New Zealand Finalizes Changes to Skilled Migrant Category and Work to Residence Visas, Introducing Wage Threshold Simplification and Qualification Updates

What changed

New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa lets skilled people live in the country forever. To get it, people must have a job or a job offer in New Zealand. There are three ways to qualify: * Points-based system: People need 6 skilled resident points. * Skilled Work Experience pathway: For people with a lot of work history. * Trades and Technician pathway: For people in specific hands-on jobs. All applicants must meet general rules. These include rules about health, character, and English language skills. They must also meet specific wage levels. This visa lets successful applicants live, work, and study in New Zealand forever. Their family members (partners and children up to 24 years old) can also come. They may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa later.

What changed

The Trump administration proposed a new rule. This rule would officially set the H-1B work visa fee at $103,265 for each application in the United States (US). This proposal was published in the US Federal Register. Last year, a temporary fee of $100,000 was put in place. Courts blocked this temporary fee, and it will end in September. If this new rule becomes final after a 30-day public comment period, it will greatly increase the cost of H-1B visas. H-1B visa fees historically cost between $2,000 and $5,000. This change would affect foreign workers and employers in areas like technology, education, and research.

What changed

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to add a fee of $103,265 for all H-1B cap-subject petitions. This includes petitions for people with advanced degrees that are exempt from the usual cap. This new fee was announced on 24 August 2026. You would pay it when you file the petition, along with other fees you already pay. DHS believes this fee will raise about $8.8 billion each year. This money would help cover the federal government's costs to run the legal immigration system. The fee will apply to employers and people who file H-1B cap-subject petitions. It will not apply to petitions that are not subject to the cap. Examples include petitions from non-profit research groups and universities, which are exempt.

What changed

New Zealand and Thailand have launched a Strategic Partnership, including an agreement to strengthen cooperation on immigration, border security, customs, and cyber security, as well as combating scam centres, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. This cooperation aims to enhance the safety of New Zealanders and facilitate stronger connections between the two nations.