Dreaming of a future in New Zealand? You could be taking in breathtaking vistas, soaking in a diverse culture and living amongst a diverse community. It's undeniably a top destination for international students and workers. And taking your IELTS test can be the key to exploring all options there!
If you’re eyeing New Zealand as the place to broaden your ambitions, take note of their visa system which has changed for 2025, and how it might affect you regarding changes in fees, eligibility, and post-study work rights.
Here's a quick snapshot of what's changing:
Visa fees have been revised: Both visitor and student visa fees have risen.
Post-study work rights are being adjusted: The requirements for post-study work visas are changing, particularly for those graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's degrees.
Work rights for partners of students are expanding: Partners of students in certain occupations are now eligible for open work rights.
Support for families of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders is changing: There are adjustments to work visa support for partners and children of those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa in specific skill levels.
These changes reflect New Zealand's ongoing efforts to manage immigration effectively, support key sectors, and ensure a sustainable future for the country.
What does this mean for you?
These changes mean that proving your English language skills is now more important if you’re looking to study or work abroad in New Zealand. Strong English skills are vital for navigating the new visa requirements and thriving in your chosen field, whether you're aiming for academic success or career progression.
That's where IELTS comes in as a globally recognised English language test that Immigration New Zealand, all universities and employers across the country trust. A strong IELTS result can help to raise your visa profile, by demonstrating an accepted level of English proficiency and support your integration into New Zealand’s community.
It can also help you get into the university of your choice, as many institutions require a minimum IELTS score for admission. Plus, a good IELTS score can be used for applying to study scholarships.
Let's examine the specific visa changes in detail and how they may affect incoming international students and workers.
1. Visa and levy fee increases
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, you might have heard about the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This levy helps fund conservation projects and tourism infrastructure, ensuring that New Zealand remains a stunning and sustainable destination for everyone.
Most international visitors have to pay the IVL, including those applying for:
Visitor visas
NZeTAs
Student visas
Working Holiday and Work Exchange schemes
Student and Trainee Work visas
Specific Purpose Work visas
However, there are some exceptions, such as those applying for partner or dependent visas as well as those travelling from visa-waiver countries.
What's changing?
From 1 October 2024, the IVL increased from NZD$35.00 to NZD$100.00. This change helps cover the costs of processing visas and reflects the benefits you get from using New Zealand's immigration services.
You can easily pay the IVL when you apply for your visa or NZeTA online using a credit or debit card. It is a separate fee from your visa application and is non-refundable, even if your visa isn't approved.
2. Student visa fees
If you're planning to study in New Zealand, there’s a revision to student visa fees. As of 1 October 2024, these fees have risen from NZ$375 to NZ$750.
This change comes as New Zealand tries to make the immigration system more sustainable. Instead of relying more heavily on taxpayers, the costs are being shifted towards the visa applicants—those directly benefiting from the system. This helps ensure the system can keep providing essential services and support to newcomers.
What can you do?
When you’re considering studying in the top universities in New Zealand, make sure your visa application is complete and accurate. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is seeing more student visa applications being declined because applicants don't meet full eligibility requirements.
Providing your IELTS results can show them you're serious about studying and have the language skills to succeed. Additionally, students are also highly encouraged to write a cover letter or a Statement of Purpose to expedite their visa processing and demonstrate their genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
Find out about the minimum scores for universities in New Zealand and how you can apply for a student visa.
3. Updates to work visa rules
Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) offers international students an opportunity to gain valuable local work experience in New Zealand after completing their studies. The eligibility criteria has also been updated.
What are the new rules?
12-month application window: You now have a 12-month window to apply for a PSWV after you complete your higher-level qualification. So, make sure you plan your application early.
30 weeks of full-time study: To be eligible for a 3-year PSWV, you'll need to have completed at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. This requirement ensures that you've had a substantial educational duration.
For aspiring teachers, you no longer need a Bachelor's degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology, or Pacific Languages to qualify for a PSWV if you want to teach at the secondary school level.
Plus, if you've completed a graduate diploma and meet the Teaching Council's requirements, you can get a PSWV to teach at primary or intermediate schools.
Work Rights Available for Partners of Students
New Zealand has made it easier for partners of students to get work visas. This applies to students enrolled in a Level 7 or 8 Bachelor's degree related to an occupation on New Zealand's Green List. The Green List highlights occupations in high demand, like nursing, teaching, and medicine.
These would include degrees such as:
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Psychology
If your degree is related to a high-demand occupation on the Green List, your partner might be able to get an open work visa, allowing them to work in any field while you study.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
As of 26 June 2024, if you have an AEWV for a job at ANZSCO levels 4 or 5 without a pathway to residency, you can no longer support work, visitor, or student visa applications for your partner and children. This means they'll need to qualify for their visas independently.
However, it doesn't mean your family can't join you in New Zealand. They can still apply for visas in their own right, such as:
Accredited Employer Work Visa: If they have a job offer from an accredited employer.
International Student Visa: If they plan to study in New Zealand.
Other visa categories: They might be eligible for other visas based on their individual circumstances.
Important note: These changes don't affect those who already have visas as a partner or dependent child or AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 with a pathway to residency (like those on the Green List or earning above the median wage threshold).
IELTS: your key to success
A strong IELTS score remains a vital asset to your New Zealand journey. It can strengthen your visa application, enhance your status as a prospective international student or globally ready employee, and reflects your commitment to integrating into New Zealand society. Aim for a higher IELTS score to maximise your chances of visa success.
IELTS can also benefit your family's visa applications. Even if your partner doesn't need an IELTS score for an open work visa, strong English skills will significantly improve their job prospects.
Stay informed and plan ahead
We've covered a lot of ground, so let's revisit the key changes to New Zealand's work and student visas:
Visa and levy fees are now set at NZD$100 and student visa fees have been raised to NZD$750
Post-study work visa rules have been updated
Work rights for partners of students have expanded in some areas
Family support for some AEWV holders has changed
Immigration policies are always evolving, so it's essential to stay informed by checking with Immigration New Zealand for the latest updates.
Careful planning is key to a successful move to New Zealand. Factor in the changes which may affect you, explore your study or work visa options carefully and ensure you meet all the requirements while applying early for your visas.
Ready to take the next step? Book your IELTS test with IDP and kickstart your journey to New Zealand!