Immigration updates

Policy and visa updates

Published updates from Bridgeway staff, official notices, and policy timeline changes. Content is informational only and not legal advice.

ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
6 July 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 6 July 2026
Business Investor Work Visa updates to unlock wider investment opportunities
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 July 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 July 2026
Student visa processing update – midyear intake and reminder to apply early
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 July 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 July 2026
Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 June 2026
Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
17 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 17 June 2026
Working together to protect the integrity of our immigration system
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
16 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 16 June 2026
Biometric Capability Update project
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 June 2026
Visitor visa fees temporarily reduced for Pacific nationals
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 June 2026
Family of temporary visa holder applications now on enhanced Immigration Online
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
29 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 29 May 2026
New and updated post-study work visa options
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
29 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 29 May 2026
2026 Pacific Access Category ballot results
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
29 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 29 May 2026
2026 Samoan Quota ballot results
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
25 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 25 May 2026
Active Investor Plus change enables philanthropy in Growth category
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
25 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 25 May 2026
English language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
20 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 20 May 2026
Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
19 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 19 May 2026
Refugee Survey highlighted strong settlement outcomes and areas to improve
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 May 2026
Domino’s franchise banned from hiring migrant workers for 12 months after visa breach
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
8 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 8 May 2026
Immigration scam phone calls on the rise
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 May 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 May 2026
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota draw takes place on 20 May 2026
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
30 April 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 30 April 2026
Final deportation closes chapter on $20 million cocaine smuggling case
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
15 April 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 15 April 2026
Changes to health insurance requirements for the Peak Seasonal Visa
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
14 April 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 14 April 2026
Income thresholds to increase for Pacific and parent visa categories
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 April 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 April 2026
Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota registrations are now open for 2026
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
31 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 31 March 2026
Family of temporary visa holder applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
27 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 27 March 2026
Exploitation is not a business model: Lower Hutt restaurant fined NZD $90,000
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
23 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 23 March 2026
Web of deceit unspun: INZ welcomes identity fraud convictions
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 March 2026
The 2026 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota ballots open on 1 April 2026
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 March 2026
Immigration New Zealand provides clearer visa processing time information
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 March 2026
Border Patrol: 15 seasons of protecting New Zealand’s border
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 March 2026
Changes to the Immigration Act introduced
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
16 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 16 March 2026
Seasonal work, lasting impact: The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) story at Clyde Orchards
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
5 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 5 March 2026
Further changes to the Skilled Migrant Category to come into effect on 24 August 2026
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
5 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 5 March 2026
Beyond the season: How RSE employers are voluntarily supporting Pacific workers and their lives back home
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
5 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 5 March 2026
Immigration New Zealand’s response to the situation in Iran
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
2 March 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 2 March 2026
Middle East: advice for temporary visa holders in New Zealand affected by travel disruptions
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
27 February 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 27 February 2026
Former licensed immigration adviser sentenced after deceiving migrants
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
24 February 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 24 February 2026
Changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
18 February 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 18 February 2026
New occupations recognised under the National Occupation List and annual median wage increase
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
10 February 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 10 February 2026
NZeTA boosts tourism as China and Pacific visitors choose New Zealand
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
10 February 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 10 February 2026
First arrival of Timor-Leste workers under the RSE scheme
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
28 January 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 28 January 2026
Framework and guidance now available for RSE worker accommodation cost changes
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
20 January 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 20 January 2026
Immigration New Zealand successes in 2025
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
15 January 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 15 January 2026
2026 opening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes confirmed
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
13 January 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 13 January 2026
Ukraine Resident Visa category closing in March 2026
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
8 January 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 8 January 2026
Background on the NZeTA: Why it was introduced and key statistics
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
22 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 22 December 2025
Man sentenced for fraudulent immigration scheme
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
17 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 17 December 2025
Business owner sentenced for migrant exploitation
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
16 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 16 December 2025
2025 changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa and statistics post-change
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
15 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 15 December 2025
VAC service fee increase
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
11 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 11 December 2025
Changes to education quality assurance and what it means for student visas
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
5 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 5 December 2025
APEC Business Travel Card - Helping Kiwi businesses go further
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
2 December 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 2 December 2025
Paeroa employer hit with NZD $159,250 fine for exploiting migrant workers
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
25 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 25 November 2025
Police certificate requirement changes for Accredited Employer Work Visa and visitor visa applications
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
24 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 24 November 2025
New Business Investor Work Visa is now open
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
24 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 24 November 2025
Immigration at the border
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
20 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 20 November 2025
Update to simplified Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Job Change process
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
17 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 17 November 2025
Couple sentenced for immigration and identity fraud
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
17 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 17 November 2025
New Zealand joins international partners to fight visa fraud
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
11 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 11 November 2025
Strong sentence for Operation Wentworth offender
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
11 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 11 November 2025
New seasonal visas open 8 December 2025
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
3 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 3 November 2025
Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Pacific visitors
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
3 November 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 3 November 2025
Visa free travel from Australia to New Zealand for Chinese visitors
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
23 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 23 October 2025
Sentencing in major immigration fraud investigation
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
23 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 23 October 2025
Recognising National Occupation List (NOL) occupations in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
23 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 23 October 2025
New Zealand and Iceland to explore working holiday scheme
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
21 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 21 October 2025
Guardian Visitor Visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
21 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 21 October 2025
Upcoming changes to student visa work rights
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
14 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 14 October 2025
System limitation affecting Accredited Employer Work Visas after a business changes
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
9 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 9 October 2025
RSE Employer of the Year helping communities thrive
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
24 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 24 June 2026
Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship programme to become permanent
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
2 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 2 October 2025
New Parent Boost Visitor Visa is now open
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
2 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 2 October 2025
Safer visa payments coming soon
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
1 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 1 October 2025
Real lives, real Impact: CORS programme evaluation tells a powerful story
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
26 September 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 26 September 2025
Get set for a Kiwi summer and apply early for your visitor visa
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
25 September 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 25 September 2025
Updated Memorandum of Understanding to help boost tourism from China
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
25 September 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 25 September 2025
New scholarship programme to support former refugees into healthcare careers
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
7 October 2025
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 7 October 2025
Whangārei hospitality businesses in Labour Inspectorate spotlight
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
22 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 22 June 2026
The right to seek safety - a shared promise
Read official update
ImmigrationNew Zealand
Official Update
19 June 2026
Official NewsGovernment Source
Immigration New Zealand · 19 June 2026
Health scholarship opens to support former refugees into healthcare careers
Read official update

Policy and visa updates

Business Investor Work Visa updates to unlock wider investment opportunities

Student visa processing update – midyear intake and reminder to apply early

Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas

Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and work to residence visas

Working together to protect the integrity of our immigration system

Biometric Capability Update project

Visitor visa fees temporarily reduced for Pacific nationals

Family of temporary visa holder applications now on enhanced Immigration Online

New and updated post-study work visa options

2026 Pacific Access Category ballot results

2026 Samoan Quota ballot results

Active Investor Plus change enables philanthropy in Growth category

English language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles

Group and Tour Escort visitor visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online

Refugee Survey highlighted strong settlement outcomes and areas to improve

Domino’s franchise banned from hiring migrant workers for 12 months after visa breach

Immigration scam phone calls on the rise

Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota draw takes place on 20 May 2026

Final deportation closes chapter on $20 million cocaine smuggling case

Changes to health insurance requirements for the Peak Seasonal Visa

Income thresholds to increase for Pacific and parent visa categories

Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota registrations are now open for 2026

Family of temporary visa holder applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online

Exploitation is not a business model: Lower Hutt restaurant fined NZD $90,000

Web of deceit unspun: INZ welcomes identity fraud convictions

The 2026 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota ballots open on 1 April 2026

Immigration New Zealand provides clearer visa processing time information

Border Patrol: 15 seasons of protecting New Zealand’s border

Changes to the Immigration Act introduced

Seasonal work, lasting impact: The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) story at Clyde Orchards

Further changes to the Skilled Migrant Category to come into effect on 24 August 2026

Beyond the season: How RSE employers are voluntarily supporting Pacific workers and their lives back home

Immigration New Zealand’s response to the situation in Iran

Middle East: advice for temporary visa holders in New Zealand affected by travel disruptions

Former licensed immigration adviser sentenced after deceiving migrants

Changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders

New occupations recognised under the National Occupation List and annual median wage increase

NZeTA boosts tourism as China and Pacific visitors choose New Zealand

First arrival of Timor-Leste workers under the RSE scheme

Framework and guidance now available for RSE worker accommodation cost changes

Immigration New Zealand successes in 2025

2026 opening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes confirmed

Ukraine Resident Visa category closing in March 2026

Background on the NZeTA: Why it was introduced and key statistics

Man sentenced for fraudulent immigration scheme

Business owner sentenced for migrant exploitation

2025 changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa and statistics post-change

VAC service fee increase

Changes to education quality assurance and what it means for student visas

APEC Business Travel Card - Helping Kiwi businesses go further

Paeroa employer hit with NZD $159,250 fine for exploiting migrant workers

Police certificate requirement changes for Accredited Employer Work Visa and visitor visa applications

New Business Investor Work Visa is now open

Immigration at the border

Update to simplified Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Job Change process

Couple sentenced for immigration and identity fraud

New Zealand joins international partners to fight visa fraud

Strong sentence for Operation Wentworth offender

New seasonal visas open 8 December 2025

Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Pacific visitors

Visa free travel from Australia to New Zealand for Chinese visitors

Sentencing in major immigration fraud investigation

Recognising National Occupation List (NOL) occupations in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

New Zealand and Iceland to explore working holiday scheme

Guardian Visitor Visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online

Upcoming changes to student visa work rights

System limitation affecting Accredited Employer Work Visas after a business changes

RSE Employer of the Year helping communities thrive

Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship programme to become permanent

New Parent Boost Visitor Visa is now open

Safer visa payments coming soon

Real lives, real Impact: CORS programme evaluation tells a powerful story

Get set for a Kiwi summer and apply early for your visitor visa

Updated Memorandum of Understanding to help boost tourism from China

New scholarship programme to support former refugees into healthcare careers

Whangārei hospitality businesses in Labour Inspectorate spotlight

The right to seek safety - a shared promise

Health scholarship opens to support former refugees into healthcare careers