Immigration Update – October 2026
Immigration Update – October 2026
Set out below a summary of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) updates from the October 2026.
A quick note
The New Zealand government has now dissolved ahead of the election, and we anticipate that substantive immigration updates will begin to slow down until the new government is formed.
RSE scheme accommodation standards
New accommodation standards are expected to take effect in the second half of 2027, alongside wider changes to existing compliance settings.
INZ has announced that the existing accommodation settings will be replaced with 15 core standards, with further guidance and a transition period to be given ahead of official implementation. The focus of the core standards will be on the below:
- Relevant building, council and fire safety requirements, which will depend on the type, location and classification of the accommodation,
- Healthy Homes Standards requirements, as far as practicable,
- Bedroom space requirements depending on the number of people,
- Sufficient facilities for the number of workers staying there and communal areas cannot be used as bedrooms, and
- Privacy for shared bathroom facilities.
The requirement that all RSE accommodation be smoke-free will continue.
New age and evidence requirements for dedicated partnership categories
Both the principal applicant and supporting partner must be at least 18 years old when applying for partnership-based visa categories. The age threshold will not apply where applicants are included in non-partnership-based residence or general visitor visa applications. A full list of visa types that will be subject to the new age threshold can be found here.
Further, for partnership-based applications with a living together requirement, periods of living together can only be counted after both partners have turned 18.
The new age and evidence requirements do not apply retroactively, and visas which have already been granted, as well as resident visas lodged before 25 September 2026 are not affected.
New Managed Fund and Direct Investment requirements for the Active Investor Plus
As of 28 September 2026, the following changes have been made to the Active Investor Plus category investment space.
- Investment deployment plans are now required for managed funds to demonstrate a clear strategy for investing in New Zealand.
- Invest New Zealand now have greater powers to suspend or revoke eligibility of managed funds and direct investments that no longer meet programme requirements.
- Further guidance has been provided on the Invest NZ website around specific requirements for Growth vs Balanced category investments.
- Managed funds and direct investments which are declined will now have a 6-month stand-down period.
Beginning December 2026, Build to Rent developments will become an eligible Growth category investment option.
Transition to Enhanced Immigration Online continues
The transition to Enhanced Immigration Online (Adept) continues with paper applications no longer being accepted for several visitor visas and the transit visa since 1 October 2026. A full list of application types which are no longer accepting paper-based applications, or are continuing to accept paper-based applications, can be found here.
From 16 November 2026, temporary entry visas applications for family of New Zealand citizens or residents will also be moved to the ADEPT portal. This includes:
- Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visas,
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visas,
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visas, and
- Child of a New Zealander Student Visa.
New Funds Transfer Scheme option for international students
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) joins ANZ bank as a provider of the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), which allows international students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available for the duration of their studies in New Zealand
BNZ will be offering FTS to students attending polytechnics and universities only, while ANZ continues to offer FTS to all students, including those studying at Private Training Establishments. FTS is currently available to students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Extension of Post-Study Work Visa to come into effect on 16 November
On 16 November, Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligibility will be extended to graduates who have completed a graduate diploma at NZQCF level 7 and who meet other generic requirements. Applications for the PSWV are also lodged through the Enhanced Immigration Online (ADEPT) portal.
Launch of Short-Term Graduate Work Visa on 16 November
Applications for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa (SGWV) will open on 16 November through the ADEPT portal.
The SGWV gives holders six months of open work rights to look for work and transition to an AEWV where appropriate and must be made within three months of a New Zealand student visa expiring. The visa cannot be extended, and holders cannot apply for a second SGWV.
To be eligible for an SGWV, applicants will need to hold an NZQCF qualification at Level 5-7 which was studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks. The qualification must not make them eligible for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), and must not be an English language, foundation or bridging qualification. Applicants must not have held a previous PSWV, or SGWV, and will also need at least NZD $5000 available to support themselves.
Holders of a SGWV cannot undertake business ownership and will not be able to support a partner work visa or dependent child visas.
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.
