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91 New Occupations Added to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) List from 3 November 2025

24/10/2025

From 3 November 2025, 91 new occupations at skill levels 1 to 3 under the NOL will be recognised for AEWV applications.

This marks a significant widening of the types of roles migrant workers can be hired into via accredited employers.

Why this matters

For employers: More roles can now be filled via the AEWV pathway, subject to accreditation and job-check processes.
For migrants: Opportunities widen for roles at skill levels 1-3 (including some with lower skill levels than previous AEWV roles).
For the labour market: It gives employers more flexibility to fill roles not easily filled locally, and it may help fill skills gaps.
For the immigration system: It reflects the shift from the older ANZSCO classification to the NOL standard.

The process for employers & migrants
Here’s how it works in practice:
For employers:

The employer must first advertise the role and make a genuine attempt to appoint a suitable New Zealander.
If no suitable local candidate is found, the employer must:
- Be accredited under the AEWV scheme.
- Apply for a job check for one of the newly recognised NOL roles (skill level 1-3).
- Ensure the job description and remuneration clearly match the responsibilities and the skill level of the role.

For migrants:
If you’re applying for a role under one of the 91 new occupations:

You must have a job offer from an accredited employer who has been through the job-check process.
Your job must clearly match the role’s responsibilities and skill level.
For some migrants already on AEWVs in directly relevant skill level 4 or 5 roles: you may be able to shift into one of the newly recognised skill level 1-3 roles if you meet:
- At least 3 years’ directly relevant work experience; and
- A recognised qualification.
  If you meet these criteria, you may be able to apply for a further AEWV which extends your maximum continuous stay to 5 years.

What this doesn’t (yet) mean

These 91 occupations are being recognised only for the AEWV (and relevant job-checks). They are not yet recognised for the skilled residence pathways (such as the Skilled Migrant Category). Immigration New Zealand
The NOL is a newer classification standard — it replaced ANZSCO in November 2024 and will be updated annually. Immigration New Zealand
Because the shift to the NOL is being introduced in stages, processes may evolve and you’ll need to check carefully for your specific role, employer situation and eligibility.

What to watch out for / tips

If you’re an employer: Ensure you update your job descriptions and remuneration packages to reflect the skill levels under the NOL and align with the specific occupation code.
If you’re a migrant worker: If you’re moving from a skill level 4 or 5 role to one of the new skill level 1-3 roles, check whether your experience and qualification meet the criteria for eligibility to extend to 5 years.
Ensure you’re using the correct NOL occupation code for your role: mismatches can delay or derail applications. Immigration New Zealand
Stay updated: The list of recognised occupations under the NOL may be updated, so what is eligible now could change in future.
Recognise the difference between work visa eligibility and residence eligibility — the fact a job is eligible for AEWV does not mean it makes you eligible automatically for skilled residence.

Looking ahead
This change signals the government’s intent to make the AEWV scheme more flexible and inclusive of a broader range of occupations — especially in skill levels 1-3. It may open up opportunities for both employers and migrant workers. Over time, as the NOL is further rolled out and updated annually, we may see further changes in what roles are eligible, how recruitment and job-checks operate, and how this links into longer-term residence pathways.

For employer and migrant advisers, it will be increasingly important to stay abreast of these changes, ensure documentation and processes align with the NOL skill levels and codes, and manage transitions for workers already in New Zealand.

Here is the National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV: Immigration New Zealand

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Understanding the 10‑Year Travel Conditions on Parent Resident Visas in New Zealand: What It Really Means

23/10/2025

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If you or your parents are navigating the pathway of a Parent Resident Visa in New Zealand, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is the 10‑year travel condition. The concept sounds welcoming – “10 years of travel freedom” – but it also raises confusion: Do I need to spend time in New Zealand each year? Does this automatically lead to permanent residence? In this blog, we break down exactly what the 10‑year travel condition means under the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) rules, and how this connects (and does not connect) to eligibility for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).
  
Disclaimer: This content is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute immigration advice. For personalised guidance, please book a consultation with Immigration Trust.

What are travel conditions on a resident visa?

When someone receives a residence‑class visa in New Zealand (for example via the Parent category), the visa is usually granted with travel conditions. These conditions determine when and how the visa‑holder may leave New Zealand and re‑enter as a resident.
According to INZ:

A resident visa allows the holder to live in New Zealand indefinitely.
But the travel condition (“expiry date travel” or similar) is often time‑limited: if the holder is outside New Zealand when the travel condition expires, the resident visa may no longer allow them to re‑enter.
The relevant legal basis is set out under s50 of the Immigration Act 2009 (and other provisions) which allows travel conditions to be imposed. New Zealand Legislation

In short: travel conditions are about entry‑permissions rather than about whether you can live in New Zealand or not.

The 10‑Year Travel Condition on the Parent Resident Visa – What It Really Means

In the context of the Parent Resident Visa (also called Parent Category (F4) in earlier versions), INZ updated its instructions (via an Amendment Circular in 2023) to grant 10‑year multiple‑entry travel conditions. In plain language:

The travel condition becomes valid from the first day the parent enters New Zealand as a resident (or from the date the visa is issued if already in NZ) under that visa. Immigration New Zealand
For a full 10 years, the visa‑holder may leave and re‑enter New Zealand as a resident, subject to standard visa conditions (such as sponsor obligations).
Importantly: there is no requirement in the immigration instructions for the holder to spend a minimum number of days in New Zealand each year to maintain the travel condition.
That means the parent can travel out of New Zealand, live overseas for extended periods, and still retain the travel condition – as long as they remain in New Zealand when the travel condition expires (or have moved to a PRV before then).
If the travel condition expires while they are outside New Zealand, they may not be able to re‑enter as a resident unless they secure a PRV or apply for a new resident visa. Immigration New Zealand

This change offers greater flexibility for families who may wish to maintain strong ties overseas (for example in the home country) while still retaining resident status and travel rights in New Zealand.

How the 10‑Year Travel Condition Relates to the Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)

A crucial distinction must be made: the travel condition on a resident visa is not the same thing as eligibility for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).

What a PRV means
A PRV grants indefinite travel rights — the holder can leave and return to New Zealand at any time without worrying about a “travel expiry” date. Immigration New Zealand

What a parent resident visa holder must meet for PRV eligibility
For parent category holders (and other categories unless exempted), INZ rules require (under RV2.10(a) of the Operational Manual) that the applicant must have held a residence class visa for at least 24 months, and must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of two separate 12‑month periods in the 5 years immediately before applying.
So despite the 10‑year travel condition, you must meet these presence/commitment requirements if you want to apply for a PRV. The travel condition alone does not eliminate or reduce the presence requirement.

Common misunderstanding
Some applicants assume that because they have “10 years of travel” they will automatically qualify for PRV or have no need to spend time in NZ. That is incorrect.

The 10‑year travel condition simply gives freedom of movement for 10 years.
It does not guarantee PRV eligibility or waive the presence requirement.
If you do not meet the two‑year residence + physical presence rule, you will not be eligible for a PRV under the standard category.

Key Take‑Away Tips for Parent Visa Holders

If you hold a Parent Resident Visa (or are about to) and your longer‑term goal is to secure a PRV, here are strategic steps you should consider:

Plan your time in New Zealand so you meet the at least 184 days in each of two 12‑month periods (within the 5‑year window) to keep the PRV pathway open.
Keep comprehensive records of your physical presence: travel history, IRD (tax) records, bank/utility records, employment records etc.
Be aware that the 10‑year travel condition starts ticking from your first resident entry - so note the date and review when your “expiry” date will be.
Ensure your sponsoring child meets their obligations for the sponsorship period (typically over 10 years under the parent category) to avoid complications. Immigration New Zealand
If your goal is less about PRV and more about flexibility (travel, living overseas, returning to NZ occasionally) then the 10‑year travel condition may already meet your needs - but if you might later want full indefinite travel (PRV), plan accordingly.
Consider consulting a licensed immigration adviser if your situation has nuances (multiple sponsors, time overseas, change in family status, etc).

Conclusion
The introduction of the 10‑year travel condition on a Parent Resident Visa in New Zealand is a significant positive development for many families: it provides long‑term flexibility and multiple‑entry travel rights. However, it’s essential to understand what it does and does not do.

It does not automatically convert into a Permanent Resident Visa, and it does not eliminate the physical presence requirement for PRV eligibility. By understanding the distinction between travel conditions and PRV eligibility, you can make informed decisions about your family’s immigration future in New Zealand.
If you’d like personalised advice or are ready to act on your situation, we encourage you to book a consultation with our team at Immigration Trust service page to explore the right pathway for you.

FAQs: 10‑Year Travel Conditions on Parent Resident Visas

Q1: What does the 10‑year travel condition mean on a Parent Resident Visa?
A1: It means you can leave and re‑enter New Zealand as a resident multiple times for up to 10 years from your first day of residence, subject to your travel condition expiry date.

Q2: Do I have to live in New Zealand for a certain number of days each year to keep the travel condition valid?
A2: No. There is no annual minimum day requirement specifically for the travel condition under INZ instructions. The travel condition will remain valid for the full 10 years unless you are outside NZ when it expires.

Q3: What happens if I’m outside New Zealand when my 10‑year travel condition expires?
A3: If your travel condition expires while you are overseas, your resident visa may cease to allow you to re‑enter as a resident unless you apply for and obtain a PRV or another resident visa.

Q4: Can I apply for a PRV at any time during this 10‑year travel condition?
A4: Not exactly. You must first hold the resident visa for at least 24 months and meet the physical presence requirements (184 days in each of two years in the 5‑year window) to apply for a PRV.

Q5: Does the 10‑year travel condition mean I automatically qualify for a PRV after 10 years?
A5: No. The travel condition only pertains to your ability to travel and re‑enter New Zealand as a resident. PRV eligibility is separate and requires that you meet additional criteria.

Q6: What if I don’t meet the 184‑days in two years rule for PRV eligibility?
A6: If you don’t meet those physical presence requirements, you can still use your resident visa (with travel condition) to live and travel in and out of NZ until the travel condition expiry, but you will not be eligible to apply for the standard PRV pathway.

Q7: Does the sponsor have to meet any conditions during the 10‑year period?
A7: Yes. The child sponsor must meet the sponsorship obligations (for example, financial support and welfare/well‑being of the parent) over the required sponsorship timeframe (which is typically 10 years under the Parent category).

Q8: Can I renew the 10‑year travel condition after it expires?
A8: No. You cannot "renew" the travel condition beyond the 10‑year period under that resident visa. After it expires you would need a PRV or a new resident visa if you wish to keep travel rights.

Q9: Should I apply for the PRV as soon as I'm eligible?
A9: In most cases yes — applying for PRV as soon as you meet eligibility ensures you secure the indefinite travel rights and remove concerns about future changes. However, your personal circumstances may affect timing, so consulting a specialist adviser is strongly recommended.

If you or your parent are holding (or about to apply for) a Parent Resident Visa with 10‑year travel conditions, this is the time to take decisive action. Issues around travel, physical presence, and PRV eligibility are too important to leave to chance. At Immigration Trust we specialise in helping families in Auckland and across New Zealand map out their immigration pathway — clearly, strategically, confidently.

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Student Visa Changes from 3 November 2025; Increased Work Rights and Key Updates

22/10/2025

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The New Zealand Government is introducing several important updates for international students as part of its International Education Going for Growth Plan, aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s reputation as a quality study destination while maintaining immigration integrity.

Increased Work Rights

From 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary school students on student visas will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, up from the current 20 hours.

Secondary students will still need permission from both their parents and their school before taking up part-time work.

Students who already hold valid student visas and wish to benefit from this increased limit must apply for a variation of conditions from 3 November 2025.

Those who can work full-time during summer breaks may choose not to apply for this variation, as the new limit will automatically apply to all eligible new or renewed student visas granted from 3 November onwards, even if the application was submitted earlier.

Extended In-Study Work Eligibility

All tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those attending one-semester courses—will now be eligible for in-study work rights. This ensures greater consistency and flexibility for short-term international students who contribute to New Zealand’s education sector.

New Rules for Changing Course or Education Provider

From 3 November, international students who wish to change to a lower-level course or switch education providers will need to apply for a new student visa, instead of simply requesting a variation of conditions. This change aims to maintain education quality and ensure transparency in visa processing.

Summary

These upcoming changes are designed to make studying in New Zealand more attractive while protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
Students currently in New Zealand should review their visa conditions and consider whether to apply for a variation to access the new 25-hour work limit after 3 November 2025.

To read the official announcement and learn more, visit: Immigration New Zealand – Upcoming changes to student visa work rights

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INZ Hub:INZ Updates​ & ​Visa FAQs

91 New Occupations Added to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) List from 3 November 2025

Understanding the 10‑Year Travel Conditions on Parent Resident Visas in New Zealand: What It Really Means

Student Visa Changes from 3 November 2025; Increased Work Rights and Key Updates

INZ Hub:
INZ Updates & Visa FAQs

Understanding the 10‑Year Travel Conditions on Parent Resident Visas in New Zealand: What It Really Means