What NZ’s political parties are promising on Immigration
With New Zealand’s November 7 general election approaching, immigration features in several parties' campaign announcements and may affect eligible voters, migrants, employers and families planning their future in the country.
NZ First wants to tighten access to work visas, extend qualifying periods for permanent residence and citizenship, and restrict international students’ automatic work rights. Labour proposes a more planned immigration system, proposing to plan immigration around what New Zealand’s workforce, housing and infrastructure can support. ACT is pushing for stricter visa conditions and changes to residence rights.
National, meanwhile, has introduced several immigration changes while leading the current Government, including reforms to skilled migration and the Parent Resident Visa selection process. However, some proposed legislative changes have not become law.
For migrants, knowing which policies are already in force and which are election promises is particularly important.Here is where the four parties stand, based on their published announcements and official updates available as of October 13, 2026.
NZ First: Longer waits for residence and citizenship
NZ First announced a broad immigration reform package on September 11, proposing changes to permanent residence, citizenship, welfare eligibility, international student work rights and deportation.
The party wants to extend the qualifying period for permanent residence from two years to five years and increase the citizenship qualifying period from five years to a minimum of 10 years. It also proposes increasing application fees for permanent residence and citizenship, to better fund the wider immigration system.
Another proposal would put a referendum on a legislated annual resident visa cap of 20,000. The party wants immigration settings linked to infrastructure capacity and proposes a 30-year population plan coordinating immigration, housing and infrastructure.
NZ First would introduce a 10-year welfare stand-down for non-citizens, making them ineligible for Jobseeker Support, the Accommodation Supplement and other benefits during their first 10 years in New Zealand, meaning non-citizens will be ineligible for jobseeker, accommodation supplement, or any other benefits during their first 10 years in New Zealand, the party proposal mentions.
Its proposals also include restricting automatic birthright citizenship to children of New Zealand citizens, removing automatic work rights for international students and requiring students transitioning to another visa to leave New Zealand before applying from offshore.
New Zealand First will says it will reform the asylum seeker system- Protected person status will become temporary by design, subject to ongoing assessment; updating current settings so that they are fair, consistent, and fit for purpose. Protected person status will become temporary by design, subject to ongoing assessment.
Any person who seeks asylum while in New Zealand on a working-class visa will be ineligible to do so, the party proposal mentions.It also proposes restricting asylum claims by people holding working-class visas and broadening the grounds for deportation, including automatic deportation for specified serious offences.
Other measures include prioritising citizens for social housing and introducing a 24-month period for overstayers to leave voluntarily. NZ First also proposes allowing eligible Pacific overstayers to apply to remain lawfully during that period.
On October 11, the party announced a further proposal to scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa.
Under the proposed system, access would be tied to a named occupation, region and demonstrated need. NZ First says employers should demonstrate genuine skill shortages, make serious efforts to recruit or train New Zealanders and face stronger scrutiny.
The party argues that immigration should fill identifiable skill shortages.
These are proposals only. The existing AEWV system remains in place unless and until the Government changes it.
Read the original announcements: NZ First’s immigration reform package and its proposal to replace the AEWV.
Labour: A four-year wait for permanent residence
Labour announced its immigration package on September 11, proposing a system that takes greater account of workforce demand, housing and infrastructure while offering migrants stronger protection against exploitation.
The party would introduce a Government Policy Statement on immigration, setting goals that reflect New Zealand’s workforce and demographic needs, housing supply and infrastructure capacity.
Labour said it wants to encourage migrants to "put down roots by extending the period migrants must live here before becoming eligible for permanent residence from two years to four, supported by a programme of New Zealand orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers to strengthen social cohesion"
On employment, Labour would allow migrants to move between accredited employers after three months, strengthen the AEWV scheme and improve access to community support.
Other proposals include protecting humanitarian appeals against deportation, setting up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand, and reviewing parent visa, health, and English-language rules.
Labour’s immigration spokesperson, Phil Twyford, said, “Immigration should be planned around what New Zealand needs, and it should be managed in a way that's fair to everyone here and everyone who comes,”
The party says its approach would balance attracting the skills New Zealand needs with better planning and support for migrants seeking to establish long-term lives here.
Labour’s Pacific visa-waiver proposal
In a separate announcement on September 17, Labour proposed expanding visa-waiver travel to citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries.
Labour says the change would reduce cost and administrative barriers for Pacific families wanting to visit relatives in New Zealand. The proposal concerns short-term visits, not a new work or residence pathway.
Labour’s four-year residence proposal, employer-mobility changes, citizenship pathway and Pacific visa-waiver plan are campaign commitments.
ACT: Tighter visa conditions and changes to residence rights
ACT announced its main immigration policy package on May 3, arguing that visa settings should be tied to genuine skill shortages and that migrants should contribute to infrastructure and comply with New Zealand’s laws.
The party proposes that skill categories under the AEWV system expire automatically each year unless updated evidence demonstrates continued demand.
It would also introduce a five-year welfare stand-down for residence-class visa holders, covering Jobseeker Support, the Accommodation Supplement and income-tested benefits.
Another proposal is a $6-per-day infrastructure surcharge on temporary work visas, on top of existing charges. ACT estimates the measure could raise around $80 million annually.
The party wants to extend basic English-language requirements to all AEWV types, while allowing lower standards for seasonal workers. Its enforcement proposals include a dedicated overstayer unit, work-rights reporting requirements for platform employers such as Uber and DoorDash, and the loss of employer accreditation for employers who facilitate overstaying.
ACT also proposes allowing resident visa holders convicted of offences carrying sentences of 10 years or more to be deported regardless of how long they have lived in New Zealand.
ACT’s permanent residence proposal
In a separate announcement on September 1, ACT proposed removing the separate Permanent Resident Visa category and replacing the current two-year initial travel condition for Resident Visa holders with a five-year travel facility.
Under the proposal, visa holders would need to spend at least 730 days in New Zealand during any rolling five-year period to maintain that travel facility. ACT says exemptions would apply in specified circumstances, including certain overseas employment, military service, accompanying family members and compelling humanitarian reasons.
Existing Permanent Resident Visa holders would not be affected under the party’s proposal.
Migrants should continue to follow the conditions attached to their current visas.
Citizenship test: Announced, but not yet in force
The Government has announced plans to introduce a citizenship test from late 2027. On October 7, it confirmed that Aspeq Limited had been selected to help develop and deliver the test.
The proposed test is intended to assess applicants’ knowledge of New Zealand’s rights, responsibilities and democratic system. It is not yet in force, and current citizenship requirements continue to apply.
ACT’s proposed welfare stand-down, infrastructure surcharge, annual expiry of skill categories and physical-presence requirements remain proposals. English-language requirements for AEWV skill level 3 roles have been introduced by the Government, but this is narrower than ACT’s proposal to extend the requirements across all AEWV types.
Read the original announcements here, ACT’s immigration policy and its permanent residence proposal.
National: What has changed under the current Government?
National’s immigration position needs to be considered differently because it leads the current Government and has already introduced several changes. These form part of its record in office and should be distinguished from new election proposals.
Skilled migration and English-language requirements
Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category and work-to-residence settings took effect on August 24. They include revised qualification evidence requirements and changes affecting skilled residence pathways.
The Government has also extended minimum English-language requirements to AEWV skill level 3 roles, effective from June 1. Applicants in affected roles must meet the applicable standard, subject to relevant exemptions and transitional arrangements.
These measures are already in effect rather than simply proposed election policies.
Immigration enforcement legislation did not progress
In March, the Government introduced the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill, proposing changes to deportation liability, immigration compliance and refugee and protection processes.
The Bill included a proposal to extend potential deportation liability to 20 years after a person first held a residence-class visa in cases involving serious criminal offending and a prison sentence of 10 years or more.
However, the Bill was reported back to Parliament by the Education and Workforce Committee on August 7 and did not complete its remaining parliamentary stages before the House adjourned on September 23.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed that the Bill would not progress further before the 2026 election. Its proposed changes must therefore not be described as enacted law.
Budget 2026 funds more frontline teams to respond to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance.
As part of Budget 2026, the Government is investing $18 million over four years to strengthen our response to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance, with three new frontline teams to respond to serious offending, protect people from harm and exploitation, and increase the number of cases investigated.
Parent Resident Visa: 90% selected in date order
One of the Government’s most significant recent announcements for migrant families came from Immigration Minister Erica Stanford on August 8.
The Parent Resident Visa selection process changed on October 5. Under the new system, approximately 90% of expressions of interest will be selected in date order, while around 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot.
The annual limit of 2,500 visas remains unchanged.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed that the new hybrid selection model was in place from October 5. Queue positions were still being finalised as of October 13, and the first selection round under the new system was scheduled for November 10.
Expressions of interest will no longer expire after two years, provided applicants confirm they wish to remain in the process and keep their information up to date, subject to applicable transition arrangements.
The change affects selection, not the underlying eligibility requirements. Applicants and sponsors must still meet the relevant sponsorship, health, character and relationship requirements. The new system does not guarantee that any particular applicant will be selected.
Parent Boost: A visitor visa, not a pathway to residence
The Government opened applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa on September 29, 2025. It allows eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, subject to health, character, financial and insurance requirements.
Applicants must have an eligible sponsor and meet the applicable income or available-funds requirements. They must maintain appropriate health insurance and complete a further medical assessment while offshore during the third year.
Parent Boost is separate from the Parent Resident Visa. It is a visitor visa and does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.
What should migrants consider before the election?
The immigration policies announced ahead of New Zealand’s November 7 election cover various aspects of the immigration system, including work visas, residence and family reunification. For migrants, the practical impact will depend on their current visa, residence status and plans for the future
As the election approaches, it is important to distinguish between campaign commitments, legislation that has been introduced but not passed, and changes already in force.
Eligible voters considering employment, residence or bringing family members to New Zealand can refer to the parties’ original policy announcements and Immigration New Zealand’s official visa guidance when assessing how existing rules and proposed changes may apply to public.
With New Zealand’s November 7 general election approaching, immigration features in several parties' campaign announcements and may affect eligible voters, migrants, employers and families planning their future in the country.
NZ First wants to tighten access to work visas, extend qualifying...
With New Zealand’s November 7 general election approaching, immigration features in several parties' campaign announcements and may affect eligible voters, migrants, employers and families planning their future in the country.
NZ First wants to tighten access to work visas, extend qualifying periods for permanent residence and citizenship, and restrict international students’ automatic work rights. Labour proposes a more planned immigration system, proposing to plan immigration around what New Zealand’s workforce, housing and infrastructure can support. ACT is pushing for stricter visa conditions and changes to residence rights.
National, meanwhile, has introduced several immigration changes while leading the current Government, including reforms to skilled migration and the Parent Resident Visa selection process. However, some proposed legislative changes have not become law.
For migrants, knowing which policies are already in force and which are election promises is particularly important.Here is where the four parties stand, based on their published announcements and official updates available as of October 13, 2026.
NZ First: Longer waits for residence and citizenship
NZ First announced a broad immigration reform package on September 11, proposing changes to permanent residence, citizenship, welfare eligibility, international student work rights and deportation.
The party wants to extend the qualifying period for permanent residence from two years to five years and increase the citizenship qualifying period from five years to a minimum of 10 years. It also proposes increasing application fees for permanent residence and citizenship, to better fund the wider immigration system.
Another proposal would put a referendum on a legislated annual resident visa cap of 20,000. The party wants immigration settings linked to infrastructure capacity and proposes a 30-year population plan coordinating immigration, housing and infrastructure.
NZ First would introduce a 10-year welfare stand-down for non-citizens, making them ineligible for Jobseeker Support, the Accommodation Supplement and other benefits during their first 10 years in New Zealand, meaning non-citizens will be ineligible for jobseeker, accommodation supplement, or any other benefits during their first 10 years in New Zealand, the party proposal mentions.
Its proposals also include restricting automatic birthright citizenship to children of New Zealand citizens, removing automatic work rights for international students and requiring students transitioning to another visa to leave New Zealand before applying from offshore.
New Zealand First will says it will reform the asylum seeker system- Protected person status will become temporary by design, subject to ongoing assessment; updating current settings so that they are fair, consistent, and fit for purpose. Protected person status will become temporary by design, subject to ongoing assessment.
Any person who seeks asylum while in New Zealand on a working-class visa will be ineligible to do so, the party proposal mentions.It also proposes restricting asylum claims by people holding working-class visas and broadening the grounds for deportation, including automatic deportation for specified serious offences.
Other measures include prioritising citizens for social housing and introducing a 24-month period for overstayers to leave voluntarily. NZ First also proposes allowing eligible Pacific overstayers to apply to remain lawfully during that period.
On October 11, the party announced a further proposal to scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa.
Under the proposed system, access would be tied to a named occupation, region and demonstrated need. NZ First says employers should demonstrate genuine skill shortages, make serious efforts to recruit or train New Zealanders and face stronger scrutiny.
The party argues that immigration should fill identifiable skill shortages.
These are proposals only. The existing AEWV system remains in place unless and until the Government changes it.
Read the original announcements: NZ First’s immigration reform package and its proposal to replace the AEWV.
Labour: A four-year wait for permanent residence
Labour announced its immigration package on September 11, proposing a system that takes greater account of workforce demand, housing and infrastructure while offering migrants stronger protection against exploitation.
The party would introduce a Government Policy Statement on immigration, setting goals that reflect New Zealand’s workforce and demographic needs, housing supply and infrastructure capacity.
Labour said it wants to encourage migrants to "put down roots by extending the period migrants must live here before becoming eligible for permanent residence from two years to four, supported by a programme of New Zealand orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers to strengthen social cohesion"
On employment, Labour would allow migrants to move between accredited employers after three months, strengthen the AEWV scheme and improve access to community support.
Other proposals include protecting humanitarian appeals against deportation, setting up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand, and reviewing parent visa, health, and English-language rules.
Labour’s immigration spokesperson, Phil Twyford, said, “Immigration should be planned around what New Zealand needs, and it should be managed in a way that's fair to everyone here and everyone who comes,”
The party says its approach would balance attracting the skills New Zealand needs with better planning and support for migrants seeking to establish long-term lives here.
Labour’s Pacific visa-waiver proposal
In a separate announcement on September 17, Labour proposed expanding visa-waiver travel to citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries.
Labour says the change would reduce cost and administrative barriers for Pacific families wanting to visit relatives in New Zealand. The proposal concerns short-term visits, not a new work or residence pathway.
Labour’s four-year residence proposal, employer-mobility changes, citizenship pathway and Pacific visa-waiver plan are campaign commitments.
ACT: Tighter visa conditions and changes to residence rights
ACT announced its main immigration policy package on May 3, arguing that visa settings should be tied to genuine skill shortages and that migrants should contribute to infrastructure and comply with New Zealand’s laws.
The party proposes that skill categories under the AEWV system expire automatically each year unless updated evidence demonstrates continued demand.
It would also introduce a five-year welfare stand-down for residence-class visa holders, covering Jobseeker Support, the Accommodation Supplement and income-tested benefits.
Another proposal is a $6-per-day infrastructure surcharge on temporary work visas, on top of existing charges. ACT estimates the measure could raise around $80 million annually.
The party wants to extend basic English-language requirements to all AEWV types, while allowing lower standards for seasonal workers. Its enforcement proposals include a dedicated overstayer unit, work-rights reporting requirements for platform employers such as Uber and DoorDash, and the loss of employer accreditation for employers who facilitate overstaying.
ACT also proposes allowing resident visa holders convicted of offences carrying sentences of 10 years or more to be deported regardless of how long they have lived in New Zealand.
ACT’s permanent residence proposal
In a separate announcement on September 1, ACT proposed removing the separate Permanent Resident Visa category and replacing the current two-year initial travel condition for Resident Visa holders with a five-year travel facility.
Under the proposal, visa holders would need to spend at least 730 days in New Zealand during any rolling five-year period to maintain that travel facility. ACT says exemptions would apply in specified circumstances, including certain overseas employment, military service, accompanying family members and compelling humanitarian reasons.
Existing Permanent Resident Visa holders would not be affected under the party’s proposal.
Migrants should continue to follow the conditions attached to their current visas.
Citizenship test: Announced, but not yet in force
The Government has announced plans to introduce a citizenship test from late 2027. On October 7, it confirmed that Aspeq Limited had been selected to help develop and deliver the test.
The proposed test is intended to assess applicants’ knowledge of New Zealand’s rights, responsibilities and democratic system. It is not yet in force, and current citizenship requirements continue to apply.
ACT’s proposed welfare stand-down, infrastructure surcharge, annual expiry of skill categories and physical-presence requirements remain proposals. English-language requirements for AEWV skill level 3 roles have been introduced by the Government, but this is narrower than ACT’s proposal to extend the requirements across all AEWV types.
Read the original announcements here, ACT’s immigration policy and its permanent residence proposal.
National: What has changed under the current Government?
National’s immigration position needs to be considered differently because it leads the current Government and has already introduced several changes. These form part of its record in office and should be distinguished from new election proposals.
Skilled migration and English-language requirements
Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category and work-to-residence settings took effect on August 24. They include revised qualification evidence requirements and changes affecting skilled residence pathways.
The Government has also extended minimum English-language requirements to AEWV skill level 3 roles, effective from June 1. Applicants in affected roles must meet the applicable standard, subject to relevant exemptions and transitional arrangements.
These measures are already in effect rather than simply proposed election policies.
Immigration enforcement legislation did not progress
In March, the Government introduced the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill, proposing changes to deportation liability, immigration compliance and refugee and protection processes.
The Bill included a proposal to extend potential deportation liability to 20 years after a person first held a residence-class visa in cases involving serious criminal offending and a prison sentence of 10 years or more.
However, the Bill was reported back to Parliament by the Education and Workforce Committee on August 7 and did not complete its remaining parliamentary stages before the House adjourned on September 23.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed that the Bill would not progress further before the 2026 election. Its proposed changes must therefore not be described as enacted law.
Budget 2026 funds more frontline teams to respond to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance.
As part of Budget 2026, the Government is investing $18 million over four years to strengthen our response to migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance, with three new frontline teams to respond to serious offending, protect people from harm and exploitation, and increase the number of cases investigated.
Parent Resident Visa: 90% selected in date order
One of the Government’s most significant recent announcements for migrant families came from Immigration Minister Erica Stanford on August 8.
The Parent Resident Visa selection process changed on October 5. Under the new system, approximately 90% of expressions of interest will be selected in date order, while around 10% will continue to be selected through a random ballot.
The annual limit of 2,500 visas remains unchanged.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed that the new hybrid selection model was in place from October 5. Queue positions were still being finalised as of October 13, and the first selection round under the new system was scheduled for November 10.
Expressions of interest will no longer expire after two years, provided applicants confirm they wish to remain in the process and keep their information up to date, subject to applicable transition arrangements.
The change affects selection, not the underlying eligibility requirements. Applicants and sponsors must still meet the relevant sponsorship, health, character and relationship requirements. The new system does not guarantee that any particular applicant will be selected.
Parent Boost: A visitor visa, not a pathway to residence
The Government opened applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa on September 29, 2025. It allows eligible parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit for up to five years, subject to health, character, financial and insurance requirements.
Applicants must have an eligible sponsor and meet the applicable income or available-funds requirements. They must maintain appropriate health insurance and complete a further medical assessment while offshore during the third year.
Parent Boost is separate from the Parent Resident Visa. It is a visitor visa and does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.
What should migrants consider before the election?
The immigration policies announced ahead of New Zealand’s November 7 election cover various aspects of the immigration system, including work visas, residence and family reunification. For migrants, the practical impact will depend on their current visa, residence status and plans for the future
As the election approaches, it is important to distinguish between campaign commitments, legislation that has been introduced but not passed, and changes already in force.
Eligible voters considering employment, residence or bringing family members to New Zealand can refer to the parties’ original policy announcements and Immigration New Zealand’s official visa guidance when assessing how existing rules and proposed changes may apply to public.
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