HR Focus BTP - Construction - Infrastructures  •  Industrie

Immigration Updates 2025: What Infrastructure & Energy Employers Need to Know

Advisably breaks down NZ’s 2025 immigration changes - essential insights for infrastructure and energy employers.

New Zealand's immigration landscape has undergone a significant overhaul in 2025, bringing in both big changes and subtle adjustments that will impact employers, skilled workers, and investors.

Here are the key takeaways you need to know:

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• Goodbye to the Median Wage: A shift to market rates introduces new complexities. Remember, market rates are subjective and can vary by experience, location, and total remuneration.
• Streamlined Job Checks: Employers must now explain why the role is needed and provide the size of their business and how many New Zealanders are currently employed. Employers can still bypass the advertising requirement for roles that are paid at twice the median wage ($67.12 per hour).
• Interim Visas: Applicants will be granted interim work rights if they apply for an AEWV while holding any type of work visa or from a student visa that permits work during term time.
• Training Modules Removed: The Employment NZ online training modules for employers and employees are no longer required, effective January 2025.

Skilled Resident Visa Pathways

• New Median Wage: The updated median wage of $33.56 per hour now impacts residence applications and work experience.
• Green List Expansion: Ten skilled trade occupations have been added to the Green List Work to Residence pathway, providing a new path to residency after two years of work. These occupations are Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist, Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Fitter Welder, Pressure Welder, Welder, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter and Paving Plant Operator.
• Qualifications: There have been further updates to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) including for French qualifications.

New Investor and Business Visas

• Active Investor Plus: INZ has rolled out two new categories—the Growth Investment Category ($5M over 3 years) and the Balanced Investment Category ($10M over 5 years).
• Business Investor Visa: The Entrepreneur Work Visa is closing. A new Business Investor Work Visa will open in November 2025, offering two pathways to residence for experienced investors.

Other Important Updates

• Seasonal Visas: Two new visa pathways—the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa—are being introduced in December 2025 to help fill short-term roles in seasonal industries. Roles covered under this visa include Chairlift Operator, Snow Groomer, Mountain Guide, Snow Sports Instructor, Tulip Grower, Wine Maker, Winery Cellar Hand, Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker, etc.
• Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Eligible parents of NZ citizens and residents can now visit for up to five years, though there are strict health insurance and income requirements.
• Digital Nomads Welcome: Visitors on a visitor visa or NZeTA can now work for overseas employers while in New Zealand, making it a more viable option for digital nomads.

Get ready for big changes in 2026!

Two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.

• Skilled work experience pathway — for migrants in skilled roles (ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3) with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
• Trades and technician pathway — for migrants in specified trades or technician roles who hold a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification and have at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.

Don't let immigration changes disrupt your talent pipeline. We specialise in turning complex policy into clear, actionable strategies. Let's talk about how we can help you ? contact(@)advisably.co.nz