October 2024 immigration update: key changes for visa holders and employers

Contents: 

• 1. Increased visa fees and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
• 2. New work rights for migrant school leavers awaiting residence
• 3. Work rights for partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders
• 4. Five-year visa option for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents
• 5. Replacement of ANZSCO with the National Occupation List (NOL)
• 6. Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme expands
• 7. China Special Work Visa enhancements
• 8. Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) changes

October 2024 brought several significant updates from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that affect visa applicants, current visa holders, and employers alike. Here’s a breakdown of these changes and what they mean.

1. Increased visa fees and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)

From 1 October, INZ introduced higher visa application fees across various categories to better reflect processing costs. Additionally, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) increased from NZD $35 to $100. This levy now applies to most visitor visas, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), student visas (excluding dependent children), and some work visas, including working holiday visas.

Read our detailed breakdown of fee increases.

2. Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) changes

On 31 October, INZ made several updates to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). Changes include the removal of the option to apply for a second MEPV, clarified definitions of exploitation, and restrictions on eligibility for cases of lawful terminations or redundancies.

Read our article on the MEPV changes here.

3. Work rights for partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders

Effective 2 December 2024, partners of AEWV holders working in high-skilled roles (ANZSCO Levels 1–3) will be eligible for open work rights in New Zealand. Meanwhile, partners of workers in roles classified as Levels 4–5 will have employment limited to specific industries, such as tourism, hospitality, and residential care. This adjustment provides flexibility for partners of skilled AEWV holders while addressing industry-specific workforce needs.

For more information, see our article on AEWV partner work rights.

4. Three-year visa option for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents

From 1 October 2024, partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders are eligible for a work or visitor visa with a maximum duration of three years, extended from the previous two-year limit. This new three-year duration applies to new applications and pending applications submitted before 1 October. Current visa holders will need to apply anew if they wish to benefit from the longer duration. This change aims to provide more stability for couples while they plan for residency applications.

Learn more about the partnership visa extension here.

5. Replacement of ANZSCO with the National Occupation List (NOL)

INZ is transitioning from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system to a new, NZ-specific National Occupation List (NOL). This shift aligns with NZ’s unique employment needs, offering a more tailored approach to assessing occupations and roles critical to New Zealand’s labour market.

Read our in-depth article on the NOL transition here.

6. Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme expands

The Vietnam Working Holiday Scheme reopened on 24 October, with an increased cap of 200 visas—double the previous limit of 100. This expansion allows more young Vietnamese citizens to experience living and working in New Zealand, supporting cultural exchange and workforce needs.

7. China Special Work Visa enhancements

From 14 October 2024, the China Special Work Visa was expanded as part of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The updated visa now includes broader qualifications for Chinese chefs and tourism specialists, aiming to strengthen industry ties between New Zealand and China by attracting skilled professionals in these sectors.

8. New work rights for migrant school leavers awaiting residence

Starting 1 October 2024, certain migrant high school leavers awaiting a decision on their family residence applications can apply for part-time work rights. Eligible individuals, aged 17–24, can now work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during holiday breaks. This change offers young migrants a valuable opportunity to support themselves while waiting for their residence applications to be processed.