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New Zealand Announces Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

7/8/2026

Immigration New Zealand has announced important changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, with the new settings taking effect from 24 August 2026. These updates are intended to make the residence pathway more accessible for many skilled migrants while better recognising New Zealand qualifications and professional registrations.

Key changes include:

More points for New Zealand qualifications, making it easier for graduates to qualify.
Additional points for overseas bachelor's degrees and postgraduate certificates.
Reduced New Zealand work experience required to reach the 6-point threshold under the points-based pathway.
CPA Australia members who can work as Qualified Statutory Accountants in New Zealand will become eligible to claim 6 points through occupational registration.
English language test results for applicants (and eligible partners) claiming points through occupational registration will remain valid for 5 years, instead of 2 years.

These changes may create new opportunities for skilled workers who previously did not meet the residence requirements or were close to qualifying.

If you are planning to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category, it may be worthwhile reviewing your eligibility under the new rules before submitting your application.

If you would like advice tailored to your situation, you can book a consultation with Simon Park, our Licensed Immigration Adviser, who can assess your eligibility under the new Skilled Migrant Category settings and recommend the most suitable pathway.

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New Zealand Resident Visa Health Rules Updated: Hepatitis B and C No Longer Automatic Barriers

6/8/2026

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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced an important change to the health assessment process for resident visa applications submitted on or after 3 August 2026.

Under the updated policy, applicants with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C will no longer be automatically assessed as not meeting the acceptable standard of health simply because they have these conditions.

This change recognises that treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C has become significantly more affordable, meaning these conditions no longer automatically fall within the category of high-cost medical conditions.

What Has Changed?
Previously, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C were included on INZ's list of high-cost health conditions. This often meant applicants were automatically considered as potentially placing high costs or demands on New Zealand's health system.

For resident visa applications lodged from 3 August 2026 onwards, this automatic assessment no longer applies.

Instead, INZ medical assessors will consider each applicant's individual medical circumstances before determining whether they meet New Zealand's acceptable standard of health requirements.

Other Health Assessment Updates
INZ has also updated the wording of several health conditions to make the requirements clearer for applicants and medical assessors. Key changes include:

Major psychiatric illness and/or addiction will only be considered where significant support is required.
Severe autoimmune diseases have been updated to reflect the availability of a wider range of lower-cost treatment options.
Renal and hepatic disorders have been clarified to better identify which conditions are intended to be included.

These changes are designed to ensure the high-cost health conditions list remains focused on medical conditions that are likely to create significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services.

Does This Mean Every Applicant with Hepatitis Will Be Approved?
No. Applicants must still satisfy New Zealand's health requirements for a resident visa.
The difference is that hepatitis B and hepatitis C are no longer automatic reasons for an adverse health assessment. Instead, each case will now be assessed individually based on the applicant's medical situation and likely impact on New Zealand's health system.

Why Has INZ Made This Change?
According to INZ, treatment costs for hepatitis B and hepatitis C are now well below the current significant cost threshold of NZD $81,000. The policy update was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, and Pharmac also supports removing both conditions from the list of high-cost health conditions.

Our Comments
This update is welcome news for many prospective migrants who may previously have faced additional barriers when applying for New Zealand residence.

However, every health case is different. Even with these changes, medical information must still be accurately disclosed and applicants must continue to meet New Zealand's health requirements.

If you have a medical condition and are considering applying for a New Zealand resident visa, understanding how the health assessment applies to your individual circumstances remains an important part of preparing a strong application.

For qualified advice from our licensed immigration adviser, click the button below.

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New Zealand Study Visa Applications: Why Applying Early Matters

7/7/2026

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If you are planning to study in New Zealand, timing your student visa application is essential. Immigration New Zealand continues to recommend that students applying from outside New Zealand submit their student visa application at least three months before their intended course start date.

However, INZ has seen an increase in applications being lodged only one month before classes begin, which often leaves insufficient time for processing.

Why Some Applications Take Longer
Student visa processing times vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and country of residence. Applications from some countries require more extensive verification, and where higher-risk or integrity concerns are identified, additional checks may be necessary before a decision can be made.

For this reason, submitting your application early is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of missing your planned intake.

What Happens If Your Visa Is Not Ready?
If your visa is not approved before your course starts, your options will depend on your education provider's next available intake.

If you can start later in 2026: Immigration New Zealand may approve your application in principle, provided you meet the requirements and submit any outstanding information by the requested deadline.
If your next intake is in 2027: Immigration New Zealand recommends withdrawing your current application and requesting a refund of the application fee. Refund requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. A new application should then be submitted around October 2026 for the 2027 academic year.

Our Recommendation
Applying at least three months before your intended travel or course start date gives you the best opportunity to receive a visa decision on time. It also allows sufficient time to provide any additional documents if requested by Immigration New Zealand.

If you need assistance preparing your New Zealand student visa application, Immigration Trust can help you submit a complete application and guide you through the process.

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INZ Hub:INZ Updates​ & ​Visa FAQs

New Zealand Announces Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

New Zealand Resident Visa Health Rules Updated: Hepatitis B and C No Longer Automatic Barriers

New Zealand Study Visa Applications: Why Applying Early Matters

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INZ Updates & Visa FAQs