Zenith Immigration Solutions

Changes to Parent Resident Visa category from 5 October

Changes to Parent Resident Visa category from 5 October
From 5 October 2026, the Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest (EOIs) move to a new hybrid selection model.

About 90% of EOIs will be selected in date order through the pool, while 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot. The total number of visas that can be approved in principle each year remains at 2,500.

This change gives greater priority and certainty to people who have been waiting longer, while retaining an opportunity for newer applicants to be selected earlier.

People with EOIs that expire on or after 5 October do not need to do anything. Information about pool positions will be made available soon after the new model is implemented.

RV Update from INZ

Hepatitis B and C removed from resident visa high-cost health list

From 3 August 2026, hepatitis B and C was removed from the list of high-cost health conditions used when assessing if resident visa applicants have an acceptable standard of health.

The change reflects the reduced cost of treating these conditions. It means applicants with hepatitis B or C will not automatically be assessed as not meeting the acceptable standard of health requirement.

Instead, our medical assessors will consider the specific medical circumstances of each individual with hepatitis B or C.

We have also updated the wording for several conditions on the high-cost health conditions list:

- major psychiatric illness and/or addiction will only be included where significant support is required
- severe autoimmune disease wording has been updated to recognise a wider range of lower-cost treatment options
- renal and hepatic disorders wording has been clarified to better reflect the conditions intended to be included on the list.

The changes give clarity to applicants and medical assessors and ensure the conditions are genuinely imposing significant costs and/or demands on New Zealand's health or education services.

Resident Visa: Open Day | Registration Form https://share.google/eT0YySK2PHFkD2OLZ

Zenith Immigration Solutions Licensed Immigration Advisers in Auckland and Christchurch NZ
Work, Residence, Partnership, Student, Tribunal Appeals, Section 61, Ministerial Intervention.
0064 21403228
09 4444722
www.zimmigrationnz.com

Language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles

The Government has extended Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) English language requirements to skill level 3 occupations.

From 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements will apply to all ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and National Occupation List skill level 3 occupations under the AEWV.

These roles will be subject to the same language requirements as ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 occupations. This is to show basic, everyday English for common situations, not a high or advanced level of English. Applicants will need to have an acceptable test result or use their citizenship, work or study to show English ability.

This affects people applying for a new AEWV in a skill level 3 role from 1 June 2026.

There is an exemption for people who have an AEWV expiring on or before 1 December 2026 and apply for a further AEWV to work in a skill level 3 role before their visa expires. We are contacting migrants who may be eligible for an exemption directly with guidance on how to complete the form.

All other requirements for an AEWV will remain unchanged.

Open work visa conditions have changed
On 20 April 2026, open work visa employment conditions were changed to either:

- allow visa holders to do any work, including self-employment, sole trading or business ownership
- only allow visa holders to work for any employer under an employment agreement or a contract for services.

These changes were made to ensure visa conditions align with the intent of each visa category, as well as the definitions of employer and employee under immigration rules. They also help prevent unintended breaches of immigration rules.

Open work visa holders cannot employ other people, either directly or through a business they own or operate, provide sexual services or operate or invest in a business of prostitution.