Immigration Update – August 2026
The immigration space is never idle however, and with changes to across the New Zealand immigration space including the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
We set out below a summary of the changes.
Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is set to undergo a significant recalibration beginning early next year. The changes will be implemented in stages, beginning early 2027 through to 2029. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed that more information, including guidance for employers, will be shared before any changes take effect, with the next announcement to come in September 2026 around accommodation standards.
INZ intends a simpler RSE accreditation process, with longer accreditation periods for those with a strong compliance record. A graduated accreditation system is planned, with all first-time employers to receive accreditation status for one year. An accreditation period of three years will be granted to employers with “compliance issues”, and six years for employers considered “exemplary”.
A further incentive for employers will include a streamlined Agreement to Recruit process for those “endorsed” by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). These employers will not need to show that they have advertised for the role or listed vacancies with MSD. We will release more information on guidelines around exemplary conduct standards, and standard costs for employers in future.
Parent Resident Visa Category changes
The current ballot system will be replaced by a new hybrid selection model from 5 October 2026, with the first selection taking place on 10 November 2026. The new model will see 90% of EOIs selected in chronological order, and the remaining 10% selected through ballot. Eligibility criteria remain the same.
Those with current EOIs in the pool will be transitioned to the new system automatically. No new EOI lodgements are required. Under the new system, EOIs will no longer expire after 2 years.
Comparable jurisdictions like Australia are seeing long wait times e.g. 5-7 years, depending on queue placement. Time will tell how long those in queue will have to wait. However, this is a very welcome change, and we are excited to see families reunited after significant time apart.
Active Investor Plus improvements
The Active Investor Plus Resident Visa has seen strong success since implementation of the new settings. As of 23 July 2026, 837 applications have been received, with 395 approved for a resident visa, 285 approved in principle, and 139 in progress. Only 18 have been withdrawn or declined, giving the visa a high success rate in addition to a quick turnaround of 36 working days.
Building on this success, INZ have implemented minor amendments to facilitate greater clarity and certainty. Any borrowed funds must originate from the same jurisdiction as the nominated funds, with INZ defining a commercial lending institution as a “regulated entity that as part of its ordinary course of business, provides loans, credit, or other types of debt financing to individuals on commercial terms.”
Investors must show that their nominated funds were earned or acquired lawfully, and any transfer of nominated funds must be completed lawfully through appropriate banking channels, which includes foreign exchange companies and money transfer businesses. In the case of gifted funds, these will need to be shown as being unconditional and complying with the laws of the country where it was made.
Last but not least, legally binding agreements will now be sufficient for managed funds, with non-revocable agreements no longer being mandatory.
Resident Visa health conditions list changes
Hepatitis B and C have been removed from a list of conditions that deem a residence applicant to not be of an acceptable standard of health (listed condition), while past hospitalisations for psychiatric illnesses are no longer referenced as an automatic determinant of imposing cost or demand. Renal and hepatic disorders will now only be considered a listed condition if the disorder is severe and chronic or progressive. Similar cost immune-suppressant medications to Prednisone, Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Salazopyrin are captured as a listed condition for severe autoimmune disease purposes.
Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill (ERM bill)
The ERM bill has passed through select committee and is awaiting a second reading.
Note recommendations from the select committee include:
- A change where deportation liability thresholds for residence class visa holders who commit criminal offences, where that offending occurs on or after the Bill is enacted be captured.
- Amendment where new thresholds apply to offending that has occurred pre-commencement, where a conviction (or guilty plea/finding of guilt) occurs on or post commencement.
Online systems
There have been several online system changes including:
- The moving of nearly all Visitor Visa products to Adept and turning off of the ability to submit Visitor Visa applications on IGMS.
- Guidance for new applications for family and dependents of temporary visa holders to be submitted on Adept.
Moving forward
The New Zealand immigration space continues to change and expect changes across 2026. Our team of specialists are ready to help with bespoke and practical advice and solutions on navigating the tricky and constantly changing immigration landscape. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need help.
Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article 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.
