Immigration New Zealand's Announcments
This page will list some of the announcements with a brief description and a link to the article on the New Zealand Immigration site. If you would like to follow all the announcements, please go HERE or join our Facebook group (South Africans Living/wanting to live in New Zealand – Official Group) where Loren Holtzhausen – License number: 202200060 (Lemonaide) will post up major announcements and give an explanation .
Disclaimer: Lekker Life New Zealand is NOT an immigration advisor, we cannot help you obtain a visa, we can however recommend who to use.
All the information in this section is copied and pasted directly from the Immigration New Zealand websites. We have taken care not to interpret it or to give immigration information which is not freely available on NZ government website – dates below in bold are the announcement dates NOT the date it comes into effect.
Overview of parent visas and application numbers – 22 July 2026
New Zealand offers 2 visa options for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents: the Parent Resident Visa and the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. These visas enable families to spend time together in New Zealand, either permanently (Parent Resident Visa) or for an extended visit (Parent Boost Visitor Visa) Read HERE
Business Investor Work Visa updates to unlock wider investment opportunities – 6 July 2026
New changes to the Business Investor Work Visa will expand how and where business people can invest, making it easier to engage with New Zealand businesses.
The Government is broadening the range of eligible investments and increasing flexibility within the Business Investor Work Visa requirements.
Read HERE
Police certificates required upfront for student and temporary visas – 1 July 2026
If applicants do not include a required police certificate, it may affect their visa decision. The application may be declined.
If a police certificate is required, applicants must upload it when they apply so their application can be assessed with complete information. Receipts or confirmation that they have applied will not be accepted.
Read HERE
Update on English language testing for immigration applications – 29 June 2026
From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), you must take all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) in person at a supervised test centre. You will not be able to complete the test online from home. Read HERE
Family of temporary visa holder applications now on enhanced Immigration Online – 1 June 2026
On 1 June 2026, family of temporary visa holder applications moved to our enhanced Immigration Online system. If you are applying for one of these visas, there are some important things you need to know. Read HERE
English language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles – 25 May 2026
From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.
Currently, people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL (National Occupation List) skill level 4 or 5 must show they can speak and understand English. They can meet this requirement through their English ability from citizenship, working and studying or by taking an English language test.
. Read HERE
