QS World University Rankings 2026: Why New Zealand Is a Top Study Destination for International Students

If you’re considering studying abroad, the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026 offer compelling reasons to put New Zealand universities at the top of your list. Known for their academic excellence, strong global reputations, and welcoming student environment, New Zealand’s institutions are also becoming a strategic pathway to New Zealand residency through study. Top-Ranked Universities in New Zealand – QS Rankings 2026 In this year’s global rankings, New Zealand’s universities have performed exceptionally well, with all eight ranked institutions …

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Qualification Recognition Made Easier for NZ Visas – New Countries Added from 23 June 2025

If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work or residence, having your overseas qualification recognised is often a key step in the visa process. To simplify this, Immigration New Zealand maintains a List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) — a fast-track list that lets eligible applicants skip the formal qualification assessment process. When your qualification is on the LQEA, you don’t need to get it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), saving you both time …

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Coming Soon: Easier Travel to New Zealand for Chinese Visitors via Australia

Strengthening Ties: Easier Travel to New Zealand for Chinese Visitors Starting November 2025, travelling to New Zealand will get a whole lot simpler for eligible Chinese passport holders. As part of a 12-month trial, the New Zealand Government is removing the need for a full visitor visa for certain travellers arriving from Australia. Instead, they’ll just need a quick and easy New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). China continues to be one of New Zealand’s most valued international partners — …

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Ten Trade Occupations to Join Green List Work to Residence Pathway in August 2025

Beginning 18 August 2025, ten in-demand trade occupations will be added to this pathway, offering a clearer route to residency for those with the right skills and experience. This change reflects the country’s ongoing need for qualified trades professionals and aims to strengthen the workforce in key infrastructure and technical sectors. New Occupations Eligible for Work to Residence Applicants with a job or job offer in any of the following occupations — and who have worked in one of these …

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Top tips to secure a job in new Zealand in 2025

Navigating the New Zealand job market in 2025 presents unique challenges and opportunities. With a 4.8% unemployment rate as of September 2024, up from 3.2% two years prior, job seekers face increased competition. However, certain sectors are experiencing growth. Indeed, the job market in 2025 is showing signs of recovery and renewed momentum. Compared to 2024, there’s a noticeable uptick in hiring activity across several key industries, including but not limited to education, hospitality, and agriculture. Businesses are regaining confidence, …

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New health screening rules for dependent children

New Zealand has recently updated its health screening requirements for dependent children of temporary visa holders, affecting those children applying for student or visitor visas. What has changed? As of March 17, 2025, children under 21 who are dependents of work, student, or military visa holders must meet stricter health criteria. Specifically, children with severe cognitive or developmental disabilities requiring substantial support—such as significant intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or brain injuries—are now deemed not to meet the acceptable standard …

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More interim visa holders allowed to work

From April 8, 2025, applicants will be granted temporary work rights when applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) while holding any type of work visa or a student visa that permits work during term time. This will allow applicants to work in New Zealand if their visa expires while their application is being processed. In most cases, Interim Visas are automatically granted to eligible applicants. The visa letter includes detailed conditions which confirm whether you are allowed to work. …

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Updated Travel Conditions for 2021 Resident Visas

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has recently identified and corrected an issue with the travel conditions on some 2021 Resident Visas. Approximately 4,300 individuals were granted visas with incorrect travel conditions or entry dates for their first arrival in New Zealand. To address this, INZ has amended the travel conditions for these visas and issued more flexible conditions than usual to make up for the disruption. Affected visa holders have been contacted and informed of the updated travel conditions, which now offer …

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Exciting Changes to New Zealand’s Investor Category

The updates to New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa offer an excellent opportunity for potential investors seeking to contribute to New Zealand’s growth. Starting on April 1, 2025, the new visa settings introduce two simplified investment categories—Growth and Balanced. These changes are designed to make investing in New Zealand more attractive and to support the country’s economic development. Questions? Contact us! New Investment Options The updated system brings more flexibility with the introduction of the Growth and Balanced categories. For …

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Important Updates to the AEWV scheme and Median Wage

From March 2025, several changes will be introduced to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the median wage framework. These adjustments, part of broader reforms announced in December 2024, aim to provide more flexibility and cater to the unique needs of businesses in various sectors and regions. Watch our webinar What are the key changes? Median Wage Requirement Removal Starting March 10, 2025, employers hiring through the AEWV or seasonal Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPWV) will no longer need …

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New Zealand Shores