Begin Immigration Solutions

24/05/2026

📢 Update: English requirements expanded for AEWV applicants

A significant change has been announced affecting Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications.

From 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements will now also apply to ANZSCO Skill Level 3 roles — not just Level 4 and 5 as before.

This means a larger group of migrant workers will need to demonstrate basic, everyday English (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 or similar).

💡 The intention behind the change is to ensure workers can:
• Understand their rights
• Communicate effectively at work
• Integrate into the community

✅ What this means for applicants
• If you are applying under a Skill Level 3 role, you will now need to provide evidence of English ability
• This could mean sitting an English test or providing acceptable alternative evidence
• The required level is still basic English, not advanced
• If you are already on an AEWV, transitional exemptions may apply, depending on your situation [immigration.govt.nz]

👉 Practical tip: Plan early. Delays in booking or obtaining English test results could impact your visa timeline.

✅ What this means for employers
• More candidates for Skill Level 3 roles may need extra time to meet English requirements
• Recruitment timelines may be affected, especially for offshore hires
• Employers will need to factor English requirements into hiring decisions and planning
• The change creates more consistency across skill levels, making expectations clearer moving forward [immigration.govt.nz]

📌 Overall, this is another step towards tightening the AEWV system and aligning it more closely with future residence pathways.

👉 Full article here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/596230/english-requirements-for-accredited-employer-work-visa-expanded

20/05/2026

Always grateful to support more Filipino workers alongside one of our NZ-based recruitment partner, Need4Skills! 🇵🇭🇳🇿

If you are looking for a credible and honest licensed immigration adviser to assist your employees with job offers in NZ, message us now. 🙂

19/05/2026

🚨 THIS SATURDAY: Thinking about studying in New Zealand? 🇳🇿👀

Join this FREE webinar to learn more about the NZ student visa and hear our very own LIA Jasper Bata talk about the NZ Residence opportunity through the Study ➡️ Work pathway.

✨ Student visa pathway
✨ NZ Residence Visa eligibility
✨ Expert immigration advice
✨ Live Q&A

📅 This Saturday - 23 May, 2PM NZ time

Register now! 😉

08/05/2026

🚨 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – Exact Start Date Confirmed 🚨

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has now officially confirmed the exact date when the upcoming Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) changes will take effect.

📅 The new SMC changes will come into force on 24 August 2026.

These reforms include new residence pathways, simplified wage settings, updated occupation lists, and clearer rules around qualifications and work experience.

If you’re currently working in New Zealand on a work visa — or planning your pathway to residence — this confirmation is an important milestone for your planning over the next year.

👉 Now is the time to review your eligibility, role, pay rate, and experience well ahead of August 2026, so you’re ready when the new rules open.

Source: Immigration New Zealand announcement
🔗 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/further-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-to-come-into-effect-in-august-2026

06/05/2026

📢 Major change announced for NZ citizenship applicants

The Government has confirmed that a new citizenship test will be introduced for most people applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant, expected to take effect from the SECOND HALF of 2027.

🔍 What’s changing?

At present, citizenship applicants only sign a declaration confirming they understand the rights and responsibilities of being a New Zealand citizen. Under the new proposal, applicants will instead need to sit an in‑person, multiple‑choice test.

📝 What we know so far:

• The test will have 20 questions
• A 75% pass mark will be required
• The test will be conducted in person
• Topics are expected to include:
– New Zealand laws and human rights
– Voting rights and democratic principles
– The structure of government
– Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• The change will apply to most adult applicants
• Applicants under 16, over 65, and those gaining citizenship by birth or descent will be exempt
• People who apply before the test comes into force will not be affected [dia.govt.nz]

⚠️ How this may affect some of you

One important point to be aware of is that the citizenship test is expected to be conducted in English only.

Under current legislation, a requirement for citizenship by grant is that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of English. While some people were able to obtain residence through pathways where an English test was not required (or where exemptions applied), citizenship has always relied on English ability being assessed by the Minister.

In practice, this new test may become a significant hurdle for:
• Residents who gained residence without sitting an English test
• Applicants with limited functional English
• Long‑term residents who rely heavily on interpreters in daily life

⏳ What this means for planning

If you are a resident and thinking about applying for citizenship in the coming years, timing and preparation will matter more than ever. While the core requirements (residency, physical presence, character, and English ability) remain unchanged, this new test adds an extra assessment step that could catch some applicants by surprise.

👉 If you’re unsure when to apply, whether you should apply before the test is introduced, or how this change may affect your situation, getting advice early can help you plan with confidence.

💬 Feel free to message us for personalised guidance on your pathway to New Zealand citizenship.

New Zealand citizenship by grant requires holding a resident visa for at least five years, basic English, good character, and being present in the country for 240 days per year.

01/05/2026

We are incredibly grateful to our amazing clients for trusting us with such an important part of their lives. 💛

Thank you, Therese, for your kind words and for allowing us to be part of your STR journey. Feedback like this reminds us why we do what we do.

At Begin Immigration Solutions, we don’t just process applications, we genuinely care. We take the time to listen, to explain, and to guide our clients every step of the way because we know how life‑changing this journey can be.

We always root for our clients’ success, and it is a privilege to walk alongside you as you work towards your goals in New Zealand. Being part of your journey is something we never take for granted.

Wishing you all the very best in the next chapter. 🌱✨

19/03/2026

🚜 Dairy Farm Employers – Take Note: Advertising & On‑Farm Housing 🐄

We’re seeing Immigration NZ (INZ) closely reviewing dairy job advertisements that state workers must live in on‑farm accommodation.

👉 Why this matters:
Requiring employees to live on the farm can discourage suitable New Zealanders from applying, which may cause issues during Job Check and visa assessments.

INZ Immigration Officers must assess whether all job requirements listed in advertising are genuinely necessary to do the work. If a requirement (like mandatory on‑farm living) isn’t clearly justified, it may slow down or impact your application.

🧐 When is living on the farm considered “reasonably necessary”?
INZ will look at factors such as:

- Whether staff are needed on site for after‑hours animal welfare emergencies
- How many existing staff already live on the farm
- Whether the employer/farm owner lives on site
- Why more than 1–2 employees are required to live on the farm
- Remoteness of the farm and availability of alternative accommodation nearby

✅ Best practice tips:

If living on the farm is required, provide clear reasons with your Job Check application to avoid delays.

If living on the farm is optional, either:

- Leave it out of the advertising, or
- Clearly state it is optional, not mandatory.

Getting the wording right in your advertising can make a big difference to processing times and outcomes.

If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, it’s worth getting advice before advertising or lodging a Job Check.

05/03/2026

🚨 INZ has released more detail on the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) changes coming in late August 2026 — plus an AEWV extension option planned for 2027.

Here are the big takeaways:

✅ Two new residence pathways (from late Aug 2026):

• Trades & Technician Pathway (eligible trades/technician occupations; Level 4+ qualification; 4 years post-qualification experience incl. 1.5 years in NZ at SMC median wage)
• Skilled Work Experience Pathway

📌 Key occupation lists confirmed:
• Trades & Technician list - https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/resident-visas-to-live-in-new-zealand/skilled-residence-pathways-in-new-zealand/skilled-migrant-category-pathway-to-residence/eligible-roles-for-the-smc-trades-and-technician-pathway-august-2026/

• Amber list (extra work-experience/wage rules)
-at least 5 years of relevant eligible work experience in New Zealand, including
-2 years of skilled work experience earning at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.

• Red list (not eligible for the 2 new pathways)

💰 Median wage settings simplified: you’ll need to meet the wage threshold that applied when you started your skilled work experience, rather than being forced to meet a higher “latest” rate at the time you apply.

⏳ Plus a 5 month grace period in situations where the migrant begins skilled work experience within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the wage threshold that applied on the day the visa was granted will be used.

🎓 Qualifications clarified (Level 8/9 rules + bachelor requirement in many cases)

🗣️ English test validity extended to 5 years for some applicants with recognised occupational registration

🧾 Accountants: CPA Australia membership will be recognised for a new registration pathway (late Aug 2026).

Link to the announcement: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/further-changes-to-the-skilled-migrant-category-to-come-into-effect-in-august-2026/?utm_source=Immigration%20New%20Zealand&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=C0396_SpaConnect_SMC_5March2026&utm_content=btn

18/02/2026

📢 IMMIGRATION UPDATE – IMPORTANT CHANGES FROM 9 MARCH 2026 🇳🇿

💰 Median Wage Increase – Effective 9 March 2026

The immigration median wage will increase to NZ$35.00 per hour (up from NZ$33.56).

While AEWV employers are now required to pay the market rate, the median wage still plays a major role in immigration settings, including:
• Eligibility for certain visas
• Skilled residence pathways
• Ability to support family
• Visa length
• Job Check advertising requirements

✅ Employers must pay the wage threshold in place when the worker starts their visa.
❗ Existing workers do not need pay increases, unless they are changing visas.

👉 Important tip for migrant workers:
If you are currently earning below the new median wage, it may be worth discussing a pay rise with your employer to at least the current median wage (NZ$33.56) before it increases to NZ$35.00 per hour.

This could help protect your eligibility for future visa applications, family support, and residence pathways.

🔹 47 New Roles Added to the National Occupation List (NOL)

From 9 March 2026, 47 occupations will be recognised as skill level 1–3 roles for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications.
This is part of New Zealand’s transition from ANZSCO to the new National Occupation List (NOL).

✅ Skill level affects:
• Advertising requirements
• English language requirements
• Visa length
• Whether migrants can bring family
• Overall visa conditions

Higher‑skilled roles generally have fewer requirements and more favourable outcomes.

🔻 3 Roles Reclassified to Skill Level 4
The following occupations will move from skill level 3 to 4:
• Pet Groomer
• Nanny
• Kennel Hand

📞 Not sure how these changes affect you or your business?
Begin Immigration Solutions is here to help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

👉 Message us or book a consultation today.

INZ news link in the comments

17/02/2026

✅ You Asked. We Answered. Yes — We Can Help. 🇳🇿

We’re proud to announce that Begin Immigration Solutions is now partnered with 75 schools across New Zealand, including all 6 universities and over 9 polytechnic‑level institutions. This means more choices, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for our clients.

With these partnerships, we provide a tailored, end‑to‑end immigration approach, from selecting a suitable study programme and securing an Offer of Place, to navigating the Student Visa application process and offering practical advice on settling in New Zealand.

We have supported clients who have successfully gone through the Study‑to‑Work pathway, allowing us to share practical insights to help you plan clearly and move forward with confidence.

🚀 More schools. More choices. Real outcome.
📞 Contact us today for a FREE assessment and take the first step toward your New Zealand journey.