New Zealand Immigration Updates: Key Changes to Interim Visa Work Rights and Visa Application Rules

New Zealand’s immigration policies are evolving to improve efficiency and protect migrants. Two major updates taking effect in April 2025 will impact interim visa work rights and visa application processes. These changes aim to:

• Speed up work visa transitions for AEWV applicants

• Crack down on unlicensed immigration advice to prevent fraud and misinformation

This article explores these updates in detail, helping migrants, employers, and advisers stay compliant and informed.

1. New Interim Visa Work Rights for AEWV Applicants (Effective 8 April 2025)

What’s Changing?

Starting 8 April 2025, individuals applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) while holding certain visas will automatically receive interim work rights. This applies if they are on:

• Any valid work visa

• A student visa allowing part-time employment during academic sessions

Key Benefits of Interim Visa Work Rights

Faster Job Transition

Applicants can start working immediately in the role specified in their AEWV application, rather than waiting for approval. This helps both employers and employees avoid unnecessary delays.

Work Experience Counts Toward Residency

Time spent working on an interim visa will contribute to the work experience required for residency pathways, including:

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

• Green List occupations

• Sector-specific Work to Residence visas

Extended Stay Eligibility for Repeat AEWV Applicants

For individuals applying for a second or subsequent AEWV, time spent on an interim visa will count toward the maximum continuous stay period (currently five years for most AEWV holders).

Who Benefits from These Changes?

• Current work visa holders switching jobs under a new AEWV

• Students transitioning to work visas after completing studies

• Employers who need workers to start roles sooner

What Should Applicants Do?

• Ensure their current visa allows work before applying for an AEWV

• Confirm their new job aligns with the AEWV Job Check from their accredited employer

• Keep records of employment dates for future residency applications

2. Stricter Rules on Unlicensed Immigration Advice (Effective 31 March 2025)

Why the Change?

To combat fraudulent immigration advice, New Zealand has amended the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, giving Immigration New Zealand (INZ) stronger enforcement powers.

Key Changes to Visa Application Rules

Applications from Unlicensed Advisers Will Be Declined

• Online applications submitted by unlicensed advisers will be automatically declined

• Paper applications involving unlicensed advisers will be returned unprocessed

Increased Scrutiny on Visa Applications

INZ will now verify adviser credentials before processing applications and reject applications if the applicant admits to receiving advice from an unlicensed source.

Consequences of Using Unlicensed Advisers

• Visa refusal and potential delays

• Risk of future visa bans if false information is provided

• Financial losses from scams or incorrect advice

Who Can Legally Provide Immigration Advice?

Only authorized professionals including:

• Licensed Immigration Advisers

• New Zealand-qualified lawyers

• Exempt organizations (for basic guidance)

How to Avoid Visa Application Problems

• Always verify your adviser's license before hiring them

• Avoid agents who promise guaranteed approvals

• Use official INZ resources for application guidelines

What If Your Application Is Declined?

INZ will provide instructions on how to reapply correctly. Suspected fraud should be reported to the Immigration Advisers Authority.

How These Changes Affect Migrants and Employers

For Migrants

✅ Faster work rights mean less waiting time between jobs

✅ Clearer pathways to residency with interim work experience counting⚠ Higher risk of visa rejection if using unlicensed advisers

For Employers

✅ Faster onboarding of AEWV workers due to interim work rights⚠ Must ensure employees use licensed advisers to avoid application delays

Conclusion: Preparing for the New Rules

These updates mark a significant shift in New Zealand's immigration policies with two main goals:

1. Streamlining work visa transitions through interim visa work rights

2. Protecting migrants from fraud by enforcing stricter adviser regulations

Key Takeaways

✔ From 8 April 2025, AEWV applicants can work sooner under interim visa rights

✔ From 31 March 2025, INZ will decline applications involving unlicensed advisers

✔ Always check adviser credentials before submitting a visa application

Staying informed and using official immigration channels will help ensure a smooth visa process.

Need More Information?

For detailed guides on these changes, explore our related articles:

• New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Guide – Everything about eligibility, processing times, and employer requirements

• 2025 AEWV & Sector-Specific Work Visa Changes – How recent updates affect different visa categories

Other Helpful Resources:

• Avoiding Visa Application Mistakes

• Work to Residence Pathways Explained