Australia to Replace the 482 Visa – A Bold Move to Attract Top Talent, Rivaling the U.S.
The New Zealand government has launched a brand-new Business Investor Visa (BIV) in 2025, opening a fast-track pathway for high-net-worth applicants. At the same time, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has officially announced a major reform of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to take effect in 2026. This reform is far more than a superficial adjustment — it represents a significant lowering of overall thresholds and introduces two brand-new pathways. It’s a genuine boost for international students, skilled workers, and even general employees. Here are the latest highlights:
Business Investor Visa (BIV) – 2025 Policy
New Zealand now offers two fast-track options for entrepreneurs and investors to obtain permanent residency:
1.Standard Pathway: Invest NZD 1 million and you can get PR in 3 years
2.Fast-Track Pathway: Invest NZD 2 million and you can get PR as little as 12 months
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Age ≤ 55
- At least 3 years of business or investment experience
- English proficiency IELTS 5.0+
- Good health and no criminal record
- Providing at least one full-time local job
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – 2026 Reform
Two new permanent residency pathways:
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
- Eligible applicants: Occupations classified under ANZSCO Skill Levels 1–3
- Requirements: At least 5 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 2 years in New Zealand
- Salary requirement: Must earn at least 1.1× the median wage during the 2 years of New Zealand employment
Trades & Technician Pathway
- Eligible applicants: Specific trade or technician occupations (occupation list to be announced)
- Requirements: A Level 4 or higher qualification plus 4 years of relevant work experience, including at least 18 months in New Zealand
- Salary requirement: Must earn at least the median wage while working in New Zealand
Overall, the new skilled migration policy is much more favourable to international students:
- Education bonus: New Zealand qualifications now carry more weight — a degree from a New Zealand university can directly boost your competitiveness.
- Shorter work experience requirement: The threshold has been reduced from 3 years to 2 years, allowing new graduates to qualify more quickly.
- Master’s degree advantage: Once detailed rules are announced, some Master’s programs may directly meet the six-point threshold, making direct PR applications possible.
Lower overall thresholds
1. Simplified salary criteria: You only need to maintain the median wage, rather than exceed it.
2. Recognition of overseas experience: Work experience gained abroad will now count, offering greater flexibility.
3. Clearer pathways: Both international students and workers will find it easier to identify a suitable migration route.
The new policy is expected to take effect in mid-2026, with further details to be released progressively.
🎓Getting New Zealand PR
Getting New Zealand PR is not just an end goal — it can also serve as a springboard to Australian residency.
Through the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (SCV Pathway), New Zealand permanent residents can live and work in Australia long-term and may later qualify for Australian PR.
Example Pathway:
➡️Invest in New Zealand → Get NZ PR → Transition to Australian PR → Enjoy dual residency options
These new policies show a key signal: New Zealand needs people.
Whether you’re a highly qualified graduate, a skilled tradesperson, or an experienced investor, new opportunities are opening up.
Have Questions? Merchants Prosperity Is Here to Help!
Want to know which pathway suits your background — skilled migration or investment migration? Contact us, and we’ll tailor a personalised migration strategy for you.