New Zealand will tighten English language requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants in skill level 3 roles starting June 1. The new standards already apply to skill levels 4 and 5, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said, adding, "Being able to communicate in basic, everyday English ensures that workers understand their rights and engage effectively at work and in the community while they are here" [1]. The language rules do not apply to Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, Peak Seasonal Visa, or job change applications [1].
From the same date, applicants under the Active Investor Plus Visa Growth category may allocate up to 20% of the minimum NZ$5 million investment (up to NZ$1 million) to philanthropic donations to registered charities and specified conservation projects. The rest must be invested in higher-growth assets like businesses or managed funds [1, 2, 3]. Immigration Minister Stanford explained that over the past year, she had met investors and charities who wanted to allow direct contributions to social, environmental, conservation, or cultural causes through philanthropy [2]. She also stated, "Charities make invaluable contributions to our communities and for many a philanthropic gift can make a significant difference in being able to continue their important work" [3].
Demand for New Zealand's golden visa program has grown strongly since rule changes introduced by the coalition government in April 2025 [2, 3]. As of May 20, 730 applications covering 2,390 people were received, representing a potential minimum investment of NZ$4.3 billion [2, 3]. About one-third of applicants come from the United States [2, 3].
The Growth category requires a minimum NZ$5 million investment held over three years and a 21-day stay in New Zealand [2, 3]. The Balanced category requires NZ$10 million invested over five years in bonds, equities, or property, with a 105-day stay that can be reduced by higher investments [2, 3].
The new English standards and philanthropy options take effect on June 1, expanding the investment choices and language requirements for work visa and investor visa applicants [1, 2, 3].
