A Recap of Immigration Policy Changes in 2025 (So Far)
2025 has been a year marked by significant changes and updates in immigration policy. The government has introduced notable policies aimed at addressing current labour shortages, attracting more skilled migrants and a greater number of investors. Here is a summary of the top changes (so far):
AEWV Median Wage
From 10 March 2025, Employers recruiting workers under the AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage. Instead, Employers are required to pay the market rate.
From 18 August 2025, AEWV-related thresholds were updated to reflect the June 2024 median wage of $33.56 an hour.
ANZSCO Occupations
From 10 March 2025, the following occupations were added to ANZSCO Level 3:
Cook (351411)
Pet groomer (361113)
Kennel hand (361115)
Nanny (421113)
Fitness Instructor (452111)
Scaffolder (821712)
Slaughterer (831212)
Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator (721111)
Excavator operator (721214)
Forklift driver (721311)
Mobile plant operators not elsewhere classified (721999)
Two new seasonal visa pathway options have been announced under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, which will be available from 08 December 2025.
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 3 years.
The Peak Season Visa (PSV)
This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months. After reaching the 7-month limit, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.
These visas are designed to help accredited employers bring in workers for short-term roles during peak seasons within their industries.
Click here for a complete list of roles covered under these visa categories.
On 18 August 2025, 10 skilled trades occupations were added to the Green List Work to Residence Visa pathway, allowing them to apply for residence after working in New Zealand for two years.
The trade occupations are:
Metal Fabricator
Pressure Welder
Welder
Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter-Welder
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Panel Beater
Vehicle Painter
Paving Plant Operator
To be eligible, applicants will need to be paid at a level that reflects the skill and experience required for their role:
for Metal Fabricator, Welder, Fitter, and Machinist roles listed above, applicants must be earning at least $43.63 an hour (or $90,750 a year based on a 40-hour week)
for Paving Plant Operators, Panel Beaters, and Vehicle Painters, applicants must be earning at least $38.59 an hour (or $80,267 a year).
Also changing is the median wage threshold across all Residence Categories. The new median wage rate of $33.56 an hour will apply.
The government announced the New Parent Boost Visitor Visa, which offers a longer stay to parents of NZ citizens and residents. The visa aims to help unite families and enhance New Zealand’s appeal to highly skilled migrants.
The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to 5 years.
Applicants may apply for a second visa, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have an eligible sponsor, and they or their sponsor must have enough income or funds.
Meet residence-level health requirements.
Hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Genuinely intend to stay in New Zealand temporarily.
Visa holders will need to complete a health and insurance check 3 years after their visa is granted.
The visa cost will be NZD $3,000 for most applicants and NZD $2,450 for applicants eligible for the Pacific fee band. This includes both the immigration fee and levy.
Applicants must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100.
After 3 years, there is an additional processing fee for the third-year health check of NZD $325 for most people, or NZD $240 if eligible for the Pacific fee band.
Applications will open on 29 September 2025.
On the 1 April 2025, the government introduced two new Investor Visa Category Pathways:
Growth Investment Category
NZD $5 million investment
Over a 3-year investment term
Funds can be invested into:
managed funds
direct investments
Applicant must spend 21 days in New Zealand over the 3 year term
Balanced Investment Category
NZ $10 million
Over 5-year investment term
Funds can be invested into:
bonds
listed equities
philanthropy
property development
Applicant must spend 105 days in New Zealand over a 5-year term, which can be reduced with further investment
Most Notable Changes:
Full investment has to be made before residence is granted
English requirements removed for applicants and their family
Business Investor Visa
The Government is set to announce a new Business Investor Visa (BIV) this morning, which will replace the existing Entrepreneur Work Visa category. This category has been underperforming over the past few years.
The new Business Investor Visa will be open for applications in November.
The new BIV has two potential pathways.
Investing $1m in an existing business will allow recipients of the visa to gain residence after three years.
Investing $2m and operating the business for three years will get recipients on a fast-track path to residency after 12 months.
A few things that will also be in place:
The business must have been operational for five years, meet certain financial thresholds and employ at least five full-time staff.
Age cap for applicants
English language proficiency
Certain businesses will be excluded (adult entertainment, convenience stores, fast-food outlets, franchises, gambling and immigration advisory services)
This new Business Investor Visa is an excellent addition to our current Investor settings. It opens the door for applicants who may not have the $ 5 million needed but have experience running businesses and wish to continue doing so in NZ. Stay tuned for a more in-depth breakdown once the formal policy is released.
We anticipate further changes and updates to be announced within the next six months. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up-to-date with immigration announcements.
