NZ

Interim work visas will expand to include AEWV applicants transitioning from student visas or other visa types that permit work. Time spent under an interim work visa will count toward cumulative residency calculations and work experience requirements for permanent residency pathways.

New Zealand updated the Active Investor Plus visa to include two main categories: Growth and Balanced. The Growth Category requires a minimum investment of NZ$5 million over three years, while the Balanced Category demands at least NZ$10 million over five years.

New Zealand reduced the minimum investment from NZ$15 million to NZ$5 million, removed the English language test requirement, shortened the residency requirement to 21 days over three years, and sped up the application processing time.

Changes include removing wage thresholds for Accredited Employer Work Visa roles, lowering minimum experience requirements, extending visa durations, and raising income thresholds for dependent children.

In April 2024, the number of Accredited Work Visa (AEWV) applications halved due to new regulations introduced by New Zealand authorities, which took effect at the beginning of last month. These changes aim to tighten AEWV rules.