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2 clusters · 7 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated
New Zealand immigration policy updates
Overview
New Zealand has implemented several changes to its immigration and visa frameworks. On October 27, 2026, the government introduced adjustments to student visa policies. These changes include limiting work rights for new research master’s students to 25 hours per week, while PhD students maintain unrestricted hours. The reforms also extended the post-course visa buffer period to two months for certain students, strengthened English language proficiency assessments, and increased compliance oversight for educational institutions.
Following these changes, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa framework was expanded. The updated programme offers three distinct routes to residency, moving away from a strictly points-based approach. Under the new system, successful applicants can live, work, and study in the country indefinitely and may include certain dependents. Requirements include being aged 55 or younger, meeting health and character standards, and holding a full-time skilled job or valid job offer from an accredited employer.
Entities
Timeline
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[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sourcesNew Zealand expands Skilled Migrant Category visa programme
New Zealand has expanded its Skilled Migrant Category visa programme, offering three pathways for skilled professionals to obtain permanent residency and bring eligible family members.
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[INTERNATIONAL] 6 sourcesNew Zealand implements major student visa policy changes
New Zealand has updated student visa rules, capping research master’s work hours at 25 per week and extending post-course visa buffers to two months.
Sources
arynews.tv · chineseherald.co.nz · en.dailypakistan.com.pk · jams.tv · thanhnien.vn · theasianmirror.com · travelandtourworld.com