Immigration Trust

🎓 Planning to study in New Zealand? Don't leave your student visa application until the last minute.

Immigration New Zealand is reminding international students to apply at least 3 months before their intended course start date. Applying early gives you the best chance of receiving a visa decision before your studies begin and allows time to provide any additional information if requested.

If you're planning to study in New Zealand, now is the time to prepare.

📖 Read our latest article to learn why applying early matters and what your options are if your visa is delayed:

👉 https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-zealand-study-visa-applications-why-applying-early-matters

📢 Important Update for Occupational English Test (OET) Applicants

If you're planning to use the Occupational English Test (OET) to meet New Zealand visa English language requirements, take note of this important change.

🗓️ From 13 July 2026:

✅ All parts of the OET must be completed at a supervised testing centre.

💻 Remote computer-based OETs will continue to be accepted only if completed on or before 12 July 2026 (New Zealand Standard Time).

Immigration New Zealand is working closely with the OET provider to support a smooth transition and minimise disruption for applicants.

📖 Read more: https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/occupational-english-test-oet-requirements-changing-from-13-july-2026

📢 Major changes are coming to New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) from 24 August 2026.

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed updates affecting wage thresholds, qualification requirements, work-to-residence pathways, trades and technician applicants, self-employment experience, and genuine employment assessments.

If you're planning to apply for residence under the SMC or a Work to Residence pathway, it's important to understand how these changes may affect your eligibility and timeline.

Read our summary of the announced changes here:
👉 https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/skilled-migrant-category-changes-confirmed-for-24-august-2026

Stay informed and plan ahead.

INZ has announced that from 1 June 2026, several family of temporary visa holder applications will move to the enhanced Immigration Online system.

This includes various partner, child, visitor, student, and work visa applications. The new system is expected to provide clearer guidance, smarter application forms, and a more streamlined online experience.

If you currently have a draft application or are planning to apply soon, there are some important changes you should be aware of.

Read our full article here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/family-of-temporary-visa-applications-moving-to-enhanced-immigration-online-from-1-june-2026

Open work visa rules have changed — are you still compliant?

From 20 April 2026, your visa may now limit how you can work. Some can be self-employed, while others must work for an employer only.

Getting this wrong could lead to serious issues with your visa.

👉 Find out what applies to you:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/open-work-visa-conditions-changed-in-april-2026-what-you-need-to-know

New updates to the Peak Seasonal Visa are coming into effect from 19 April 2026. Health insurance requirements are being simplified to better reflect what’s actually available in New Zealand, making it easier for both migrants and employers to meet visa conditions.

If you’re planning to apply or support a PSV application, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect you.

👉 Read the full update here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/peak-seasonal-visa-health-insurance-changes-from-april-2026

New income thresholds for Parent and Pacific visa categories in New Zealand are changing from April 2026.

If you are planning to sponsor your parents or apply under these pathways, these updates could directly affect your eligibility and financial requirements.

Make sure you understand what has changed and how it applies to your situation before you proceed.

Read the full article here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-income-thresholds-for-parent-and-pacific-visas-nz-2026

Missed your New Zealand student visa intake for 2026?

You are not alone. Many students are facing delays, even those who applied on time. The key now is understanding your options and taking the right next step, whether that means continuing your application, deferring, or preparing a stronger reapplication.

We have outlined what you can do if your visa did not arrive in time and how to move forward with confidence.

Read the full article here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-zealand-student-visa-delays-in-2026-what-are-your-options

Family Visa Changes from June 2026 – What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming to how family visa applications are processed in New Zealand. From 1 June 2026, applications for partners and children of temporary visa holders will move to the enhanced Immigration Online system, making the process more streamlined and connected.

If you’re planning to apply or support a family member’s visa, now is the time to understand how these updates may affect you.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/family-visa-applications-moving-to-enhanced-immigration-online-from-june-2026

New graduate visa changes are coming to New Zealand in late 2026.

A new Short Term Graduate Work Visa will allow eligible international graduates to stay for up to 6 months to look for work, while Post Study Work Visa eligibility will also be extended to certain Graduate Diploma holders.

These changes aim to better connect international graduates with New Zealand’s workforce needs and provide more pathways from study to employment.

To understand who may qualify and what these changes mean for future graduates, read our full article.

Learn more:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-graduate-work-visa-and-post-study-work-visa-changes-announced