New visa's making an impact in 2025

Fresh visa changes are attracting investors & backing migrants.

Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration, launched the new Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP) on 1 April. In only 7 weeks it has attracted 131 applications from around the world and more than $800 million in potential investment. Most of this money will feed directly into New Zealand companies.

The aim of the refreshed AIP visa was to help attract foreign investment. It is doing just that, and this is a significant win for New Zealand to help grow the economy.

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Parent Boost Visa on the way

We expect to see the Parent Boost Visa roll out later this year. This visa will allow parents of migrant workers to be in New Zealand for up to five years, with the option to apply for another five year visa (total 10 years).

This will provide real support for migrant workers, especially those who do not have family nearby and struggle to find affordable childcare. It recognises that many New Zealanders rely on their parents for help, and that migrant families deserve that same opportunity.

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Entrepreneur Visa set for review

The Minister has announced a review of the Entrepreneur Visa. Since changes were made back in 2014, this visa has not been working as intended. Instead of attracting people with skills, capital and new ideas, it has become a visa of last resort.

At one point, the decline rate reached 90 percent. If this visa works as it was intended it may open opportunities for New Zealand businesses to secure working investors who will bring capital, new ideas and energy and may help existing owners create new succession plans.

We look forward to sharing more details when the changes are announced.

These are all positive steps that support migrants and help grow the New Zealand economy.