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NZ Immigration Changes 2026: A Dated Timeline

This is a dated list of 2026 changes announced by INZ or Govt.nz, in order of effective date. Each entry says whether it is in force or still to come. Nothing here is a proposal unless it is labelled that way. Read on 10 October 2026.

New Zealand's immigration settings changed several times in 2026, and some changes have dates still ahead. People searching "nz immigration changes 2026" are usually trying to find out what changed, when, and what applies to an application they are preparing or have lodged.

This timeline includes only changes that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) or the government has announced, each with the date INZ or Govt.nz gives. It marks the status of each as of 10 October 2026: in force, or scheduled. Where a detail has not been decided, the entry says so. It does not predict future changes and it does not include rumours or commentary from third-party websites. A change that is only proposed is labelled "proposed".

It also does not say how any change affects a particular person. That depends on the date of an application, the visa held and other facts. A licensed immigration adviser can assess that, and the directory lists licensed advisers.

The entries run from earliest to latest. Each cites the INZ or Govt.nz page it comes from, and those pages are the authority if anything changes after the reading date.

9 March 2026: Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold rises to NZD 35.00

Status: in force. INZ's pay-rates page for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa shows the SMC wage threshold as NZD 35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026. The same page shows the earlier rates: NZD 33.56 from 18 August 2025 to 8 March 2026, and NZD 31.61 from 28 February 2024 to 17 August 2025. The multiples used for points for income move with it: 1.5 times is NZD 52.50 and 2 times is NZD 70.00 for work starting from 9 March 2026.

The rule INZ explains is that the threshold in force when a person's skilled work experience starts counting is the one that applies to that work. INZ's worked example involves "Max", who started skilled work in November 2025 at NZD 34.00 an hour when the threshold was NZD 33.56, so his threshold is set at NZD 33.56. A second example, "Priya", started at NZD 31.00 an hour in November 2025, below the threshold, so that work could not start counting; after a pay rise to NZD 35.50 in June 2026, when the threshold was NZD 35.00, her experience could start counting from June 2026 with a threshold of NZD 35.00.

Our articles on the SMC wage threshold and the SMC points system cover the mechanics.

20 April 2026: new employment conditions on open work visas

Status: in force. INZ announced on 24 February 2026 that new employment conditions for open work visas would take effect on 20 April 2026. INZ's announcement says: "From Monday 20 April 2026, open work visas include 1 of 2 employment conditions."

The first condition lets the holder undertake any work, including working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business. INZ lists the visas in this group as Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a Student Work Visa, Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Post Study Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa and Partner of a Military Work Visa.

The second requires work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services. INZ lists the Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa, Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa, Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa, Asylum Seeker Work Visa and all working holiday visas.

On every open work visa, INZ says holders "cannot employ other people" and cannot provide commercial sexual services or run or invest in a business that does. Employer-specific work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa are not affected, and the changes do not apply to Student Visa holders. INZ's transitional note says people doing work not permitted by their visa "may continue until your visa expires".

1 June 2026: English requirement extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles

Status: in force, with a transition running to 1 December 2026. INZ announced on 25 May 2026 that from 1 June 2026 the minimum English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) apply to ANZSCO and National Occupation List skill level 3 occupations, as well as the skill levels 4 and 5 that were already covered.

INZ's announcement sets out exemptions. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa applications do not need to meet the standard, and it does not apply to Job Change applications. People whose AEWV expires on or before 1 December 2026 are exempt when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3, and so are people who already provided English evidence for a previous AEWV application. INZ adds that "No one with a current AEWV will be affected retrospectively while their visa is valid." It also says applicants at skill level 3 from 1 June must meet the requirement "even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026."

The English test minimums for the AEWV are set out in our guide to English requirements for NZ resident visas and the AEWV.

28 August 2026: citizenship fees increase

Status: in force. Govt.nz states: "From 28 August 2026, fees for all New Zealand citizenship products and services have increased." The page lists the fees now in force.

  • Citizenship by grant: adult (16 and over) NZD 641; child (15 and under) NZD 320; born in Samoa before 1949 (section 7A) NZD 278.
  • Citizenship by descent: register citizenship, adult NZD 278; with a passport NZD 525; with an urgent passport NZD 772. For a child, NZD 278, NZD 422 and NZD 669 respectively.
  • Other services: replacement citizenship certificate NZD 153; confirmation of citizenship by grant NZD 153; renunciation of citizenship NZD 542.

The Department of Internal Affairs issued a media release with the change, and Govt.nz points to it. Fees are a point to check on the day of an application, because Govt.nz updates the page when they change. Our article on citizenship by grant covers the requirements that sit alongside the fee.

7 September 2026: Samoan Quota applications go to the Apia Visa Application Centre

Status: in force. INZ's Samoan Quota Resident Visa page says: "From 7 September 2026, Samoan Quota Resident Visa applicants will submit their paper applications, supporting documents and application fee directly to the Apia Visa Application Centre." INZ Apia continues to assess and decide applications. INZ states that the change "only affects how applications and documents are received and processed electronically."

The Samoan Quota and Pacific Access ballots themselves are separate from this change. For 2026 INZ shows registrations as closed and, for 2027, says it will announce reopening dates in 2027. See the article on the two ballots for the places, ages and deadlines.

5 October and 10 November 2026: Parent Resident Visa EOI selection changes

Status: new method in force from 5 October 2026; first selection under it scheduled for 10 November 2026. INZ's page says the changes "were announced on 8 August 2026". From 5 October 2026, all eligible Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest (EOIs) go into a single parent category EOI pool. At each of the 4 selections a year, approximately 90% are selected from the pool with the earliest EOIs first, and approximately 10% through a random ballot. INZ says: "The first EOI selection under the new policy is on Tuesday 10 November 2026."

Three things are unchanged, according to INZ: the annual cap of 2,500 Parent Resident Visas, the expected frequency of 4 selections a year, and the application process for the visa itself.

EOIs in the pool "do not automatically expire after 2 years", provided holders submit a Confirmation of Parent Resident Visa expression of interest form within 6 months of each 2-year anniversary of the EOI. INZ says missing the deadline means the EOI expires and is removed from the pool. INZ also describes transitional provisions that may give an earlier queue position based on the date of an expired EOI, where a later EOI was submitted within 90 days of the previous one expiring. INZ's 5 October update says queue positions "are still being finalised and are not yet available."

Our article on the parent ballot covers the process in more depth.

7 October 2026: citizenship test provider chosen, and BNZ joins the Funds Transfer Scheme

Citizenship test. Status: announced, date not set. Govt.nz says: "From late 2027, most people who apply for New Zealand citizenship by grant will have to pass a test to become a citizen." On 7 October 2026 Govt.nz recorded that Aspeq Limited had been selected to administer the test, with test locations, cost and the exact date "still to be decided". The page adds that people who have already applied, or who apply before the test becomes a requirement, do not need to sit it. Govt.nz says the test will have 20 multiple-choice questions in English, and that there will likely be a fee for each attempt, with the amount to be decided. Our article on the citizenship test covers the rest.

Funds Transfer Scheme. Status: in force. INZ announced on 7 October 2026 that Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) can now be chosen by eligible international students at a New Zealand university or polytechnic as a provider under the Funds Transfer Scheme, alongside ANZ. BNZ will only offer it to students at polytechnics and universities; students at Private Training Establishments continue to use ANZ. INZ says the scheme is currently available to eligible students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

16 November 2026: Post-Study Work Visa extended; new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

Status: scheduled. INZ announced on 29 May 2026 two changes taking effect on Monday 16 November 2026.

First, eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa extends to graduates who have completed a graduate diploma at NZQCF Level 7, studied full-time in New Zealand for the full duration, been enrolled for the full duration (cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning is not eligible), and hold a bachelor's degree completed in New Zealand or overseas. INZ says the visa can be issued for the duration of study of the graduate diploma, up to a maximum of 1 year. A graduate diploma holder without a bachelor's degree may still qualify only where the diploma is listed in Appendix 13 of the Immigration Operational Manual, and then must work in the occupation specified.

Second, a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens on 16 November 2026 with 6 months of open work rights. INZ's announcement lists the eligibility: a qualification at NZQCF Level 5 to 7 studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand that is not an English language, foundation or bridging qualification and does not make the person eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa; at least NZD 5,000 available; a valid medical certificate and chest X-ray depending on the intended length of stay; no earlier Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa; and written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand if study was supported by the New Zealand Scholarship Programme. Applications must be made within 3 months of the student visa expiring. INZ's page for the visa had not published a fee at the reading date, so check INZ before the opening date. See the articles on the Post-Study Work Visa and the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

How to read the dates, and where to check for anything new

Three points help when reading any list of changes.

First, check what the date attaches to. Some changes depend on the date an application is made, such as the AEWV English requirement from 1 June 2026. Others depend on the date work started, such as the SMC wage threshold. Others take effect for everyone on the day, such as the new open work visa conditions or the citizenship fees. INZ's announcement for each change says which applies.

Second, treat the status label as of 10 October 2026. Entries marked scheduled have dates that INZ or Govt.nz gave on that day. The citizenship test is the clearest case of an announced change with no date beyond "late 2027", and the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is one where the fee had not been published.

Third, INZ's news centre at immigration.govt.nz lists announcements in date order, and Govt.nz covers citizenship, passports and identity. Fees are on INZ's fee finder, and legislation is on the New Zealand Legislation site. A change that is only proposed is not a rule; this article has marked none as proposed because every entry above was announced with a date or described as already decided.

If a change affects an application, the facts of that application decide how. A licensed immigration adviser can assess them, and the directory lists licensed advisers.

Questions people ask

What immigration changes happened in New Zealand in 2026?

Dated changes announced by INZ or Govt.nz include the SMC wage threshold rising to NZD 35.00 on 9 March, new open work visa conditions on 20 April, AEWV English rules at skill level 3 on 1 June, higher citizenship fees on 28 August, and the Parent Resident Visa selection method on 5 October. Others are scheduled for November.

When is the new NZ citizenship test starting?

Govt.nz says from late 2027, most people applying for citizenship by grant will have to pass a test. The exact date, cost and locations were still to be decided on 7 October 2026, when Aspeq Limited was named as the provider.

When does the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa open?

INZ says Monday 16 November 2026. It gives 6 months of open work rights, and applications must be made within 3 months of the student visa expiring. INZ had not published the fee when this was read.

When is the next Parent Resident Visa selection?

INZ says the first selection under the new hybrid method is on Tuesday 10 November 2026, with about 90% selected in date order and about 10% by random ballot. The annual limit of 2,500 does not change.

Where can I check whether an NZ immigration change is official?

INZ's news centre at immigration.govt.nz publishes announcements, and Govt.nz covers citizenship fees and the citizenship test. A change should carry a date and appear on one of those sites.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-10.

Related guides

  • SMC Wage Threshold 2026: NZD 35 an Hour and the Rate History — From 9 March 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category wage threshold is NZD 35.00 an hour. INZ fixes the rate that applies to a person when their skilled work experience starts counting, and says that once set, it does not change. This guide sets out INZ's published rate history, multiples and worked examples as read on 9 October 2026.
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): The 2026 Rules — The Accredited Employer Work Visa is New Zealand's main employer-sponsored work visa. The job must be full-time (30+ hours), with an accredited employer holding an approved job check, and paid at least the required rate. INZ showed a fee of NZD 1,540 and 80% of applications within 5 weeks on 9 October 2026. The longest continuous stay is 5 years, or 3 years for skill level 4 or 5 jobs.
  • Parent Resident Visa 2026: The New Queue and Ballot Explained — From 5 October 2026 Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest sit in one pool: about 90% are selected in date order and about 10% by random ballot, four times a year, with a cap of 2,500 visas a year. The first selection under the new model is on 10 November 2026. EOIs no longer expire after 2 years if the holder confirms within the required window.
  • Post-Study Work Visa NZ: The Rules and the 16 November 2026 Changes — The Post-Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates of New Zealand study work for up to 3 years. From 16 November 2026 INZ extends eligibility to level 7 graduate diplomas held with a bachelor's degree; INZ showed NZD 1,670 and 80% within 5 weeks on 9 October 2026.
  • Short-Term Graduate Work Visa NZ: The Rules for the 6-Month Visa — The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa gives eligible graduates 6 months of open work rights from applications opening on 16 November 2026. INZ requires a level 5–7 qualification studied full-time for at least 24 weeks, NZD 5,000 in funds and an application within 3 months of the student visa ending; INZ had not published a fee on 9 October 2026.
  • NZ Citizenship by Grant: Fees, Requirements and Timeframes — From 28 August 2026 the Department of Internal Affairs charges NZD 641 for an adult (16 and over) and NZD 320 for a child to apply for citizenship by grant. Govt.nz lists three presence rules, an English requirement and a character requirement, and says 90% of applicants receive an outcome within 4 months of applying.
  • NZ Citizenship Test 2027: What Has Been Confirmed and What Has Not — DIA says that from late 2027 most people applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant will have to pass an in-person test of 20 multiple-choice questions, with at least 15 correct. Aspeq Limited was named as the provider on 7 October 2026; the start date, test locations and test fee have not been decided.
  • NZ Working Holiday Visas: Country by Country — INZ lists 45 working holiday schemes. Most are for ages 18 to 30, nine are for 18 to 35, and each country's page states its own yearly cap, stay length and money requirement. Figures below are from INZ's country pages as read on 10 October 2026.
  • Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category Ballots — Both are annual ballots. The 2026 Samoan Quota had 1,100 places and the Pacific Access Category 650 (250 Fiji, 250 Tonga, 75 Kiribati, 75 Tuvalu). INZ shows 2026 registrations as closed and says 2027 reopening dates will be announced in 2027.