Immigration Trust

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

New Zealand has announced a temporary reduction in Visitor Visa fees for Pacific travellers. 🌏

From 1 June 2026, eligible Pacific Islands Forum nationals applying from outside New Zealand will pay $161 instead of $216 for a Visitor Visa. This 12-month reduction aims to make travel easier and more accessible for Pacific visitors.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this change, it is important to understand the eligibility and visa requirements before applying.

👉 Read the full update here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-zealand-reduces-visitor-visa-fees-for-pacific-travellers

New changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) are coming in August 2026, including new residence pathways, occupation lists, and updated requirements for skilled workers in New Zealand.

If you are planning your pathway to residence, it is important to understand how these changes could affect your eligibility.

📖 Read our summary of the latest update and what it may mean for migrants and employers:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/skilled-migrant-category-changes-new-pathways-coming-in-august-2026

Upcoming Immigration Online maintenance

The enhanced Immigration Online system will be unavailable on Sunday 8 March 2026, NZDT, during the following times:

00:01 to 08:00, due to RealMe maintenance; and
midday to 23:59, while Immigration New Zealand carries out upgrades.

Customers and immigration staff will be unable to access the system while these upgrades are being made.

New employment conditions for open work visa holders are coming into effect from 20 April 2026.

If you hold an open work visa — or are planning to apply for one — it’s important to understand how these changes could affect your work rights, business activities, and future applications.

We’ve summarised the key updates to help you stay informed and compliant.

👉 Read the full update here:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/updates-from-inz-open-work-visa-changes-in-april-2026

New immigration changes take effect from March 2026 🚨

Updates to the National Occupation List and an increase to the immigration median wage may impact employers and migrant workers. These changes could affect job eligibility, pay thresholds, and future visa options.

👉 Read the full article to understand what’s changing and who may be affected:
https://www.immigrationtrust.co.nz/inz-hub/new-national-occupation-list-updates-immigration-median-wage-increase-from-march-2026