New Zealand Announces New Visa Rules, Including Stricter English Requirements

New Zealand has announced new visa rules making it difficult for non-English speakers to get work visa in the country, even for low-level jobs. The new rules will be implemented from June 1. English language requirements under the Accredited Employer Work Visa will extend to skill level 3 roles such as hospitality and trades, aligning them with the existing standard already applied to skill levels 4 and 5. "Being able to communicate ​in basic, everyday English ensures that workers understand their rights ‌and ⁠engage effectively at work and in the community while they are here," immigration minister erica Stanford said in a statement.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal ​Visa applications are ​not subject ⁠to the English language requirement.

Those who already have valid visa and are in New Zealand won't be affected by the stricter English requirement rule.

People with an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3.

People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt.

New Zealand visa: Good news for wealthy migrants

New Zealand will allow wealthy migrants count philanthropic donations toward the investment requirement of its Golden Visa category. From June 1, applicants under the Growth category will be able to include donations to registered charities and specified conservation initiatives of as much as 20% of their total NZ$5 million ($2.9 million) investment, with the remainder continuing to be invested in higher-growth assets, the minister said. “Over the last year I have met a number of investors, potential investors, and heard from charities, asking for investors to be able to contribute directly to social, environmental, conservation, or cultural good in New Zealand through a philanthropic gift,” Stanford said. “Charities make invaluable contributions to our communities and for many a philanthropic gift can make a significant difference in being able to continue their important work. ” New Zealand's Golden Visa offers residency in exchange for investments. As of May 20, there had been 730 applications covering 2,390 people — a potential minimum investment of NZ$4.3 billion, according to Immigration New Zealand. About a third of applicants are from the US. The Growth category requires an NZ$5 million investment in higher-risk assets like businesses or managed funds, with migrants needing to spend just 21 days in the country over the three-year investment term. The Balanced category requires NZ$10 million to be invested for five years in a mix of bonds, equities or some property investments, with a 105-day stay that can be reduced by investing more.