced the National Occupation List (NOL) to classify many jobs used in visa decisions. This means some job titles that used to match under ANZSCO now fall under the NOL. Before you apply for a working visa new zealand, check which list your job is on. This can change whether you qualify for a particular visa or points for residency. Double-checking the NOL can keep you from making an avoidable mistake. 

Skilled Migrant Category — easier route for some

Immigration New Zealand made changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to attract more skilled people. For some streams, the New Zealand work experience requirement was reduced from a maximum of three years to two years. This helps people who already have skills to get closer to residency earlier. If your plan is long term, this is good news — but you still need to meet wage and experience rules.

Student visas and remote workers

From 3 November 2025, many eligible students can now work more hours during the academic term — up to 25 hours per week. This helps students who need to support themselves. New short-stay options also make it easier for remote workers and digital nomads to visit New Zealand for short periods. If you are a student or wanting to work remotely while visiting, read the official rules carefully because taxes and visa length rules can apply. 

NZeTA — who needs it and how to apply

Many visitors from visa-waiver countries must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travel. It usually lasts for two years and covers multiple trips. The safest way to get an NZeTA is to Submit NZeTA Online through the official site or the NZeTA app. For step-by-step guidance, read the official NZeTA Visa Information pages. Allow up to 72 hours for processing and always apply before you book travel. 

Practical checklist — what to do next

1. Decide your purpose: short visit, study, short seasonal work, long-term work, or residency.
   
2. If you want to work: check the NOL for your job, confirm the employer’s AEWV accreditation, and collect proof of pay and identity. This helps with a working visa new zealand application.
   
3. If you are visiting: Submit NZeTA Online and read the NZeTA Visa Information. Don’t wait until the last day.
   
4. If you are a student: check whether your visa allows 25 hours of work a week and apply for any visa updates you need.
   

Simple final words

Changes to immigration can feel scary. Take one step at a time. Use official Immigration New Zealand pages for the latest details. If you are unsure, ask an accredited immigration adviser, but always check their advice against the official INZ pages. If you want, I can make a short personalized checklist for your situation — for example, a checklist for a student who wants to work part-time, or a worker who needs an AEWV. Which one would help you most?