New Zealand is set to significantly revamp its immigration system with major policy changes coming into effect in November 2025. The reforms, announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), are designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and students globally by streamlining job classification, expanding eligibility, and offering new pathways to residence.
National Occupation List (NOL) and AEWV
The shift from the outdated ANZSCO system to the new National Occupation List (NOL) is a significant move toward modernising New Zealand’s definition of a skilled worker. By adding 91 new occupations to the NOL, New Zealand is explicitly signalling demand for a wider range of skilled professionals, who can then benefit from the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which offers longer work stays and the ability to sponsor family members. This change will simplify the process for employers seeking to fill skill gaps.
Business investor work visa
The new visa for investors aims to attract significant capital with two clear options for permanent residence:
- Work-to-residence pathway: An investment of NZD 1 million offers a three-year pathway to residence.
- Fast-track to residence: An investment of NZD 2 million provides a fast-track option to residence in just 12 months.
The visa allows applicants to include their partners and dependent children.
Enhanced student work rights
The increase in the permitted work hours for student visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week provides an additional incentive for international students. This offers greater flexibility, allowing students to better balance their academic requirements with their part-time work commitments for financial support.
What this means for skilled workers
These policy updates create more transparent and accessible pathways for global talent.
- Broader job eligibility: The introduction of the NOL and the addition of 91 occupations means that professionals from diverse fields have a better chance of meeting the criteria for a long-term work visa and family sponsorship.
- Clear residence routes for investors: For high-net-worth individuals, the new visa offers clear, time-bound routes to permanent residency based on the size of their investment, enhancing certainty in their migration plan.
- Increased student independence: Students benefit from increased work rights, which offer greater financial independence and valuable local work experience.
For Indian nationals, who are key contributors to New Zealand’s international talent pool, these changes offer fresh pathways for migration and better support for family members migrating together.
What it means for employers
These reforms present a significant opportunity for New Zealand businesses to access a deeper and wider pool of global talent.
- Simplified recruitment: The move to the National Occupation List (NOL) will streamline the job verification process, making it easier and faster for accredited employers to hire skilled workers through the AEWV scheme.
- Wider talent access: The inclusion of 91 new occupations expands the range of skilled roles employers can recruit for under the AEWV scheme, helping to address skill shortages across various sectors.
- Stronger attraction tool: The improved work rights for students and the clearer residence pathways for investors make New Zealand a more attractive destination for global talent, strengthening the country’s competitive edge in the international labor market.
For international companies seeking to hire staff in New Zealand, these changes mean a more accessible talent market. Businesses can utilise an Employer of Record (EOR) or Contractor of Record (COR) solution like Multiplier to:
- Fast-track onboarding: Seamlessly hire and onboard skilled professionals who qualify under the new NOL and AEWV, without the administrative delay of establishing a local entity.
- Ensure compliance: Guarantee compliance with all New Zealand labor laws, payroll, and tax obligations(including ACC levies and KiwiSaver), reducing legal risks associated with the country’s complex regulations.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s upcoming immigration framework, featuring the National Occupation List, new investor pathways, and improved student work rights, marks a commitment to attracting the best talent globally. With these changes, the country solidifies its reputation as an appealing destination for professionals, students, and investors.
Global companies ready to tap into this talent pool can leverage Multiplier’s EOR and COR platform for a compliant and efficient start to their New Zealand operations. Book a demo today!
FAQs
What is the National Occupation List (NOL) and when will it replace the current classification system?
The National Occupation List (NOL) is a new job classification system that will replace the existing ANZSCO classification for roles at skill levels 1–3 in New Zealand's immigration system. This change will take effect from November 3, 2025, and is designed to streamline job categorisation and simplify the process for skilled professionals to qualify under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.
How many new occupations are being added to the New Zealand immigration eligibility list?
The upcoming reforms will see the addition of ninety-one new occupations to the National Occupation List (NOL). This significant expansion will allow a wider variety of skilled professionals to qualify for longer work stays and benefit from the family sponsorship provisions available through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
What are the investment requirements for the new Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand?
The Business Investor Work Visa, launching on November 24, 2025, offers two main investment options:
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An investment of NZD 1 million provides a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
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An investment of NZD 2 million offers a fast-track option for residence in just 12 months.
Applicants can also include their partners and dependent children in their application.
How will the new immigration policy change work rights for student visa holders in New Zealand?
From November 2025, student visa holders will see their permitted work hours increased. They will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, an increase from the current 20-hour limit. This change is designed to provide greater flexibility and financial independence for international students.
How can international companies compliantly hire skilled professionals in New Zealand under the new NOL?
International companies can use an Employer of Record (EOR) solution like Multiplier to compliantly hire skilled professionals who qualify under the new National Occupation List (NOL). The EOR handles all local legal, tax, and payroll compliance in New Zealand, allowing the company to hire and onboard talent quickly without needing to set up a local legal entity.
