Recent changes in immigration policies in both New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Australia 🇦🇺 are shaping the choices and opportunities for overseas-born New Zealanders who are considering moving to Australia. While there has not been a single, high-profile statement from the Immigration Minister of New Zealand or Australian officials directly addressing this group, the latest updates from both countries provide important details that affect many people’s plans. Here’s a clear summary of what’s changed, what it means for overseas-born New Zealanders, and practical steps for those thinking about moving.
Summary of the Changes
Both New Zealand and Australia have updated their immigration rules for 2024 and 2025. New Zealand is making it easier for skilled and seasonal workers to enter and stay in the country, while Australia is focusing on attracting skilled migrants with new visa options and higher income requirements. The special refugee resettlement arrangement between the two countries will end in June 2025, which may also affect some migration flows. These changes are important for overseas-born New Zealanders, as they may influence whether people choose to stay in New Zealand, return from overseas, or move to Australia for work or family reasons.
New Zealand Immigration Policy Updates (2025)
The Immigration Minister of New Zealand has overseen several reforms aimed at making the country more attractive to skilled and seasonal workers. The main changes include:
- Removal of wage thresholds for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) roles, making it easier for employers to hire workers without meeting strict pay levels.
- Reduction of minimum work experience needed for many jobs from three years to two years.
- Extension of visa durations for lower-skilled workers, who can now stay for up to three years instead of shorter periods.
- New seasonal worker pathways that allow for multi-entry visas, so workers can come and go more easily for seasonal jobs.
- Expanded interim work rights for people applying for AEWVs, letting them start work sooner while their applications are processed.
- Simplified employer requirements, such as removing the need for accredited employers to complete an online training module.
These changes are designed to help New Zealand attract and keep the workers it needs, especially in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction. For overseas-born New Zealanders, these reforms may make it more appealing to stay in New Zealand or to return if they have been living abroad.
Australian Immigration Policy Updates (2024-2025)
Australia’s government has launched a new Migration Strategy, with several key changes that affect skilled migrants, including New Zealanders and those born overseas who have New Zealand citizenship or residence. The main updates are:
- Introduction of the Skills in Demand visa (starting December 7, 2024), which replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. This new visa has three different pathways based on how much the applicant will earn.
- Increase in income thresholds for skilled visas. For example, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise to $76,515 from July 1, 2025. This means applicants must have a job offer that pays at least this amount.
- Streamlined labor market testing and simpler application processes, making it easier for employers and workers to understand and complete the steps.
- A high permanent migration program cap of 185,000 places for 2024-25, with a strong focus on skilled workers.
- Efforts to reduce long wait times for parent visas, although backlogs remain significant.
These changes show that Australia wants to attract skilled workers and make the process clearer and fairer. However, the higher income thresholds mean that only those with well-paying job offers will qualify for many skilled visas.
End of the New Zealand-Australia Refugee Resettlement Arrangement
The special agreement between New Zealand and Australia for refugee resettlement, which has been in place since July 1, 2022, will end on June 30, 2025. After this date, New Zealand will continue its own Refugee Quota Programme, taking in 1,500 refugees each year, but the arrangement with Australia will not continue in its current form. While this change mainly affects refugees, it could also have indirect effects on migration patterns between the two countries.
Migration Trends and Overseas-Born New Zealanders
Overseas-born New Zealanders make up a large part of the country’s population and workforce. Many have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence but were born in other countries. Australia remains a top choice for these individuals because of its close location, similar culture, and strong job market.
The new Australian migration policies, especially the Skills in Demand visa and higher income requirements, may affect the decisions of overseas-born New Zealanders who are thinking about moving. At the same time, New Zealand’s easier visa rules and longer stays for workers could encourage some people to stay or return.
Statements and Positions from Key Stakeholders
There have been no recent public statements from the Immigration Minister of New Zealand specifically about overseas-born New Zealanders moving to Australia. However, Australian immigration officials have stressed the importance of protecting migrant workers and making visa pathways simpler for everyone, including New Zealanders and those born overseas.
Experts say that both countries are trying to attract skilled workers and meet their labor market needs. This means there is some competition, but also cooperation, as both countries want to fill important jobs and support their economies.
Practical Implications for Overseas-Born New Zealanders
If you are an overseas-born New Zealander thinking about moving to Australia, here’s what you need to know:
- The Skills in Demand visa offers new, clearer options for skilled workers, but you must meet the new income thresholds.
- Visa application fees have gone up as of July 1, 2025, so be sure to check the latest costs before applying.
- Parent visa backlogs remain a problem, so if you want to bring family members, expect long wait times.
- If you decide to stay in or return to New Zealand, you’ll find it easier to get work visas, and you may be able to stay longer or come back for seasonal work.
- Since January 2025, remote work options on visitor visas have been expanded, giving more flexibility for those who want to work while visiting.
Step-by-Step Process for Moving to Australia
Here’s a general overview for overseas-born New Zealanders planning to move to Australia:
- Check your eligibility for the Skills in Demand visa or other Australian visas. You can find detailed information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Make sure your job offer meets the income threshold (at least $76,515 from July 2025).
- Get a nomination from an Australian employer if your visa requires it.
- Apply for your visa online, making sure to include all required documents and pay the correct fees.
- Wait for your application to be processed. Some visa categories may be processed faster than others.
- Move to Australia and start work once your visa is approved.
- If you want to bring family members, be aware that some visas, like parent visas, have long waiting periods.
Future Outlook
Australia’s migration program will keep changing, with a new four-year planning model to better match migration with the country’s needs. New Zealand will also keep updating its immigration system to attract skilled and seasonal workers. The end of the refugee resettlement arrangement may lead to new talks or different agreements between the two countries.
Both countries are expected to keep policies that are both competitive and complementary, giving overseas-born New Zealanders different options for work and life.
Where to Find More Information
For the most up-to-date details, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs for information on Australian visas and the New Zealand Immigration website for New Zealand’s latest policies.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect ongoing efforts by both governments to balance their labor market needs with fair and clear migration pathways. Overseas-born New Zealanders should review the latest requirements and consider their personal and family goals before making any decisions.
By staying informed and carefully checking official resources, overseas-born New Zealanders can make the best choices for their future, whether that means moving to Australia, staying in New Zealand, or exploring other options.
Learn Today
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) → A New Zealand visa allowing employers to hire foreign workers under specific immigration rules.
Skills in Demand visa → Australia’s new visa from 2024 targeting skilled workers with salary-based eligibility pathways.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) → Minimum salary required in Australia for skilled visa applicants, rising to $76,515 in 2025.
Refugee Resettlement Arrangement → A bilateral agreement between New Zealand and Australia for relocating refugees, ending in 2025.
Seasonal Worker Pathways → Visa options permitting temporary workers multiple entries for seasonal jobs in New Zealand.
This Article in a Nutshell
New Zealand eases immigrant worker rules in 2025, while Australia boosts skilled visa income thresholds and launches a new visa. The refugee resettlement deal ends in 2025, impacting migration. These shifts affect overseas-born New Zealanders’ plans about staying, returning, or moving to Australia for work or family reasons.
— By VisaVerge.com
