The Department of Home Affairs held a major invitation round on 13 November 2025 under its general skilled migration programme, focusing on the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa (points-tested stream) and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Family-Sponsored) visa. This round reflects Australia’s continued drive to attract skilled workers in occupations of priority.
AEWV applicants are now required to submit complete documents, including police certificates, to avoid delays, visa refusal or a shorter visa duration.
Immigration New Zealand is implementing an upgraded online payments system designed to make visa-application payments more secure and user-friendly.
The New Zealand government has launched a new Visitor Visa category called the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, opening applications from 29 September 2025. This visa is aimed at parents of New Zealand citizens or residents and is designed to help families stay together for longer periods while still visiting rather than becoming permanent residents.
From 8 December 2025 applications will open for two new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. These are designed to help accredited New Zealand employers recruit for genuine seasonal work roles.