Aotearoa Access

08/09/2026

24/08/2026

10/08/2026

Some families have waited since 2022 to bring their parents to New Zealand, with no idea if they'd ever be selected. That ends now.

From 10 November, 90% of Parent Resident Visa places will go in date order instead of random ballot, within the existing cap of 2,500 a year.

Certainty, at last, for families who've been waiting years.

08/08/2026

📢 Important Update for Parent Resident Visa Applicants! 🇳🇿✨
Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Parent Resident Visa category starting 5 October 2026.

07/08/2026

BIG NEWS: New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is Changing! 🇳🇿

Immigration New Zealand has announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, with the new settings taking effect from 24 August 2026. These updates introduce new residence pathways and provide more opportunities for skilled workers to achieve New Zealand residence.

✅ Key Highlights:
• Two new pathways to residence.
• Greater recognition of skilled New Zealand work experience.
• Improved recognition of New Zealand qualifications.
• Updated eligibility settings for skilled workers and employers.
• More flexible options for eligible applicants.

If you're currently working in New Zealand, planning to migrate, or considering your pathway to residence, these changes could significantly impact your eligibility.

📞 Need professional advice?
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers can assess your eligibility and help you identify the best pathway under the new SMC rules.

📍 Aotearoa Access Immigration
🌐 Your Trusted New Zealand Immigration Experts

📩 Contact us today for a personalised assessment.

18/06/2026

Final details on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) have been confirmed today ahead of them coming into effect in August 2026. In addition, details on changes to wage thresholds for Work to Residence is also being confirmed.

Read more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/final-details-about-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa-and-work-to-residence-visa/

18/06/2026

Are you from a refugee background and studying towards a health career? 🩺🎓

The Refugee Health Scholarship is back for another year, continuing to support former refugees and their children into healthcare roles across New Zealand.
✅ Up to $25,000 per recipient
✅ Covers course costs and living expenses
✅ Open to those who arrived via the Quota Programme, Community Sponsorship, and Convention Refugees

Applications open on 1 July 2026 and close on 1 October 2026.
Read more here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/health-scholarship-opens-to-support-former-refugees-into-healthcare-careers/

25/05/2026

📢 AEWV UPDATE – ENGLISH REQUIREMENT EXTENDED

From 1 June 2026, applicants for ANZSCO / NOL Skill Level 3 roles under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will also need to meet minimum English language requirements.

✅ Exemptions apply for:
• Current AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026
• Applicants who already provided English evidence in a previous AEWV application

⚠️ The new rule applies even if the Job Check token was approved before 1 June 2026.

If you are planning to apply for an AEWV, prepare your English evidence early.

For expert immigration advice:
Aotearoa Access Immigration
📍 Auckland, New Zealand

The Minister of Immigration announced today changes to English language requirements for some AEWV holders will come into effect from 1 June 2026.

Read more about this change on our website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/english-language-requirements-extended-to-aewv-skill-level-3-roles/

31/03/2026