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New Zealand Unveils Major Visa Reforms for 2026

10/29/2025

43 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

New Zealand will implement significant visa reforms starting in 2026.
The Skilled Migrant Category will reduce work experience from three to two years and raise the visa eligibility salary threshold.
A new Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications on November 24, 2025, with investments of NZD 1 million or NZD 2 million for residency pathways.
Belarus has streamlined its work visa process to four to nine weeks.

History

Historical Context

The New Zealand Immigration Act of 2009 replaced the 1987 act, shifting to a skills-based immigration system that emphasized skilled migrants and investors. This change followed earlier reforms in 1991, which introduced a points-based system. As of 2023, New Zealand's net migration reached a record 135,500, reflecting ongoing efforts to attract talent and address labor shortages, similar to Belarus's recent visa reforms.

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Story summary

New Zealand will implement significant visa reforms starting in 2026.
The Skilled Migrant Category will reduce work experience from three to two years and raise the visa eligibility salary threshold.
A new Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications on November 24, 2025, with investments of NZD 1 million or NZD 2 million for residency pathways.
Belarus has streamlined its work visa process to four to nine weeks.

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