Zenith Immigration Solutions

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.

Good News for Graduates

New work visa options for graduates announced

The Government has announced new work visa options for graduating student visa holders as part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan.

In late 2026:

A new 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa will be introduced for eligible NZQCF Level 5-7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa. Graduates must have studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand. English language, foundation, and bridging qualifications are not included.


Post Study Work Visa eligibility will be extended to New Zealand graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree (including bachelor’s degrees outside New Zealand). The work visa may be granted for the duration the student spent studying their graduate diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 1 year.

These changes aim to attract and retain international graduates with valuable skills, while maintaining education quality and protecting New Zealand’s international reputation as a great place to live and work.

INZ UPDATES

Further detail on Skilled Migrant Category changes released

Last year, the Government announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to introduce 2 new pathways – the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway – increased points for New Zealand qualifications, and reduced New Zealand skilled work experience required under the Points-based pathway. These changes will come into effect in late August 2026.

Further details about these changes have been released today, including 3 important lists:

- The Trades and Technician Pathway list – Migrants working in these occupations qualify for this
pathway if they have a relevant Level 4 or above qualification, and 4 years of directly relevant skilled
work experience gained post-qualification, including 1.5 years in New Zealand at the SMC median wage.

- The Amber list – Migrants working in these occupations are not eligible for the Trades and Technician
Pathway and can only apply for the Skilled Work Experience Pathway if they have at least 5 years of
relevant work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience earning at least
1.2 times the SMC median wage.

- The Red list – Migrants working in these occupations cannot use these new pathways. They will only
be able to apply for residence under the SMC if they can claim 6 points under the existing pathway.
This may be achieved by earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage, holding a bachelor’s
Level 7 qualification or higher, or having a recognised occupational registration. They must also meet
the required skilled work experience in New Zealand.

Changes have also been confirmed that will apply to all SMC pathways from late August 2026, including:

- Median wage requirements simplified: Migrants applying based on their work experience will not need
to meet the latest SMC median wage when they apply for residence. Instead, they must meet the SMC
median wage rate (or the rate for their pathway) in effect at the time they began to gain their New
Zealand skilled work experience.

- Grace period for some median wage calculations: If a migrant begins skilled work experience
within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the day the visa
was granted will be used, even if the median wage has increased in the meantime.

- Clarification of qualification requirements: Migrants claiming points for Level 8 or 9 qualifications
must also hold a bachelor’s degree (which can be gained in any country). Applicants claiming 5 points
for a New Zealand Level 9 master’s degree are exempted from this requirement (though must hold
a bachelor’s degree if they are claiming 6 points for a New Zealand master’s degree).

- Longer English test validity for some migrants: English language test results will be valid for 5 years
for applicants who hold a valid occupational registration.

- New occupational registration recognised: Qualified Statutory Accountants in New Zealand who
have membership with the Certified Practising Accountants Australia will receive 6 points under the SMC.

From 2027, migrants who need up to 12 more months of skilled work experience can apply for a further Accredited Employer Work Visa to complete the skilled work experience they need to apply for residence.