Kruger Legal Ltd. Immigration Law Specialists

29/05/2026

30/10/2025

Important Immigration Update – New Occupations Recognised at Higher Skill Level (1 to 3) from 3 November 2025

From 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will begin recognising 91 new occupations, as Skill Level 1 to 3, under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme.

These occupations are being added under the National Occupation List (NOL) — New Zealand’s new job classification system that’s gradually replacing ANZSCO.

The NOL better reflects today’s labour market and will be updated every year.

What this means:

✅ Many are skill level 1 – 3 occupations, allowing eligible migrants to stay in NZ longer and, in some cases, support family visas.
✅ AEWV holders in lower-skilled roles may be able to move into one of the new NOL occupations if they have 3 years’ relevant experience or a recognised qualification.

Employers can submit Job Check applications for these newly recognised roles from 3 November.

You can view the full list of 91 new occupations on INZ’s website here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/green-list-occupations-qualifications-and-skills/national-occupation-list-occupations-used-for-an-aewv-or-spwv/

For tailored advice on how these changes may affect your recruitment or visa strategy, contact Kruger Legal Ltd — specialists in New Zealand immigration law.

31/07/2025

Important Update: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a key change for Indian nationals residing in India. This change applies only to Indian nationals living in India. Requirements for Indian nationals living outside India, or for non-Indian nationals who have lived in India, remain unchanged.

Effective from 1 September 2025, INZ will only accept Indian Police Clearance Certificates issued by a Regional Passport Office of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for Indian nationals residing in India.

Previously, certificates from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner or Superintendent of Police were also accepted. However, due to inconsistencies and authentication challenges, these will no longer be accepted for visa applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025.

Certificates from the Regional Passport Office can be applied for online, and this change is not expected to create additional difficulties for applicants.