The most recent updates to New Zealand’s immigration rules, effective between August and November 2025, cover key visa categories, from investment and work visas to international education. 

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1. Changes for Active Investor Plus Visa applicants

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The New Zealand government has tightened the rules around acceptable investment allocations for the Active Investor Plus Visa, aiming to encourage more active contributions to the economy.

The most significant change is a new cap on passive holdings. While investors were previously allowed to hold up to 100% of their committed capital in New Zealand bank accounts or term deposits, that figure has now been reduced to just 25%. The remaining 75% must be directed into listed equities or bonds, effectively pushing applicants toward more active investment in New Zealand’s financial markets.

However, the policy has also introduced greater flexibility for property-related investments. Investors are now permitted to back New Zealand companies involved in property development, offering broader pathways for meeting investment requirements while aligning with government efforts to stimulate economic growth and infrastructure.

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2. Updates to international student work rights and visa conditions

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As part of the newly announced International Education Going for Growth Plan, New Zealand is adjusting student visa rules to support both educational institutions and the labour market.

Starting 3rd November 2025, eligible student visa holders, namely tertiary students and secondary students in Years 12 and 13, will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during term time. This is a notable increase from the current 20-hour cap, and it applies to all new student visas issued from that date, regardless of when the application was submitted.

Students currently holding visas will need to apply for either a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the additional work hours. However, many may opt to wait until after their summer break, during which full-time work rights typically apply, especially if their current visas remain valid.

Another key update is that in-study work rights will be extended to tertiary students enrolled in approved Study Abroad or exchange programs, even for short-term courses. This is a welcome development for institutions seeking to attract international students to semester-long programs.

Additionally, Immigration New Zealand will be clarifying the rules around changing education providers or levels of study, a common issue for students. It will soon be clear whether a full visa reapplication will be needed or if a simpler variation request will suffice.

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3. Work visa changes

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From 18th August 2025, salary thresholds for certain employer-sponsored visas will rise again, impacting both exemptions from the Labour Market Test (LMT) and the maximum duration of Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs).

The new rule sets a higher bar for bypassing the LMT. Employers can now avoid this step if the role pays at least twice the median wage, equivalent to NZD 67.12 per hour or NZD 139,609.60 per year. This replaces the previous threshold of NZD 123,385.60.

In addition, AEWV applicants working in lower-skilled roles (classified at ANZSCO Skill Level 4 or 5) will be eligible for a five-year visa term, up from the standard three years, provided they earn 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 104,707.20 annually).

It’s worth noting that, although earlier changes removed the mandatory requirement for AEWV holders to be paid at or above the median wage, that figure still plays a central role in determining whether an LMT exemption applies and whether a worker qualifies for a longer visa.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.

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