Update from Immigration New Zealand

General reminders and messaging regarding work experience evidence

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is focused on processing AEWV, and other temporary work visas, in a timely and efficient manner.
• INZ relies on customers to provide complete, and decision ready applications, to facilitate quick decisions.
• In 2026, more than 40% of AEWV applications needed extra information. INZ had to ask for this through a Request for Information (RFI) or a Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter. Most requests were about work experience. Some were about employment agreements that did not meet the rules.
• Any time INZ has to ask for further information, it adds to the overall processing timeframe.
• INZ is still getting many applications without proof of relevant work experience. This means the experience cannot be checked by an independent source. This issue is common in AEWV applications under the Median Care Sector (MCS).
• A CV on its own is not enough for INZ. It does not prove the person has the skills or experience needed for the job. Applicants must provide other evidence to show they are qualified
• For onshore applicants, IRD tax statements can be used as evidence of work experience.
• INZ would also like to highlight that the migrant worker must provide us with a copy of their employment agreement when they apply for an AEWV. The employment agreement must not include:
  • a trial period
  • rules that unfairly lock a worker into staying with the business
  • any fees, such as paying to get the job.

Extra resources for Immigration Compliance and Investigations

As part of Budget 2026, the Government is investing $18 million over 4 years to strengthen our response to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance.

The funding will result in 3 new frontline teams to:

• respond to serious offending
• protect people from harm and exploitation, and
• increase the number of cases investigated.

The makeup of the new teams:

• Another Immigration Investigations team, targeted at reducing complex case backlogs and responding to serious immigration offending.
• An additional Labour Inspectorate team, expanding capacity to detect and respond to migrant exploitation and serious breaches of employment standards.
• A new Immigration Compliance team, focused on addressing lower-level employer noncompliance and people in New Zealand unlawfully or in breach of their visa conditions.

More information is available on the Beehive website:

More resources to combat migrant exploitation(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Skilled migrant category updates

Links to more detail on the changes coming in August:

Final details about changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and Work to Residence Visa(external link) — Immigration New Zealand

2026 changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa(external link) — Immigration New Zealand 

2026 changes to wage rate rules for work to residence visas(external link) — Immigration New Zealand