News and Publications

We set below out recent updates in the New Zealand immigration space:

Market rate issues

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) amended policy in March 2025 to allow employers to pay migrant workers market rates. Currently, we are seeing employers being caught out at the Job Check application stage because a job advertisement contains a pay range that is not within market rate for a role. This can potentially create an issue and lead to Job Check applications being declined even when employers have genuinely tested the labour market. Even after this concern has been raised by INZ, there are options to move a Job Check application forward and still be able to support migrant workers for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Please contact our team if you have any issues with Job Check applications.

Infringements

Over 142 infringement notices have been issued to 139 employers in the first year since the new Immigration Employment Infringement Scheme has come into effect. This has led to approximately $431,00 in penalties and employers being barred from supporting new workers for AEWVs for 6 to 12 months. The government will continue to investigate and raise infringements where migrant workers have been employed in a manner that is inconsistent with the conditions on their visa or where a breach has occurred. Please contact our team if you or your company need any help with complying with requirements or if professional guidance to help deal with breaches is required.

Active Investor Plus Balance and Growth Categories

The changes to the Active Investor Plus category have been a positive step in the New Zealand migration by investment space. Currently, the bulk of the applicants under this category have submitted Growth applications to benefit from the requirement to only stay in New Zealand for 21 days over a 3-year investment period. If you or any of your contacts require professional help with an Active Investor Plus Balance and Growth application, please contact us.

Moving Forward

The immigration space continues to change. Our team of specialists are ready to help with bespoke and practical advice and solutions on navigating the tricky immigration landscape. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need help.

Disclaimer: This update provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.