Highly skilled migrants hoping to work in New Zealand may soon face tougher English-language requirements after Immigration Minister Erica Stanford unveiled new immigration changes on Monday, alongside expanded philanthropic options for investor visa holders.
The new policy, which affects both the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Active Investor Plus Visa Growth category, will take effect from June 1 as part of efforts to make the immigration system more sustainable and better aligned with New Zealand’s long-term workforce and investment goals.
For talents planning to move to New Zealand for work, here is what the latest changes mean and how to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
What New Zealand’s New English Language Rules Mean for Skilled Workers
Under the new changes, New Zealand will extend minimum English language requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants in skill level three roles, including technicians and trades Workers. Previously, the requirement mainly applied to level four and five positions, but the government says the update is intended to bring level three jobs into alignment with existing standards already used for lower-skilled categories.
The government also announced further changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa Growth category. Beginning June 1, investor migrants under the growth category will be allowed to include philanthropic investments as part of their qualifying investment options, including approved projects linked to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.
According to a post on X from the Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, the change expands a feature that was previously available only under the balance category and now extends it to growth category applicants as well.
The reforms form part of what the government describes as a broader two-year effort to reshape New Zealand’s immigration system around workforce needs, investment sustainability, and long-term economic priorities.
Eligibility for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in 2026
To apply for New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), applicants must meet several employment qualification and immigration requirements tied to their job role and skill level.
Applicants must:
- Have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- Be offered at least 30 hours of work per week
- Meet the qualification or work experience requirements for the role
- Meet additional conditions linked to the skill level of the job
- Show proof of English language ability if applying for affected ANZSCO skill level 3, 4, or 5 roles that are not exempt
- Meet all other standard visa requirements
For workers applying for another AEWV after reaching the maximum stay period allowed under the visa, New Zealand immigration rules require applicants to spend at least 12 consecutive months outside the country before they can reapply.
Successful applicants under the AEWV can:
- Work for an accredited employer in New Zealand
- Stay in the country for up to five years, depending on the role and salary
- Study for up to three months within 12 months
- Take job-related training or study required by their employer
Eligibility for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa (2026 Criteria)
As a visa designed for high-net-worth individuals looking to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand, the Active Investor Plus Visa, often referred to as a “golden visa,” offers a pathway to residency through major financial investments in the country.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be considered a fit and proper person under immigration requirements
- Invest at least NZD $5 million ($2.9 million) under the Growth category or NZD $10 million ($5.8 million) under the Balanced category
- Place their investment in approved New Zealand investment options
- Transfer their investment funds into New Zealand
- Prove the investment funds were earned or acquired lawfully
- Meet all other standard visa conditions
Successful applicants under the Active Investor Plus Visa can:
- Live, work, and study in New Zealand
- Include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in their application
- Apply for permanent residency after three years under the Growth category or five years under the Balanced category.
Cost of New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Application costs for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) start from NZD $1,540 ($903), which is the fee paid by the applicant when submitting the visa application.
However, the employer must pay NZD $775 ($454) for accreditation, which confirms they are approved to hire overseas workers, and NZD $735 ($431) for the Job Check, which ensures the role being offered meets immigration requirements.
Cost of New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa
The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa requires a significant financial commitment, depending on the category chosen. Applicants can either choose to invest a minimum of NZD $5 million ($2.9 million) under the Growth category or NZD $10 million ($5.8 million) under the Balanced category in approved New Zealand investments.
In addition to the investment requirement, there is also a non-refundable government application fee of NZD $27,470 ($16,119).
How to apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
/1. Secure a job offer
Before applying, you must first secure a full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer who is accredited under immigration rules. The role must meet the required skill level and pay at least 30 hours per week. Most applicants find roles through job platforms such as Seek NZ or Trade Me Jobs, but the key requirement is that the employer must be officially accredited.
/2. Employer completes the Job Check
After offering you the role, the employer must complete a Job Check with Immigration New Zealand. This process confirms that the employer has advertised the role locally and has made reasonable efforts to hire a New Zealander first, unless the job is exempt or on the Green List. Once approved, the employer receives a job token or job code, which you will need for your application.
/3. Prepare your documents
You will need to gather all required documents before applying to avoid delays. This includes a valid passport and passport photos for identity verification. You may also need medical certificates and police clearance documents from your home country and any country you have lived in for more than 24 months.
Academic qualifications and work experience records, such as degrees, certificates, and reference letters, are also required. If your job falls under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
/4. Submit your online application
Once your job token and documents are ready, you can submit your application through the Immigration New Zealand online portal using a RealMe account. You will enter the job token provided by your employer, upload your documents, and pay the application fee of NZD $1,540. Depending on your case, you may also be asked to provide biometrics before your application is processed.
David Adubiina
