New Zealand adds new occupations to the AEWV and introduces a new parent visa

New Zealand’s immigration landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with two key announcements designed to attract and retain talent and support family reunification. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program, updating its National Occupation List (NOL), and has introduced a new Parent Boost Visitor Visa to help parents of citizens and residents spend extended time with their families.

These changes are aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s position as a desirable destination for skilled professionals and enhancing the work-life balance for international talent.

Details of the immigration changes

The government’s new policies involve two distinct but impactful changes to the country’s immigration framework:

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) updates

Immigration New Zealand has updated its systems for the AEWV program to reflect the new National Occupation List (NOL), which was first introduced in November 2024 to replace the previous Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

A further update to the NOL on July 1, 2025, has added around 90 new higher-skilled roles at levels 1 to 3. This change may allow some workers currently in lower-skilled positions (Level 4 or 5) to apply for an extension to their maximum continuous stay in the country.

The changes are set to go live on November 3, 2025, and employers will need to complete the full AEWV process for these new roles.

2. Introduction of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The new Parent Boost Visitor Visa, which opened for applications on September 29, 2025, is designed to allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay for an extended period.

The visa grants a stay of up to five years with multiple entry rights, and visa holders can apply for a second five-year visa for a total possible stay of up to ten years. Key requirements for the visa include:

• Eligibility: Applicants must apply from outside New Zealand, meet character and health standards, and have a sponsor who is an adult child and a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Sponsorship: The sponsoring child must meet specific financial thresholds to support their parent(s).
• Compliance Check: After three years, visa holders must leave New Zealand temporarily to undergo a compliance check, which includes providing an updated medical certificate and proof of health insurance.
• Health and Insurance: All applicants must meet an acceptable standard of health and maintain strict minimum insurance coverage throughout their stay, which includes at least NZD $250,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation.

What this means for skilled workers

For international professionals, the AEWV updates open new doors for career progression and long-term residency in New Zealand. Workers in the newly added skilled occupations can now extend their stay, providing greater stability and a clearer pathway for their future in the country.

The new Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers a significant quality-of-life improvement for skilled migrants. It allows them to have their parents close by for extended periods, reinforcing New Zealand as a place where they can build a long-term future without compromising family ties. The visa’s flexibility and long duration are strong draws for global talent considering where to live and work.

What it means for employers

These policy changes are excellent news for New Zealand employers, as they create a more attractive and stable environment for hiring and retaining international talent. The updated AEWV list expands the pool of eligible skilled workers, making it easier to address domestic talent shortages in key sectors.

However, the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa also introduces compliance touchpoints that employers should be aware of. While employees are directly responsible for their sponsorship obligations, such as meeting financial thresholds and ensuring their parents maintain health insurance, these can have a flow-on effect for businesses. Employers may need to anticipate short absences for the three-year compliance check and ensure their internal support policies align with the visa’s health and insurance requirements.

For employers looking to streamline their international hiring processes and manage compliance complexities, an Employer of Record (EOR) like Multiplier can be an invaluable partner. Multiplier handles the legal and administrative burdens of hiring and managing international employees, including payroll, benefits, and compliance with local laws across 150+ countries. This allows New Zealand organizations to access a global talent pool without the hassle of setting up local entities. By partnering with an EOR, businesses can ensure they remain compliant and efficient, freeing them to focus on what they do best.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s recent immigration policy changes, including the updated AEWV program and the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa, demonstrate a strategic effort to attract and retain global talent. While these changes offer significant benefits to both skilled workers and employers, navigating the new rules requires careful attention to detail.

By leveraging a global employment solution like Multiplier, businesses can seamlessly manage international talent, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency as they grow. Book a demo today.