Project Description and Fees<\/p>\n
\u2022 Policy Background: New Zealand's skilled migration model follows a "work first, immigrate later" approach. The vast majority of permanent residency pathways require applicants to first gain work experience in New Zealand with a valid work visa; therefore, the work visa is the core entry point for skilled migration. In 2026, the New Zealand government explicitly reduced the skilled migration quota from 125,000 to 105,000, while simultaneously prioritizing the processing of Employer Sponsored Work Visas (AEWV), reflecting a "quality-first" immigration policy.
\n\u2022 Main types of work visas: The New Zealand work visa system covers multiple categories, each with different application requirements, fee structures, and scope of benefits. The table below briefly presents a comparison of the fees for various work visas in 2026:<\/p>\n
Work visa application fees (New Zealand dollars) (approximately equivalent to RMB) Key features
\nWorking Holiday Visa (WHV): NZ$670 + NZ$100 entry tax (approximately 3,437 RMB), valid for 12 months, allows you to work for any employer for a maximum of 6 months, but does not allow you to start your own business.
\nEmployer-Sponsored Work Visa (AEWV): NZ$1,540 (approximately RMB 6,878). This is a mainstream employer-sponsored work visa, valid for up to 5 years, and eligible for permanent residency.
\nPost-study work visa (PSWV) from NZ$1,670 (approximately 7,460 RMB). Offers 1-3 years of work rights and requires no employer sponsorship.
\nSkilled migrant workers signed contracts worth NZ$1,614 (approximately 7,214 yuan) for work visas obtained through the skilled migration pathway.
\nSpouse work visa costs NZ$700-860 (approximately 3,128-3,843 RMB). The main applicant can apply together if they hold a qualifying visa.<\/p>\n
The above fees are the official fees charged by the New Zealand Immigration Service in 2026, excluding additional fees such as medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and document translations.<\/p>\n
Key policy changes in 2026:
\n \u2022 Detailed Employment Conditions for Open Work Visas (Effective April 20, 2026): Open work visas will be subject to two different employment conditions depending on the visa category. The first category (such as spouse work visas and Post Study Work Visas) allows holders to engage in any legal work, including self-employment or starting a company; the second category (such as Working Holiday Visas) requires holders to work as employees and prohibits them from starting or operating a company.
\n \u2022 The National Occupational List (NOL) has been significantly expanded (effective March 9, 2026): 47 new occupations at skill levels 1-3 have been added to the NOL, including head chefs, sous chefs, diesel mechanics, and radiographers. Employers can apply for AEWV Job Checks for these positions. Meanwhile, pet groomers, pet sitters, and kennel workers have been downgraded from skill level 3 to level 4, facing stricter application requirements and shorter stay periods.
\n \u2022 Median wage for immigrants increased (effective March 9, 2026): The median wage for immigrants will be increased to $35.00\/hour. The starting salary threshold for applicants will be locked for life, and no further increases will be required.
\n \u2022 Short-term graduate work visa (launched in the second half of 2026): A new short-term graduate work visa with a maximum of 6 months of open work rights will be introduced for graduates who have completed NZQCF Level 5-7 courses but do not meet the PSWV qualification.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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