Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Immigration updates
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed several important changes that have taken effect since August 18, 2025. These updates affect student visas, skilled trades, and wage thresholds for skilled residence categories.
Skilled Residence visa wage thresholds
Wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence, and Straight to Residence visas have also been updated since August 18, 2025. The new rates are:
– ANZSCO skill levels 1 to 3 (the median wage NZD 33.56
– ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 (150% of the median wage) NZD 50.34
– Jobs not listed in ANZSCO (150% of the median wage) NZD 50.34
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
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Additional trades added to the Green List Work to Residence Pathway
Additional trades and occupations have been added to the Work to Residence Pathway on the Green List. The aim is to provide skilled tradespersons with a clearer route to residence. The new occupations added are: Metal Fabricator, Welders, Fitters, Metal Machinist (First Class), Pressure Welder, Panel Beater, Vehicle Painter, and Paving Plant Operator.
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a job in one of the listed occupations
- Aged below 55 years at the time of application
- Comply with standard health, character and English Language criteria
- Are able to evidence at least 24 months of full time paid work in a relevant role in New Zealand, being paid at or above the required pay rate and continue to earn at least that amount when applying for residence.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
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International Student Visas
Since August 18, all international Student Visa applications have been managed through INZ’s enhanced Immigration Online (ADEPT) system. This transition was designed to make the process simpler and faster, with clearer communication and better self-service tools. Students should continue to apply at least three months before travel to avoid delays during peak periods
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Europe: ETIAS Travel Authorization fee raised
The European Commission has announced that the fee for third party  nationals who do not require a consular visa to enter the adhering countries (the 29 Schengen countries with Cyprus in addition), will increase from EUR 7 to EUR 20 under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This change is intended to cover the system’s operational costs, account for inflation, and bring the  fee in line with similar travel authorization programs in other countries.
ETIAS is designed to simplify travel for visa-exempt third party nationals while enhancing security. Travellers will need to complete an online application before their trip, which will be processed automatically, with most decisions delivered within minutes. People under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee.
The fee adjustment is now subject to a two-month review by the Council and the European Parliament and will take effect once ETIAS becomes operational, expected in the last quarter of 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the European Commission
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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